**All prices are in USD don't include shipping.
Monofins are the fin in the bottom of most mermaid tails. They provide the propulsion for mermaid swimming. They are a single (mono) fin with a dual foot pocket. These fins were made for fast and lengthy swimming- mostly for freediving. Instead of kicking like you do with dual fins, the monofins use a core "body roll" motion for the propelling force, like a dolphin kick. It is a fluid motion that concentrates more around your abs and not your legs- this movement is not only very mermaid-like, but is a very efficient one.
Monofins can be made from a few different materials- mainly polyethelene, fiberglass, carbon, or lexan. The more stiff the material is, the faster propulsion you can achieve with the fin. However, stiffer fins can pose a problem by poking through tail materials. A few tail makers refuse to incorporate stiffer fins into their tails due to the fins' tendency to create holes in the fluke.
Commercial MonofinsMonofins can be made from a few different materials- mainly polyethelene, fiberglass, carbon, or lexan. The more stiff the material is, the faster propulsion you can achieve with the fin. However, stiffer fins can pose a problem by poking through tail materials. A few tail makers refuse to incorporate stiffer fins into their tails due to the fins' tendency to create holes in the fluke.
The most popular monofins for mers are the recreational monofins, which are made of a flexible plastic like material called polyethelene, and have adjustable rubber foot pockets.
Finis is currently the only monofin maker in the US. This article will mention a few other distributors commonly used in the US mermaid community. However, there are many different monofin distributers throughout the world. Often there are more choices and the blades are far more customizable outside of the US, since finswimming is has many serious enthusiasts and competitors.
FINIS Foil -- $45-60
Similar stiffness to the FINIS Rapid. This fin is designed to fit US shoe size men 3-15 and women 4.5-17.5. Unlike the Rapid and Wave, the Foil foot pockets are not adjustable. This is a popular option to put in silicone tails so the fluke will have a more flowing movement but still be able to achieve good propulsion.
FINIS Wave -- $40-$70
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Made for men's US shoe size 1-7 or women's 2-8. The blade is on the small side and is less stiff than most.
FINIS Rapid -- $80-90
Made for men's US shoe size 8-12 or women's 9-13. The blade is large and stiff. For this reason most recommend the Rapid over the Wave for most tails. If you wish to use the Rapid but have smaller feet, use aqua shoes or a few pairs of neoprene socks can help with size difference.
Here's a size comparison of the Rapid and the Wave:
FINIS Competitor -- $300-$350
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The FINIS Competitor fins are made of fiberglass with rubber foot pockets. They provide the highest stiffness and most propulsion and are preferred for ocean swimming. They are quite large compared to other fins. They stand up well for pictures while maintaining enough flop to move realistically.
FINIS Character Fins
FINIS also makes mermaid shaped fins. Because these fins are primarily for kids, the fins tend to be smaller than the Wave, Rapid and Foil. There have been complaints of the fins splitting and the strap breaking (these fins use one continuous strap over the back of both heels).
Mermaid Fin -- $25-$40, Male sizes 1-6, Female 2-8 (not sure if this is youth sizing)
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Aquarius Fin -- $50-$65 Male sizes 4-10, Female 5-11
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The Aquarius fin is relatively new and is geared more towards young adults. Below is a size comparison between the Mermaid, the Aquarius, and the Wave.
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Mahina (Oceanika) Merfin -- $90-$100
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Designed for US shoe kids' size 12 to adult size 12. These fins are large, mermaid-shaped and made (according to the Mahina Merfins website) out of recycled rubber. Originally they were called "Oceanika" fins. They give a great floppy look without giving up too much propulsion, and have an excellent "slap" in the water. However because Mahina merfins were originally marketed as children's fins and the foot pockets aren't shaped, many mermaids complain of foot pockets rubbing and have to alter the pockets. Mahina has recently started marketing adult sizes through Urban Outfitters.
Fin Fun Fins -- around $50
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Fin Fun markets fabric mermaid tails for children. Their monofins are comparatively small and composed of a neoprene sleeve and plastic insert. Their fin sizes are marketing according to the tail that fits you, rather than shoe size. They boast that their fin is "one size" and that shoe size doesn't matter. According to their website, they have a Monofin Jr. (which fits tail sizes 6-10) and a Monofin Pro (which fits tail sizes 12-20).
Cutting Monofins
Some people are glad to work around the shape of monofins, others like to cut theirs to shape. Polyethelene can be cut with sharp sissors or a raxor knife. Fiberglass monofins can be cut a dremel, bandsaw, or jigsaw- be sure to use proper safety equipment, including eye and nose/mouth protection!
Be sure not to cut sharp edges into your the blade, but instead round ones- cutting sharp edges will lead to tears in the blade later down the line. The reason for this is stress concentration at a corner- basically things are more likely to crack or tear at a sharp notch or inward corner because stress is concentrated there (such as package that has a small cut in the plastic to make it easier to tear there).
Some people are glad to work around the shape of monofins, others like to cut theirs to shape. Polyethelene can be cut with sharp sissors or a raxor knife. Fiberglass monofins can be cut a dremel, bandsaw, or jigsaw- be sure to use proper safety equipment, including eye and nose/mouth protection!
Be sure not to cut sharp edges into your the blade, but instead round ones- cutting sharp edges will lead to tears in the blade later down the line. The reason for this is stress concentration at a corner- basically things are more likely to crack or tear at a sharp notch or inward corner because stress is concentrated there (such as package that has a small cut in the plastic to make it easier to tear there).
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| http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=5516&d=1345492888 |
If you have already have a tear or crack in your monofin, you can stop it by drilling a hole at apex of the crack.
Extending and Making Monofins
As I'm not a tail-crafting mermaid, I will leave the fin crafting advice to those much more experienced. I know it's difficult to make something durable from scratch as it has to hold together in the water, salt and chlorine.
Take a look at the Mernetwork thread for more advice.
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