Fiberglass Monofin

[Drake]

Tomorrow morning I begin working on constructing my own monofin out of fiberglass. I will post pics as the process goes on, to keep you all updated.

Also, maybe later (ie a few months from now) I might try something more along the lines of the super fancy lunocet type monofin, but I've got to work out some details on the aluminum foundry on that one.

[Mermaid Wesley]

if it comes out well, might you consider selling?

[Drake]

not my prototype but eventually, yes, I do want to actually get into production of fins, tails, and accoutrements. it might take me a while to actually get into production mode, though (in between jobs at the moment)

[Mermaid Wesley]

Cool! Well I would love to buy a fiberglass monofin at some point.

[Drake]

Phase one, layer one My mold for the fin, with 15 degree plane.
First layer of fiberglass cloth.

I'm thinking of going three layers thick, just for a test run, to see how it holds up as far as durability and flexibility. The outer two layers will be the cloth, with the middle layer of mat for a little added strength.

[Mermaid Wesley]

Coolio

[Mermaid Kate Silverfin]

I was wondering if this could be done, I am very interested in seeing the results! Awesome job

[Drake]

second layer of glass


cutting time


the blade, minus some adjustments.


for now, I'm just going to attach some cheap water shoes as footpockets, just in case things dont work out
if all goes well, I will have to invest in some decent quality foot pockets, or mold my own

[Drake]

and make a guide for the cutting I cant draw a straight line to save my tail

[Drake]

complete with temporary foot pockets, will take it out for a swim (yes, I will vid it) to test swimability/durability soon (sometime in the next week, still not sure about when exactly, due to a forecast of thunderstorms for the next 4 days.) If it holds up, I will modify the design slightly, to be more symmetrical, as well as try to find some decent foot pockets

[PearlieMae]

Excellent! Can't wait to see how it swims!

[Mermaid Sam]

That's super cool! I hope everything goes well for you.

[Lostariel Telrunya]

Yes, we must see how it swims in the water

[Mermaid Wesley]

Keep in mind that professional monofins with off-blade foot pockets have some type of support system so they don't break at the toes!

[Drake]

I thought as much, but I am hoping that this will hold up. I made that particular area twice as thick, so, hopefully, that will keep it from breaking
If this design holds up, I've already found water clear fiberglass resin, and will be ordering that to make the blades with

[Mermaid Wesley]

Cool!

[Drake]

blast and drat it all

Many problems with the first attempt.. the blade was too long, the shoes (temp footpockets) were mounted crooked, and too big, although for the most part, it swam fairly decent, until I tried to pick up any kind of speed. then it would just kick me into a roll. on top of all that, it did not hold up to to a half barrel turn

I am redesigning it to have the footpockets mounted on the blade itself, with just the heels off. hopefully that will fix some of the issues.. I did honestly try to get video of it, but my camera seemed more interested in my leg than the fin itself

I will begin the reconstruct tomorrow, and possibly my own silicone footpockets as well (going to need a lot of trial and error for that)
more updates to follow

[Drake]

And yes, you can say "told ya so", Mermaid Wesley, even I thought that, if it broke, it would break there, even with the doubled thickness

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Have you tried attaching long bladed flippers instead of shoes? It might distribute the flex more evenly.

[Drake]

I thought about it, but all I can find locally have that nasty heel strap that I detest so much. I need a full foot pocket, but, being in a land-locked area of nowhere, there is not much of a selection. Although I have found a couple of sites to order them from, there is that other problem... (no job=no money=still waiting for the VA to wake up)