Hi my mom and I spent a week in Bonaire snorkeling last year. Before we came we got new fins that we could wear with hard soled boots. My mom has some ankle/knee problems and had a bit of a hard time with the fins (they are pretty long). When we snorkeled with Renee she really had a hard time keeping up. Can we cut the fins to make them shorter for her? Are split fins easier on ankles/knees? Any suggestions? We are looking forward to returning in June for a week of snorkeling.
Thanks
Jen

Jennifer,
In January I bought new split fins from Carib Inn for around $35.00 dollars if I remember right. It was the best thing I did. They are much better for my ankles. I'm very glad I bought them first thing. I donated my old ones to Renee. Good luck

Don't know what you are looking to spend but I have knee problems and my fins always caused them to ache until I bought a pair of Apollo Biofins. Last week diving and snorkin' with these new fins and my knees were fine. I also brought down my old Aeris Velocity fins as backups and one day I wore them to allow my wife to try out my Biofins and there was the knee pain again. My wife was loving the Biofins while I had a hard time keeping up.
The Biofins are heavier than my old fins but they really worked well, I love them and I am going to get another pair for my wife to use.

I second the apolo bio fins. I had paddle fins years ago, and I always got calf cramps, bought the apolo's, and felt like I had nothing on my feet at all. they aren't cheap though, you might try to find a pair on ebay for cheep.

I just got the new slingshot fins made by Aqua Lung and they are the cats meow. No stress on the foot or ankle. They do cost a pretty penny but I do believe it was money well spent.

For your info. I was having a problem with the nerve in my leg all the way to my foot. These fins have reduced the stress 10 folds on my foot and ankle. They have gotten some pretty good write ups from all the testers that have used them so far. They would be my choice by far.

In 2001 I had the Atomic Aquatics splits and liked them until I tried my wife's ScubaPro Twin Jets--I had to keep checking to make sure they were on. Very comfortable and incredibly easy on the legs. I bought my own ScubaPro and hung up the Atomic Aquatics.

My wife has a bad foot problem due to a car accident. She can not walk or hike for long periods of time, so the fin question was a consideration for us as well.

We ended up purchasing TUSA xpert zoom split fins and she never had a problem during any of our diving in Mexico. That was a lot drift diving so not a lot of swimming. We did do a snorkeling trip one day as well and she had no problems.

So there is one more data point for you, hope you find something that works.

The sling shots do look like a fun fin, with all the extra bungee cords and all. My dive shop guy will let you try them out in the pool or at the lake. And yes, they are SPENDY. I like my Twin Jet Max by ScubaPro. And of course, I still love my old ForceFins, they are my first love.

I have to chip in ... I have tried most of the above mentioned fins , still own a few pair. There is a trade off with the split fins , they do not have much power on the surface as compared to a paddle fin. Once under water they have just as much torque and are much less effort to move. I agree the scubapro twin jets are effortless , the Apollo bio is a little heavier but has more torque both above and below the surface . On the last trip in early April I used my old school jetfins on days when the surge was strong. If you want to move in a hurry there is nothing like an old jetfin.

I think it all comes down to finding a fin that works for you. Everyone has a different physique, condition and issues.
Finding a fin that works best for you will make your dive or snorkel so much more enjoyable.

Hi thanks for all of your responses. I have a question about the apolo bio fins. Will the basic ones work with boots? I can't tell if the strap on the back will work with boots or not. The link below shows the ones I am talking about. Thanks
Jen
http://www.apollosportsusa.com/Products/Fins/Biofin_Pro.htm

You need boots for those, if you want a full foot fin then buy the Uni fin.

(Message edited by limpit on May 6, 2008)

Jennifer. Scuba.com sells the same fins for $50 less than apollo directly...

I have them and I think they are great

i lost a fin in hawaii so i need new fins. can't decide whether to wait till i am on Bonaire to buy them. any input would be appreciated.