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Neofins: Relief is afoot
By Greg Ambrose
Special to the Star-BulletinMany Hawaii residents suffer the torment born of twin results of life in paradise: A love of the ocean created by years of joyful immersion, and luau feet from a youth unrestrained by shoes.
This leaves many local feet aching for a pair of swim fins that don't cramp or blister during hours spent diving, snorkeling, bodysurfing or bodyboarding.
The manufacturer of Neofin touts it as "the world's most comfortable fin," and while I haven't tried every type of swim fin on the planet, my extra-wide feet have been tortured by enough different brands and styles to make me thankful for the creation of Neofin.
During a rigorous 3-1/2 hour workout in overhead, hollow and consistent waves, the Neofin performed splendidly. Alternating between bodyboarding and bodysurfing, the fins delivered more than enough power to catch waves, and get me back out to the lineup with a minimum of wasted effort or time.
But the best part was that during the entire period, my feet were as happy as if they had been wearing slippahs while walking in Kapiolani Park. No cramping, no blisters, no trauma or discomfort of any sort.
The key to the kicking power is a stiff polymer blade with strakes running down the sides to channel the water for increased propulsion, and a firm polymer foot pad to provide resistance for strong thrusts.
The two most popular models use modifications to satisfy their intended user groups. The surf fin has a large, rigid rib that runs the length of the bottom that makes the 5-inch blade stiffer, creating a powerful thrust that generates speed quickly for bodysurfers and bodyboarders. Additionally, the foot pocket is angled to correct the user's kick, for increased efficiency.
The sport/dive fin has a straight foot pocket for greater control, a 7-inch blade for slower, more fluid kicking, and a shorter bottom rib for greater flexibility and increased use time with less effort. It is intended for snorkeling, spearfishing, bodyboarding, bodysurfing, and fitness and conditioning, but not scuba diving.
The Neofin comes in nearly 40 colors and floats, and the adjustable heel strap makes it difficult for the waves to snatch the fins off your feet.
But the real breakthrough in the comfort zone is a foot pocket with a neoprene bootie, with neoprene and velcro adjustable heel straps.
Neofin is one of those inventions where you slap your head in dismay that you didn't devise something of such marvelously efficient simplicity. But it must have been the very devil to find a way to keep the rubber blades and foot pad connected to the neoprene bootie.
Early versions of the fin were plagued by problems created by inadequate and inappropriate stitching techniques, but the manufacturer says they have overcome such trouble. Anyone unhappy with the fin within 30 days can can get their money back, and defective fins will be repaired or exchanged within 90 days of purchase, a nice reassurance for fins that cost $99 per pair.
Available at local surf or sports shops, or through the manufacturer at http://www.neofin.com.
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