How to Buy Swimming Fins for Kids

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Before buying swimming fins for kids, consider a few factors. Currently, fins are made of optimal materials and are specifically tailored for diverse needs. Look for fins that improve speed and technique. Fins should give some resistance to improve overall performance without overloading muscles. Selecting kid's fins is a personal choice and based on individual needs. Try on a range of styles and then evaluate them. Fins that properly fit and are skillfully constructed will provide optimum benefits.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Explore various types of swimming fins and familiarize yourself with best-selling brand names such as Finis, Aqua Sphere and TYR. If fins are needed for the swim team, make inquires to other parents or the team's coach for recommendations. Beginners might benefit from straightforward strength-training fins while advanced swimmers might want to look into multipurpose training fins.

Step 2

Check for a proper fit. For kids, overall comfort is more important over function. Make certain that the fins are soft and flexible for comfort. The fin should provide a snug fit but not squeeze or constrict your kid's foot. An ill-fitting fin can cause cramping in feet and legs. Walk around the store to see if there is noticeable discomfort.

Step 3

Take into account the pros and cons of a heel strap versus a full-foot pocket. Decide which will be more suitable for your kid. An open-heel design with adjustable heel strap allows more ankle flexibility and provides a more customized fit. A full-foot pocket fin fits more like a shoe and is not adjustable. A small number of fins conform to the foot. However, it fits like an extension of the foot and ankle making kicks more streamlined and providing better propulsion with less effort.

Step 4

Look into the different materials of swimming fins for value and durability. Fin materials vary from manufacturer and style. They are manufactured of rubber, polyurethane, silicone and EVA foam to name a few. EVA foam is lightweight and flexible, offers maximum comfort and is buoyant, which improves kid's body position. Silicone is a soft material that reduces blisters. Its density and weight helps keep feet below the surface.

Step 5

Choose swimming fins for performance. Short fins are best for endurance and keep feet on top of the water. In addition, the short fin helps kids maintain foot speed closer to a regular kick but with added power. Medium-blade fins require less foot speed and work well for both dolphin and butterfly kick. If the fins are meant for developing strong legs, abdominal and back muscles, look for kid's mono fins.

Tips & Warnings

Look for swimming fins that have a non-skid pattern on fin bottoms for added safety. Consider comfort, performance, price and how often they will be used before making a decision. Fins with dedicated right and left fins offer superior arch support.

Look for swimming fins that have a non-skid pattern on fin bottoms for added safety.

Consider comfort, performance, price and how often they will be used before making a decision.

Fins with dedicated right and left fins offer superior arch support.

Swimmers need to take care when taking EVA foam fins on and off as they are prone to tearing with daily use.

Resources

Article Written By Dawn R. Levesque

Dawn Renée Levesque has been a writer for 32 years and has a B.F.A. in photography. Her photographs have been exhibited in Europe and the United States. As a SCBWI member, Levesque is the author of Women Who Walk With the Sky and co-author of Wisdom of Bear.

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