Fins over waders

[tlspyder13]

If this question is answered in the "Best of the Best" I apologize to Tubedude in advance but I haven't been able to find it so far. I think I have read all of the posts there over the past 3 months. My brother and I got U shaped tubes around Christmas and are about ready to try them out one of these days. He has a pair of waders and wading boots but the fins he want to use won't fit over the boots. If he uses the fins and waders without the boots will it ruin his waders? I think they might rub but as I have never tried it I just don't really know.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]We have touched on the subject within a few of the past threads, but have never had a specific thread devoted to the subject. Here goes my dissertation.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Too many folks take up tubing and try to "make do" with the fins they have had laying around since they used to do some diving...or something like that. Either that, or they go down to Wally World and buy a pair of fins that LOOK big enough...sometimes even before they have their waders. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In my book and to whoever I have the chance to counsel before they gear up, I make this recommendation: Buy your fins LAST, after you have your waders and booties (or wading shoes). If you have big feet (mine are size 13), you may have a problem finding fins that will hold everything you want to stuff into them.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are several models of fins on the market now, that are designed for float tubing, and will fit over even a bulky pair of wading boots. For the most part, I do not like any of them. Some are a single wimpy strap, which can wiggle loose and make for both a floppy kick and even the loss of a fin. Also, most of them are much smaller "blades" than I like.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have posted a new picture thread on fins, and I will be adding to it before next weekend is over. It will include a wide range of different styles and options. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As I have mentioned on a few threads in the past, I use the Mares Plana AVanti divers fins (see below). I buy them in XL size, and they have huge soft rubber pockets that easily take my big fieet, two pairs of socks, neoprene waders and a thin neoprene dive boot. I use the same fins in the summer, but shorten the adjustment strap on the heel and they still fit fine with fewer layers.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have not even tried a lot of the newer tubers fins, but I am sure there are some that would work. What I suggest is taking your waders, socks and booties with you when you go to buy a pair. Make sure the fins fit with everything you have to stuff in them, or you will get foot constriction, cramps and cold when you go out in the colder seasons.[/#0000ff]
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New Mares fins bought for TubeBabe (blue) and TubeDude (black) in 2004. They are framed by the single pair of the old Mares fins from the 80's.


Quick adjust and fast release buckles on the newer model Mares fins (and many other modern models). [/size]

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AdjustAFins [/size]
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[cat_man]

Hey spyder,

I use neoprene waders, and I've never used ANY boots while tubing. For one thing, if you use a heavy wading boot like is used when flyfishing, I think it weighs your feet down and makes you get tired faster. Something like a neoprene booty that TD has would be perfect. I'm looking into getting something like that or something called a "water sock" I think, which is the same idea.

Anyway, I've been tubing for years and I've always just used my stocking foot waders directly into my fins. I've never had any problem with wear either, but I would only go tubing like 4 or 5 times a year, not all the time. With heavier use, it might wear out faster. Just thought I'd let you know you can make do without. Just be careful that you don't walk on the ground with the stockingfeet and put holes in the bottom of them. i would bring a light pair of shoes or some sandals to tie to the side of my tube to walk down to the water with, then I'd put them back on when I got out.
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[EmuScud]

I've had the same experience of Cat_Man.
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[FlyingFish]

Back before my waders shrunk and my belly grew, I would use some "swimming pool style" swimming shoes. They provide some protection for the soft neoprene and are not too big for alot of fins.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Those thin nylon "slippers", also known as reef walkers, make a good hard soled layer over regular neoprenes...if you can find them large enough to fit. If you have to walk a ways to the water, they are better than wearing holes in your neoprenes or getting punctures from glass or stickers.[/#0000ff]
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[tlspyder13]

Thanks for the help. Once again it looks like I was wrong but better to have asked. The learning curve is usually faster if you can learn from others and I'm not to proud to admit I can use all the help I can get. Thanks again.
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[tubeN2]

We are all glad that we can learn from each other. Just remember "The dumbest question is the one that is never asked."[cool]
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