Anyone have any advice / recommendations for body surf fins? Also, can you wear booties with them? Obviously, I'm going to go try some on, but I just wanted to get some feedback first. Thanks!
I use DaFin, I got them at Mollusk. I like them a lot, I get tons of power when I kick. I've never used them with booties, they fit my bare feet snug so I'm not sure it would even fit with booties. I recommend trying on in person before buying cause everyone's feet are different. I've heard Vipers are good too.
I still use the traditional Churchill fins with a 1.5mm O'Neill Heat Sock. Had a pair of Vipers, but way too stiff.
Great site to check out all the equipment is www.ebodyboarding.com.
I have used da fin , short vipers and long vipers and mike Stewart vipers. Never churchills. I'd say I like da fin and long vipers for dealing with current we have here. Short vipers are no good--not enough top end speed. Mike Stewart fins were my favorites until they started inexplicably cutting the tops of my feet.
if you gonna use/need booties, i'd recomend get a size bigger, and follow of @fishyfishy. i have used many diferent fins , churchill, bz, viper, toobs, pod, but nothing like Hydro Tech 2, short and small but they are smooth with your feet and you'll never get hurt, only bad thing is that they don't float so a fin saver is a must, not sure if you can find it in stores around but you could here : http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/swimshop/shop.asp?iCatId=23
My flippers are sized to fit my feet, and they are much too painful to wear with booties, so I have taken to wearing wetsuit gloves in the cold months. But I've been meaning to buy some new flippers that fit my bootied feet.
I use Ally's which are basically improved churhills, more power and comfort.
I buy a size bigger so I can wear booties with em.
I love them...
I also have orange dot vipers but I find them too stiff and a foot killer.
Check out the Ally's (and others) here:
http://www.662bodyboardshop.com/swim-fins.html
I'd say check out Hydro Tech Fins- they're great for wide feet, powerful as well. I also use Kicks. Vipers are great also- got padding on the top of the foot. I hate booties, so Vipers work well. Don't forget the fin tethers!