How to get out through surf in fins?
I got myself some short fins since as a fairly weak swimmer especially in my legs I wanted a bit more confidence and power when swimming in the sea.
However one basic problem I've encountered - how to get out through the breaking waves with them on my feet?! With moderate waves (not dangerous to play in) they are breaking in quite shallow water, and I am so clumsy in my fins that even in knee-depth water or so I get knocked over... but the water is too shallow to swim in. On a fairly flat beach I have to go out a long way to reach deeper water, I can't just dive into a wave and swim out.
I tried to put the fins on once I've swum out, but they have straps (since they don't float) so this is not really possible it seems.
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To adress both ways to cross waves
When going offshore: just dive under the wave, when it breaks (white foam on top), if not you'll be knock out
When returning on the beach: bodysurf the wave(video in french, only the position matter). When the wave is upon you, take hydrodynamic position, kick as hard as you can, and glide as long as you can. When you need to breath, just take your head out of the water. With enough training, you will stop by scratching your knees on the sand, propelled by the wave
Additional advice:
- In the surf, better go with powerful yet agile fins (understand, hard and short). Your legs will pay the price so better train in the pool first
- To be more confident, train your breath hold capacity (in pool first, too)
- Never go head first, keep your arms first while dealing with waves, because you can't know what is coming behind
- Ask local lifeguards (if there are), about local hazards (rocks, riptide, vortex...) and particularities. On some beach, current that take you directly behind the surf exists
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Walking backwards is the usual way for a short distance.
For a longer distance, I hold my fins in my hands and wade out. When it's deep enough you put them on. This is a bit of a skill. Wait for a wave to pass, then take a breath and put one fin on. Accept that your head will go underwater as you do this. Wait for the next wave and repeat. I hold my second fin by putting it over my wrist as I do the first.
Put both fins on before the ankle straps.
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Walk sideways like a crab. Every time a wave comes, stop and brace yourself.
First it is easier to walk sideways while wearing fins, second it reduces the surface area that the wave hits.
Just take it slow.
Edit: Seeing as you have problems with the straps when trying to put them on in water, the straps can usually be changed. Spring straps are much easier to use.
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Walk backwards.
The fins will have the least trouble with the water if you walk backwards.
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