Firstly, I apologise if it appears that I go off in all directions but read on and hopefully it will all make sense. It's almost impossible to write a users manual that could cover all the possible scenarios when working with SwimFin.

SwimFin works in so many different ways for different ages and abilities. The way it works with one child can be totally different for the next child. Remember we're working with children and water, neither of which is an exact science. Let me give you an indication of what SwimFin is for and how you might possibly put it to better use. At the end of the day it’s up to you as a teacher/parent and your pupil/child to interact with it and be imaginative. It’s a good idea for the parents/teachers to have a go first, this way you will understand what’s happening and it will help you communicate better.

In comparison to other equipment, we have discovered that SwimFin is the favourable option. Think about it for a minute; give kids a choice: would you prefer armbands/discs, a body vest or a SwimFin. Judging by its success, I know what kids have been choosing lately.

SwimFin inspires imagination and play. Children can't wait to put it on and once it's on they can't wait to get in the pool. SwimFin further encourages them to put their faces into the water because they want to BE that shark, dolphin, fish, whale, whatever. From a teacher’s point of view, if we can get kids to do that for themselves without having to make them, then we’ve nearly won the battle. Many instructors have contacted us and remarked on the huge difference that SwimFin has made, enhancing their teaching ability and even their popularity. From a parent’s point of view, if your child’s had a good lesson and wants to go back for more, then you’re definitely onto a winner. You can save money now without having to blackmail them with sweets or a trip to McDonalds.
I can almost guarantee that in comparison to a child not wearing a SwimFin, the one who is will be a lot more active, swimming around “playing” building confidence, learning, experimenting and having FUN!!!!!! The child without a SwimFin generally stands around watching and more than likely “wishing I had one of those”. Can you see how SwimFin can play a psychological part, even before a lesson.

Although initially designed for children, we've heard about plenty of adults who've used SwimFin to learn to swim - we offer larger straps if that’s the case. It has also made a huge difference for people with special needs. Their time in the water seems to be enhanced and it’s very rewarding for me as well as teachers and parents to see the massive amount of enjoyment SwimFin brings. I’m delighted that my invention has and continues to make a big difference to so many people.

Here are some key points to consider......
SwimFin is a buoyancy aid, teaching aid, resistance tool and toy. It should be worn high on the back, ideally above the centre of gravity. This way it will “suspend” in the water rather than, contrary to belief, tip forward. (Take a moment to watch our video of a 2 year old using SwimFin and then you decide). Obviously, a SwimFin should never be put on a baby who can’t control their body yet. SwimFin will take over and we don’t want that do we!

In the first instance of using SwimFin, I recommend that the child has a few minutes getting used to it. A good way to introduce it is to get them to dip down in an upright position into the water as much as they can to submerge SwimFin. They will instantly feel the support it gives.
Some kids realise this immediately, some of the more timid ones might need more encouragement and support. Don’t just put them into the water and let them go. Spending the first 15-20 minutes in the water with SwimFin the right way will save so much time (and money) later on when it comes to learning to swim.

SwimFin is unique in so many applications and the difficult task for me is educating the world on what it is and how it works. There's never been anything like it before. SwimFin is revolutionising the way swimming is taught. I am delighted to tell you though, that there are literally thousands and thousands of Swim School’s, Local Authority’s, Private Health Clubs etc around the world using SwimFin - it's here to stay! Unfortunately some bad news: there are still some instructors who are too old-fashioned and stuck in their ways to be able to embrace any new ideas, or they simply don’t understand how it works. Maybe they're scared of using it, I don’t know, but the UK’s governing body for Swimming (ASA) who qualify some of these teachers love it so much they endorsed it. It makes you wonder who’s right and who’s wrong! 

Let’s take a look at how SwimFin is used on those kids who are ready to learn.

The more submerged it is, the more support it gives. This means when the child is vertical, cycling through the water doing doggy paddle, SwimFin will generally be under water giving uplift and support. As the child’s body position becomes more horizontal, SwimFin comes out of the water giving less support. This means your child is swimming more for themselves and with Swimfin you never have to inflate, deflate, add or remove additional support as you would with armbands/disc’s, body vests etc which you already know get in the way. Remember, the more visible it is, the less it's working. Take a look at our gallery and see if you can see how much or how little support swimfin is giving to our swimmers.

The psychological benefits far outweigh the buoyancy properties. It's all kidology as far as the children are concerned - we don't need to baffle them with the science involved.