Fin recommendations?

Leaping_Lemur

I'm thinking of buying some fins, just to shake things up a bit in my workout. I suppose swimming gear will be hitting the sporting goods stores soon, but I don't want a lousy novelty set of fins, so I'll just buy online. Does anybody have any recommendations? I have never used fins before, at least not seriously. I see they come in different lengths; what should I go for?

Incidentally, I'm not a competitive swimmer; I just do it for health and fun. I usually swim about 2000 yards, two to three times a week. I want to add a little variety to my workout, so I don't get bored; hence the fins.

ETA: two caveats just occurred to me. I've come to realize that my kick is pretty weak in freestyle, so I'm hoping using the fins might improve that. Presumably that will carry over when you take the fins off? Also, I've had some knee problems -- tendonitis in my right knee, with some underlying arthritis. It's not been bothering me lately. Would fins be a problem, i.e. do they put pressure on the knees?

dickrocketjones

Just recently started using training fins. Got a pair of aqua sphere zips at local academy on clearance because it's all they had. That are more like scuba fins in design. They have a strap and they use a firmer plastic for the blade. The strap is a pain in the *kitten* to use and falls off occasionally. I had really bad foot cramps when I first started using the fins. Attributing that to being stiffer than the pair I have now ( TYR Burners). Eventually the strap on one of them broke, which actually made me happy because I pretty much hated them. My advice is to get a pair of burners or Zoomers. My pair fit me well and and don't cause me any grief. hoping they'll improve my kick as well. I also have knee problems and haven't had any problems yet. Hope this helps. Good luck.