With SwimFin, the lower you are in the water the more support it provides, as would be the case with a beginner. The higher you are in the water the less support it gives you as would be the case with an improving swimmer. SwimFin compensates for different abilities.

It's a fact that the human body is naturally buoyant: we don't sink to the bottom of the pool and crawl along the floor like a crab. By using too much buoyancy assistance other floatation aids lift the body unnaturally in the water and if positioned wrongly on the body, can tip it forward. When this happens, the body acts on a see-saw principle which then forces the swimmers face into the water as the hips and legs come up (which in most cases causes panic). Because SwimFin is predominantly vertical and out of the water, it works in harmony with the user’s natural buoyancy level. By promoting the shark / dolphin image children are more inclined to voluntarily put their faces into the water, enhancing body position and making movement through the water easier.

How does it work?

With the beginner, the body is lower in the water causing SwimFin to be more submerged (imagine pushing a beach ball under the water). This gives the swimmer more uplift and support without the arms being restricted (as can be the case using armbands). For the really confident beginners SwimFin could replace the armbands forever!

As confidence grows, there’s a more improved body position [and this is the clever bit] SwimFin appears more out of the water and now gives a little less support. Generally at this stage of the swimmers progression the armbands or other devices would be reduced. SwimFin does it automatically, working with the swimmers natural ability but also giving immediate support if required. The swimmer learns to trust their SwimFin.

In a horizontal position, SwimFin is virtually out of the water giving very little or no support. However the learner grows in confidence knowing that support is there if needed. Even better swimmers can wear it all the time. Remember, if it’s out of the water it’s no longer a buoyancy aid and because it’s streamlined, will not impede movement through the water.

SwimFin is also great for swimming on the back. The learner simply leans on the SwimFin and, because it provides maximum uplift (the beach ball syndrome,) it replaces the need for teacher or parent to provide support. It also works in a keel like fashion (as on a yacht) giving stability. This encourages a better streamlined leg kick which in turn helps to establish balance. If required, the swimmer only needs to roll to the side and SwimFin will turn the child onto its front and help establish and maintain a safe and secure standing upright position in the water.

SwimFin makes learning to swim fun, but even after it has done its job as a learning aid, it will always find use as a water toy, strengthening ability and building confidence.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What material is the SwimFin made from?
They are made from crossed linked, closed cell expanded polyethylene.

Q. How heavy is the SwimFin?
They are very light, weighing only 160g.

Q. Does the SwimFin come with straps?
Yes it does. Each SwimFin comes complete with two elasticated velcro straps.

Q. What aged children is the SwimFin suitable for?
The SwimFin was initially designed for 3 years plus but there are testimonials that suggest it works for 2 years old children as well.

Q. How big is the SwimFin?
When it is delivered it is in a clear bag which measures 25 x 27 x 12.5cm. The actual SwimFin itself is 25cm high (at its highest point), 26cm in length and 12cm wide (at its widest point).

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