Frequently Asked Questions
Based on the questions asked by parents around the world, we decided to post some of the FAQs here. Just in case some of you are still undecided if you should get the SwimFin.
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What is the youngest age SwimFin is suitable for?
SwimFin was designed for a typical 2-year-old and above, but we’ve received plenty of feedback from parents and teachers telling us about 18-month-olds that have used SwimFin. The record for the youngest child who was able to use SwimFin unaided is fifteen months. SwimFin can also be used by adults learning to swim and individuals with special needs.
A SwimFin should never be used with a baby that cannot control their body yet, and it must NEVER be worn on the front of the body.
Does SwimFin come with the straps?
Yes, Australian SwimFins comes with a pair of regular size straps with a clip buckle. Additional/replacement Velcro straps as well as adult-sized straps can be purchased here.
Up to what age do the regular straps fit on a child?
It depends on the age and weight of a child but the regular size straps fit most average 12-year-olds comfortably. If your child is older, larger, or you are purchasing for an adult it would be advisable to order the larger straps in addition here.
What weight can a SwimFin hold?
From approximately 15kg – 100kg maximum weight.
Do I need to hold my child in the water wearing the SwimFin?
We advise letting your child play in shallow water wearing their SwimFin so they can get used to the way it feels first and foremost. From there, you can hold your child in the water and encourage arm and leg movement as much as the child would like to. In time your child will want to be off swimming – just watch their confidence grow! It is always advised to supervise your child in and around water at all times.
My child has sensitive skin what do you recommend?
If your child has sensitive skin, it is advisable to have them wear a rashie or UV top underneath the fin.
Will we be able to use SwimFin at public water parks and swimming pools?
This can depend on the rules and regulations of the particular community center or water park, but generally yes SwimFin is a swimming aid so children should be allowed to wear what you choose to use. Sometimes when going on slides, the staff may ask you to remove the fin as the child cannot lie back if the slide is steep. Instructors worldwide use SwimFin in their lesson programs so as a result, it should be absolutely fine to wear and enjoy learning to swim.
Does SwimFin come with an instruction manual?
YES! Every SwimFin comes with a user manual which explains the fitting and care instructions.
An explanation can also be found in our About section. We strongly recommend that a parent or teacher assists a child in the early stages until they are comfortable with SwimFin. Once they are accustomed to the buoyancy they will know instinctively what to do, and that’s when the freedom and the fun starts! Some kids pick this up instantly but younger children and the less confident may take a little longer. There are no rules on how to use SwimFin – there should be a natural progression until the child lets you know when to let go. SwimFin works with all ages and abilities, but the way it works for one child of a particular age and ability can be totally different from another child’s ability. NEVER wear SwimFin on the FRONT of the body.
What is the dimension and weight of the SwimFin?
Each SwimFin measures approximately 28cm x 27cm x 12cm and weighs around 260grams.You can see for yourself that the 12cm base of the SwimFin ensures that it is very stable and will rest comfortably on your kid’s back.
Is SwimFin meant for a particular stroke?
Definitely not. SwimFin is made for all four competitive strokes. It is so versatile in its ability to automatically adjust to the swimmer’s posture and position that it can be used for breaststroke, freestyle, backstroke and even butterfly, too!
My kid is very active. Will the SwimFin fall off easily?
The straps are elasticated. This means that the straps will move with the body as it bends, breaths, laughs and splashes.
Can the SwimFin keep my kid afloat if they do not move their arms and legs?
The SwimFin's primary function is as a swimming aid. It should not be classed as a personal flotation device (PFD), i.e. life jacket.
SwimFin is meant to encourage kids to incorporate arms and legs movements while in the water. In fact, this should be instilled in the child because it is not natural to simply stay still while in the water (which is why I personally feel that the conventional floats are actually teaching our kids the wrong things). In short, when using SwimFin, encourage your child to move their hands and legs. The SwimFin will do its part to maintain enough buoyancy to support your child to stay afloat. Soon enough, they will learn the basic swimming skills.
I tried the SwimFin on my child and they don't seem to like it. They want the normal floats back. Why is this so?
Sounds like your child has been used to the regular float where they do not have to 'work' to stay afloat. Hence, it is normal for a child to be less receptive at first. Introduce the SwimFin slowly. It may take them a few weeks to finally enjoy the SwimFin, I know my boy needed a bit of warming up to it.
Remember that a human's natural instinct in the water should be to move your arms and legs to stay afloat, not just get lazy and chill. The SwimFin is instilling this instinct of movement in your child.
Imagine giving your child a motorised bicycle where they do not have to peddle to get the bicycle to move. If you were to introduce a bicycle that requires them to peddle, they will surely refuse because they have been used to getting the bicycle to move without doing any work. But is sitting down and not peddling the correct way to cycle? The same applies for SwimFin.
Should I wear the fin on my back or can I wear it on my front too?
NEVER wear SwimFin on the front, only on the back.
What is the SwimFin made of?
It is made from EVA foam.