Fins

What they’re for

These are to provide you with the speed and power to push the puck around the pool. If you have your own fins, use them to start with but it is worth investing in a pair of hockey-type fins as soon as possible.

Things to look for

SCUBA fins are not usually allowed if they have buckles on the sides of the foot pocket since these can cause nasty injuries. Also hard plastic fins or fins with no lips on the edge of the blade (such as the long Sporasub spearfishing fins) are not allowed as they get roughened up and easily cut people during games.

Small rubber fins are not much use because they provide minimal power, the blades being too small and flexible. The blade should extend from the toe-end of the foot-pocket about one and a half times the length of your foot. It should be moderately stiff but not too hard. Check that you have the best fitting foot size and that the foot pocket is reasonably comfortable, made of a softer rubber than the rest of the fin, but the stiffer blade material should extend most of the way up the sides and sole of the foot pocket without a sharp integration.

When you first wear fins it is advisable to wear socks inside to prevent blisters and chaffing. Even when used to fins, many people always wear socks, especially if the foot pocket is a little loose.

Fin Supports

• Also called fin-grips, triangles, ‘Y’-thingies.
• These are essential when wearing fins, especially with long, stiff blades as the leverage during swimming can cause your heels to pop out. Fin supports hold the heels in and make it almost impossible for someone to pull your fins off.

This article was originally published by Underwater Hockey New Zealand