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fin Savers?

Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2013 10:05 am
by Atlantasurfer
I just bought a used pair of Force Fins (which I love!). But these babies sink like rocks. What fin savers can you recommend?

I have size 12 feet, and I usually wear 3-mil dive booties.

Re: fin Savers?

Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2013 12:49 pm
by jbw4600
I have worn Force fins for years. I used to use fin savers, but I have found them be unnecesary. The cinch strap holds them very well. I have gone without fin savers in big power surf without any fins. The bungie cord heel straps don't very though. I tried those for awhile and they were too loose and did come off. If you use the instep pad, they will float a little.

Re: fin Savers?

Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2013 7:18 pm
by Nels
Here's a good link:

http://www.ebodyboarding.com/acess/Fin-Tethers

The shoestring/cord looking things are very Hawaiian style but they've never looked comfortable to me, so I never used any. I've used the Morey Churchill style and those are fine (see also Bully's and Hydro on that page). The only kind I've used that really didn't feel secure were a type of fin sock with sewed on tethers.

Nels

Re: fin Savers?

Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2013 10:38 pm
by rodndtube
I swear by my fin tethers... ever since losing a fin on a getaway Sunday morning and surfing early at Big Rock. The fur ball in the tube sucked my Churchill fin right off. On eBodyboarding, the Morey Churchill Fin Tethers have a nice feature, a pull strap, which aids in pulling the velcro strap free -- I don't care for the clips style fasteners. I've been using the basic Block Surf fin tethers for years -- wide ankle velcro strap and nylon straps for the fins -- these don't dig into your ankles like the string style. Before buying a pair for lots of rubber -- 3mm of fin sox plus wetsuit -- be sure the straps will wrap around all that combined rubber. Ask Jay Reale, owner of eBodyboarding, which tethers have the longest ankle straps and also pull straps for those numb fingers!

Re: fin Savers?

Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2013 4:12 pm
by Atlantasurfer
Good stuff! Thanks for the advice y'all.

Re: fin Savers?

Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2013 9:26 pm
by GeoffreyLevens
I've made my own that worked very well. Couple blown out, useless surf leashes wherever you can find them; can't even remember where or how I got mine. Cut off the leash and just make connectors from nylon webbing, backpack strap sort of material. As long as the velcro is good they will last for years

Re: fin Savers?

Posted: Sat Nov 23, 2013 6:25 pm
by rodndtube
I just recently replenished my fin savers inventory as some were becoming rather old and in need of replacement. Have yet to use them in the water but can already tell these are keepers and preferred over others that I have seen.

What I like about the O&E Fin Tethers (Fin Savers)
  • strap width is ideal at 1-3/4 inches wide (the velcro portion is 1 inch wide),
  • strap features nice soft padding for the ankle,
  • a pull tab for easy removal,
  • strap is 17 inches long so it should fit easily around your ankle (plus fin socks and wetsuit), and
  • swin fin leash strap is a durable nylon material.
By comparison, other tethers in my inventory are about 12 inches long which starts to push it when using fin socks and/or wearing a full wetsuit.