For the most part, buying swim fins is very similar to buying a pair of shoes. But what kind of swim fins should you use for bodysurfing? This guide will help you choose the best fins for your feet so you don’t waste time or money.
What are the best bodysurfing fins? Here are the top 5:
- DaFin Swim Fins
- Churchill Makapuu Fins
- Cressi Palau Fins
- Hydro Tech 2 Fins
- Wildhorn Topside Fins
Even though I suggest you purchase a pair of bodysurfing fins, this accessory is completely optional. Fins give you excellent propulsion into a wave and maneuverability but you may find it better to not wear them, especially for shore break.
determining the right size fin to wear
Choosing the correct
I suggest visiting your local surf shop to try on a few different fins and then purchase them online to take advantage of the better deals. A good tip is to try them on when wet since you will be wearing them in the water.
best swim fins for bodysurfing
I have done a lot of research and decided to share my favorite fins for bodysurfing and best swim fin brands. They are all very affordable, popular options that are worn by bodysurfers across the world.
#1 – DaFin Swim Fins
This is one of the most popular brands of swim fins in the world. They were first developed in Hawaii by an Australian. These fins are great for bodysurfing, swimming, and snorkeling.
You can wear these fins fit on either foot so it’s ok if you can’t tell your right from your left. A great feature about these fins is that they float in salt water. Therefore if they happen to slip off your feet they will rise to the surface so you don’t lose them.
DaFin swim fins deliver high-performance and comfort. They are perfect for maneuvering through gnarly ocean conditions and for those that have wider feet. These fins are the official swim fins of Lifeguards in the US.
They weigh about 1.5 lbs per fin and are made from Malaysian rubber. They are convenient for travel because they are so light. Make sure to check out the DaFin size chart to find your size.
#2 – Churchill Makapuu Fins
Churchill has been around since the 1930s. This company has been constantly improving their fins for over 80 years! It’s safe to say that they have some expertise when it comes to manufacturing the best swim fins on the planet.
The Makapuu fin is made of soft and hard rubber. Your foot will be very comfortable wearing the soft rubber sole. The fin blade is stiff to provide optimal kicking power. You will experience ultimate control and acceleration.
These fins do float in water so you don’t have to worry about them sinking to the bottom. They contain a drainage system to prevent you from being waterlogged or infiltrated with sand.
The Churchill Makapuu are some of the best swim fins for beginners. You can wear these in all types of surf conditions and they are easy to use. The shape and design will help you catch extra barrels and make bodysurfing more fun.
Trying to decide which size to buy? Check out my sizing chart for the Makapuus to help point you in the right direction. These premium fins will give you a drastic boost in your bodysurfing performance.
#3 – Cressi Palau Swim Fins
The Cressi Palau brand has been creating quality fins since the
Their patented manufacturing technology gives them the edge over other brands out there. I love how these fins are adjustable for the perfect fit. Other fins do not provide this ability.
Short fins are perfect for maneuverability in the water. Even though they are shorter than other fins, they provide a powerful snap when you kick.
The Cressi Palau fins are some of the best travel fins because of their size. They also come with a drawstring bag for storage.
Also, these are some of the best swim fins for wide feet. My hooves are pretty wide and these fins fit just fine and feel great.
#4 – Hydro Tech 2 Fins
Hydrosportz has some seriously comfortable swim fins you should consider. Their v-rail technology offers increased propulsion and unparalleled maneuverability. These advanced features have made the Hydro Tech 2 fins one of the most popular in the market.
Basically, less effort is needed when using the Hydro Tech 2 fins. These fins were designed to maximize your performance. You will get more kick and thrust with less effort.
They are made of a revolutionary material called T-Form, which is a very soft silicon-like material. It helps to prevent blisters and improves overall comfort. Your foot will feel amazing while wearing this ergonomic design.
One of the coolest features is the Jet Flush system, which effectively drains water and sand. This is by far the best fin drainage system I have ever experienced.
The only downside to these fins is that they do not float, which made me hesitate to buy these. You need to wear fin savers in case they fall off while you are bodysurfing.
#5 – Wildhorn Topside Snorkel
This brand spanking new company offers a unique design on the traditional swim fin. Although Wildhorn has only been around for a couple of years, they are certainly making an impact in the outdoor sports community.
This brand spanking new company offers a unique design on the traditional swim fin. Although Wildhorn has only been around for a couple of years, they are certainly making an impact in the outdoor sports community.
The topside hydro fins fit like a shoe and look like a shoe. In fact, it is a shoe design with fins attached to the top. This is such a unique spin on the traditional flipper that it has become very popular with the casual swimmer and outdoor sports enthusiast.
These walkable swim fins are very comfortable. You do not have to worry about getting ulcers on your feet. The versatility and walkability of these fins are unparalleled, which makes the transition from water to land and land to water a breeze. Gone are the days you have to walk backward into the ocean!
This is the first fin I have come across to have a closed toe and heel design. This helps to reduce the possibility of cramping and hypertension. It also provides more protection for your foot.
The topside hydro fins are fully adjustable to give you a snug fit. They are also easy to put on your fee. Simply adjust the velcro strap around your ankle to your desired comfort. This also reinforces ankle support.
If you have wide feet, do not fear. The neoprene material is flexible enough to accommodate your gaping paws.
Even though these fins are short, you will still experience considerable power during your down kick. This will be just enough thrust to get yourself into the barrel of the wave.
These fins are compact thus making them one of the best fins for travel and storage. So if you like to go on trips these will be easy to pack.
Lastly, the Wildhorn topside hydro fins do float. You will not have to worry about accidentally dropping one into the water because it will resurface. You will also experience more buoyancy while swimming. Since they fit a little small, you may want to purchase one size up.
fin features to look for
floatability – I recommend wearing bodysurfing fins that float in case it slips off your foot. This will prevent you from having to dive and rescue your fin. This will also save you from spending money on a new fin if you lose it. However, if you do get a fin that does not float, make sure to wear fin savers.
portability – Buy fins that you can easily transport. This will be very convenient when traveling to and from the beach. They will also take up less carry-on space if you plan to fly anywhere.
performance – Thrust and acceleration are important when trying to catch a wave. Fins should provide enough power to propel you quickly and effortlessly into a wave. The best fins control the flow of water for a better hold on the wave face and maneuverability while riding. The best swim fins have rails to channel the water efficiently.
materials – The majority of swim fins are made from rubber. Some companies manufacture them with natural or synthetic rubber. I have also come across some swim fin boots made of neoprene, which is a flexible material to fit your feet. Most importantly you want to make sure the material can float. Fins are expensive and it would be disheartening to lose them to the ocean if they slipped off accidentally.
fin weight – The weight of your fins should be relatively light. You do not want anything weighing you down while swimming. Also, if you travel frequently, it is important that your fins are not too heavy. The average weight of a pair of fins is typically no more than 3lbs.
comfort – Since you will be wearing your swim fins for extended periods of time, you want to make sure they are comfortable to wear. This means that they must fit the size of your feet so make sure to reference my swim fin size chart for some of the more popular fins.
price – If you are on a budget then the cost of swim fins will definitely impact your options. These Cressi Palau’s are fairly cheap bodysurfing fins that are worth the investment.
*Also, you want to look for fins with a soft foot pocket. This will provide extra comfort. The foot pocket is usually made from a material that is flexible to accommodate your feet like molded rubber or neoprene. The better quality and comfort means less chance of blisters and cramps.
what else you need
Some additional accessory items you may want to think about getting with your swim fins are fin leashes and fin socks. The fin tethers are essential if you buy a pair of fins that do not float. Wearing a pair of fin savers will help keep them attached to your body so you do not lose them.
Fin socks can be worn if your fin happens to fit slightly larger than expected. If you wear a pair of fin socks, your fins should fit more snug and will also help to prevent blisters and cramps.
fin safety (don’t run!)
I know this goes without saying but do not run with fins on. Wearing a swim fin will extend your foot, which is something you are not used to. Running while wearing fins is a recipe for tripping and hurting yourself. Your fins can easily become buried in the sand causing you to fall flat on your face. Be safe and slowly walk backward into the water.