Fins Required? Snorkeling Questions...

[6loversofdisney]

We are a family of six and plan to do basic "skim across the top" snorkeling with maybe a little dive down as well.  Would we "need" to purchase fins or would we not really need them?  We are strong swimmers.

 

I am purchasing instead of renting and only want to buy what we need.

[CT Sean]

Depends where you're going I suppose.  Are you planning to just float on the surface at a beach or take an actual snorkel trip? Personally, I hate snorkeling without fins. 

[ABQrobin]

Its a safety issue.  If there is any current at all, you can drift away from shore or away from safety into coral or other obstacles.  Fins are a huge boost in swimming, whether you are a great swimmer or not.  They propel you with very little effort.

 

[Capt_BJ]

I am purchasing instead of renting and only want to buy what we need.

 

I understand why people want to buy rather than rent ... shared snorkels and all that, not to mention the importance of FIT .... and packing a mask takes a fraction of the space FINS do ....

 

but to snorkel without fins?  Well, have you ever seen a picture of a SCUBA diver without fins???? You say you are strong swimmers .... think you could keep up with someone in cheap fins? or cover the same distance? Unless you find a snork' spot where you can jump in and assume a face down position and just watch for the duration of your stay ... you're gonna wish you had fins!

 

compromise ..... buy mask and snork' and rent or borrow fins ..... yes this CAN be done! I do it all the time ... pack my mask and snork' and use the provided fins.

 

If you are buying cheap 'sets' that include fins, leave 'em home .... that's the same quality fin most snorkel excursions that 'provide equipment' are gonna give you.  Still worried about loaners ... buy some swim socks, they take up little packing space.

[mac66]

After many years of snorkeling we bought these US Divers travel fins. You can wear them with swim booties/water shoes. They pack small and are fairly cheap.

 

https://dependablestore.com/products/us-divers-trek-travel-fin-electric-blue-compact-snorkeling-fins-for-travel-large-mens-10-13-womens-12-?cid=1757391576&aid=77193426868&eid=&tid=pla-293946777986&ul=9016967&mt=&n=g&d=c&dm=&dt&sn&adid=341665905506&k=&p=&pc=&ap=1o4&gclid=CjwKCAjw5dnmBRACEiwAmMYGOTxnq38u3knUS3MSqIA0DASG3yvnaa8CpyOKuHBJRtJKRn38HNDAahoCe5kQAvD_BwE

 

 

Edited May 12, 2019 by mac66

[pete1681]

Fins are not required but they will make snorkeling much more enjoyable, 

go to a dive shop and try on several to get the best fit. You won’t regret it.

[CaliforniaAC]

On 5/11/2019 at 5:52 PM, mac66 said:

After many years of snorkeling we bought these US Divers travel fins. You can wear them with swim booties/water shoes. They pack small and are fairly cheap.

 

https://dependablestore.com/products/us-divers-trek-travel-fin-electric-blue-compact-snorkeling-fins-for-travel-large-mens-10-13-womens-12-?cid=1757391576&aid=77193426868&eid=&tid=pla-293946777986&ul=9016967&mt=&n=g&d=c&dm=&dt&sn&adid=341665905506&k=&p=&pc=&ap=1o4&gclid=CjwKCAjw5dnmBRACEiwAmMYGOTxnq38u3knUS3MSqIA0DASG3yvnaa8CpyOKuHBJRtJKRn38HNDAahoCe5kQAvD_BwE

 

 

Thank you! I've been looking for fins like this that are shorter. After a knee injury (and arthroscopic surgery) I was advised to not wear fins until my knee was stronger, but my long fins feel too unstable. I have been snorkeling without fins for about a year. Its doable, but I only snorkeled where I've been before, or if going off a boat tour, I stayed close to the guide in the water. These look like they will do the trick!

[Petoonya]

Or if you're looking for full footed short fins there are these. Bought them two years ago and have used them several times and they work marvelously. You can buy them in a child's version too.

https://www.leisurepro.com/p-csbflebl8/cressi-light-short-swim-full-foot-fins-85-95-blue?gclid=Cj0KCQjwla7nBRDxARIsADll0kATdnbep0KvX1hLm0Q9mh7he0hT0NhfVO94PD5iVvD4muPe5YTk5agaAihxEALw_wcB

[mac66]

On 5/26/2019 at 10:18 AM, CaliforniaAC said:

Thank you! I've been looking for fins like this that are shorter. After a knee injury (and arthroscopic surgery) I was advised to not wear fins until my knee was stronger, but my long fins feel too unstable. I have been snorkeling without fins for about a year. Its doable, but I only snorkeled where I've been before, or if going off a boat tour, I stayed close to the guide in the water. These look like they will do the trick!

 

My wife and I picked up a couple pair after seeing them while snorkeling in Cozumel. The shore line was very rough and we noticed people with these wearing booties/water socks/shoes to get out into the water before slipping these on. Had an  AH HA!  moment. Been using ours for two years.

 

Think we bought them off of Amazon.

Edited May 27, 2019 by mac66

[mitsugirly]

On 5/11/2019 at 8:52 PM, mac66 said:

After many years of snorkeling we bought these US Divers travel fins. You can wear them with swim booties/water shoes. They pack small and are fairly cheap.

 

https://dependablestore.com/products/us-divers-trek-travel-fin-electric-blue-compact-snorkeling-fins-for-travel-large-mens-10-13-womens-12-?cid=1757391576&aid=77193426868&eid=&tid=pla-293946777986&ul=9016967&mt=&n=g&d=c&dm=&dt&sn&adid=341665905506&k=&p=&pc=&ap=1o4&gclid=CjwKCAjw5dnmBRACEiwAmMYGOTxnq38u3knUS3MSqIA0DASG3yvnaa8CpyOKuHBJRtJKRn38HNDAahoCe5kQAvD_BwE

 

 

 

 

We have the same fins and have been using them for the last 9 years. They are smaller and fit in the luggage better and work well. We are avid snorkelers and swim well but I find it to be an entirely different story when out in the ocean. I just feel more comfortable with fins and expend less energy than you would have to without them. You never know what situation you might get in to.

[RWBELKNAP]

Get the fins.  They will help you with the swimming, even if you are a strong swimmer.