PearlieMae's Silicone Tail Journey

[Chrissy]

Oh no, good thing you went for the test swim first!!!! After stalking some of the pictures on here, I can't wait to see the finished tail!!!! The colors look so good!!!

[AniaR]

ugh that is like my worst nightmare.

[PearlieMae]

Took the prototype out for another swim and decided to use it inside the flukes I cast a while ago. I'm going to finish the tail with my less-than-perfect flukes and fin and may swap it out later with something better. I just don't want to lose any more of the swim season because I'm picky and this way I can work out any kinks before committing to a final fluke.

I like my flukes, but I don't love them yet.

[Echidna]

If your monofins don't turn out like you envision them, you could maybe use a Hydra instead?
also, (shameless insert) what temperature is your lake usually?
and how deep do you swim on average?
I imagine it's a lot colder a few metres below the surface.

[Mermaid Galene]

Bummer, bummer, bummer! But you learn something with each setback. And the final result will be epic!

[Mermaid Narina]

Hey! I wasted all my phone internet reading this thread! But it was worth it haha :P the tail looks absolutely stunning and I can't wait to see it finished!!! I have a few questions for you... I'm going to be making my own silicone tail too, but I have NO idea how much to order of anything?? How much clay, release agent etc did you use? I was looking for clay on the monster makers website, but I'm not sure if a 5lb block is enough or not :O seeing as shipping is expensive to australia I don't want to be left short >.< also, with your monofin, that's really sad that it broke!! :'( ! I was considering making my own, but that's my greatest fear :O would you say it's worth the risk? Sorry for all the questions and thankyou for posting such an amazing resource x

[PearlieMae]

If your monofins don't turn out like you envision them, you could maybe use a Hydra instead?
also, (shameless insert) what temperature is your lake usually?
and how deep do you swim on average?
I imagine it's a lot colder a few metres below the surface.

I am considering a Hydra, that's the translucent one, right? I feel like I need to hurry and finish this as tailmakers keep posting stuff that I've been doing , and it's driving me nuts! I would like to be (among) the first with a truly translucent fluke!

I'm a big chicken when it comes to cold water, so I don't go more than a couple meters/metres deep when I'm in the lake...I like the top where it's warm! But I swim hard and fast and have broken more than one Rapid just from the stress of swimming.

I am so stubborn and determined to create a working Lexan monofin!

[Mermaid Galene]

I have the translucent Hydra monofin, and I really do love it. It gives great propulsion. There is a black logo on the fin, which is annoying, and it would probably show through a truly transparent fluke. But it might be possible to scrape that off or cover it up in some other way:

[Mermaid Melanie]

I have a few hydras and they are great fins ! - pretty easy to cut as well and not so likely to snap because the material is pretty flexible but durable ! would make a lovely translucent fluke ! x

[Soulstrifer]

My Hydra doesn't have the Black Logo on it. It swims great too I know I've posted this video once already but yeah :3

Pearlie I swim a lot... For the last two months I've been going to the pool at least once a week for three - four hours and swimming laps... The only thing I've noticed on my Hydra are a few little stress points where the plastic has gone from clear to white is like most plastics will when you bend them. That's two tiny spots up under the foot pockets.

[PearlieMae]

Nice!!!

I am definitely considering a Hydra now, to supplement my monofin options. I love how it moves in your video and am super-jellyfish over that fabulous pool!

[Mermaid Fenicia]

I have a yellow Triton (kids version of the Hydra, as I have very small feet) en I really love it. The straps stay on the right places while swimming (I have a wave to, but those straps don't stay where they have to be).
My wave on top of my Triton:
What came whit my Triton:

[PearlieMae]

They both look great, but I am looking for a transparent/translucent fin.

[Mermaid Fenicia]

Then you have to take the transparent hydra

[Merman Arion]

Is it me or it has been a while since we saw pictures updates of your tail? Where are you now?

[Sammi Ray]

can't wait to see the finished result! amazing work!

[PearlieMae]

MERFOLK! I need your advice so I can finish this tail!

I have my prototype monofin that works, but is pretty ugly, and my fluke halves that are less than perfect, and I could get the tail done TODAY. On the other hand, I have a new piece of Lexan I can make a new monofin with (based on the prototype) and a better idea for the fluke halves - well, different color scheme, really - that I could pour and probably finish by tomorrow night (maybe not)... Should I just put the less than perfect fin in the tail now, and replace it with the new one later, or should I make the new one and skip the other one? HELP!

[Mermaid Galene]

When in doubt, go for quality. Later you'll be glad you did.

[Mermaid Cecelia]

You have worked so long and hard on this beautiful tail, I agree with Galene. Another day or so is well worth a tail you'll be happier with

[PearlieMae]

Thanks! You both make a good point!