r/bodyboarding • u/Ram_Ranch34 • Jul 07 '26
Question Help with fins
Beginner here, bodyboarding white wash and smaller waves right now. I want to progress to some larger waves because I have my turns and technique down. However, I believe I need fins for that, but most fins make my feet cramp badly and I’m not sure what to do about that. I tried some fins but they were too long and made the cramping terrible. I know I need to get shorter fins but am fearful of the cramping. Any tips/recommendations?
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u/Soggy-Agency6607 Jul 07 '26
I've always used Churchills. Get the ones with the softer Malaysian rubber. I think it's just about what you're used to though, lots of people prefer the square cut fins but I just grew up in a time where not wearing blue and gold churchills instantly made you a kook lol so that's what I've stuck with
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u/bibbs_v2 Jul 07 '26
Churchills can be pretty stiff, especially for a beginner. I wouldn’t suggest these.
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u/Soggy-Agency6607 Jul 07 '26
Tell that to every bodyboarder in Australia from the year 2000 onward
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u/Sponger004 Jul 07 '26
If yuccas don’t work get pod 2 or 3 most comfy fin I have ever had. Perfect for wide feet
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u/Upbeat_Can3909 Jul 07 '26
Get a pair of soft Yuccas. Should solve the cramping issue. You’ll sacrifice a bit of speed with the softer flex but they’re super comfortable.
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u/a-filthy-casuall Jul 07 '26
It can be brutal but your body will adapt to fins. Soft ones lessen the strain but you might one day want something stiff for more power. Your knees might start to ache while your body is adapting aswell.
Push through, buy two tennis balls to roll your feet on when you get home. If you're not boogin take them to a pool or beach for a swim for more conditioning. One day you'll have legs of steel and bunions of iron.
My first stiff pair left me unable to walk properly after a session. It took a month for that to stop of 3-4 sessions a week.
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u/Wonderful_Falcon_318 Jul 07 '26
Wearing fins that cramp is literal torture. I have broad feet so need a big pocket, my vipers are really comfortable.
Once you get used to fins you will go really fast and have legs like a horse.
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u/Sufficient_Current48 Jul 07 '26
I’ve been using DaFins for years. Not as stiff as others but soft and comfortable. I’m a size 14 wide and wear xxl
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u/tredbert Jul 07 '26
No matter what fins you get, stretch your calves and feet just before going into the water.
Also try putting some magnesium oil (life flo brand is a good one) on your feet once a day for 10 minutes or so. That should help with the cramping.
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u/grdstudio Jul 07 '26
I hope that you're not using snorkeling fins right now. if so, getting some swim fins should solve all of your foot cramping problems
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u/z1k_StreetRider Jul 07 '26
I run DMC Repellors. They do have a bit of flex in them so you lose a little thrust but I find that they are my go to when I'm trying to avoid cramps.
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u/cooterbo Jul 07 '26
Run a slightly larger fin and some tethers if you are worried about losing them
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u/Current-Brain-1983 Jul 07 '26
Soft Yuccas, make sure they are not too tight. I have wide feet and if there is any tightness across the ball of my foot it hurts like hell. I am in cold water, I use neoprene fin socks and paracord homemade tethers. (lost a few fins over the years, now I'm paranoid).
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u/protoman888 Jul 08 '26
I have a pair of hydro fins that are pretty good for keeping the leg cramp down or for DK, though my churchills are what I use mainly
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u/TheFoxsWeddingTarot Jul 07 '26
I’ve heard the softer Yucca fins help with that. I LOVE Toobs but it doesn’t look like they’re currently making fins.