Your fins are an investment that should last a decade or more. In fact, with proper care, you will be replacing your fins only to take advantage of the newest technology, not because they are worn out.
The keys to proper fin care can be summarized in three steps:
- Rinse well
- Dry completely
- Store flat
1.-Rinse well
This is actually the same advice we would give for any piece of scuba gear - especially if it is used in salt, chlorine, or around mud, sand, or silt. When rinsing, be sure to thoroughly clean the buckle area to avoid a build-up of salt or other contaminants.
2.-Dry completely
As with other equipment, you don't want to store your fins in a closed container unless they are completely dry. Air drying out of direct sunlight is best.
3.-Accommodate flat
If you store your fins with the blades pointed but not perfectly flat, you may find that the folded fin blade may become a permanent feature. Laying flat on a shelf or similar surface, out of direct sunlight, is best. Avoid the temptation to hang the fins by their straps, as doing so can cause strap damage.
Their fins came with foot pocket inserts designed to help the pockets not warp over time. Don't lose them. Put these inserts in the foot pockets before storing them for a long period of time.
What to remember
Proper fin care is easy. Just keep these three things in mind:
- As with all equipment, rinse your fins thoroughly in fresh water if diving in or around salt, sand, silt, mud, or other potential contaminants.
- Do not store fins in a closed container until they have had a chance to dry completely.
- Store the fins flat, out of direct sunlight, and remember to attach the foot pocket inserts before doing so.
A great place to make sure you get the most bang for your buck on all of your equipment is the SDI Equipment Specialist course. For information on this and other SDI continuing education courses, contact your local SDI dive center.