Full Foot Fins for Underwater Hockey [Archive]

benpanter

21-10-2004, 15:53

Just wanted to know if anyone knew what is good gear for this sport! I need a pair of full foot fins, mask and snorkel.

As a beginner, I would play in your normal gear. It tends to start very slow, and then get faster later... this also gives you a chance to decide whether you would rather keep playing or not...

In terms of a mask:

Small is good, as it offers less resistance to swimming. I prefer something with clear sides, as it is easier to see if there is a player behind/beside you when you really want to make the pass and get up for air.

In terms of a snorkel:

Floppy snorkels are no fun whatsoever. When you are swimming hard they fold back and fill with water - just what you don't want. I prefer a snorkel with a valve, others prefer a simple tube. Usually they are cut short to minimise drag. Sometimes a device is modified to make a mouth shield - I have a chinstrap from a (roller hockey? Skateboarding?) helmet.

For fins:

Some forwards go for the superfast Mares Avanti Quattros. There is a balance between stiffness of the fin and manouverability, and I've never found a truely optimal fin. I have very big feet, which doesn't help. The backs tend to be a bit more conservative. Having said all that, some of the best people I've played against have just worn simple rubber fins... no special make or anything like that. It probably comes down to fitness and technique more than anything else....

the best advice I can give you is to try out as many different styles as possible and see what works for you. Where are you playing? The other guys in the club should be able to give you some good advice.

Ben