Training Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What style of Monofin is right for me?
  2. What are the differences between the three competitive Monofins: Shooter, Trainer, Competitor?
  3. What size of competitive Monofin do I need?
  4. My snorkel is leaking, how do I fix it?
  5. Where do I wear the tempo trainer?
  6. Is my Tempo Trainer broken?
  7. How do I recognize the difference between Mode 1 and Mode 2 for my Tempo Trainer?
  8. How do I position the Hydro Hip on my body?
  9. Where on my back should the Tech Toc rest?
  10. What's the difference between the Hydro Hip and the Tech Toc?
  11. Can I purchase FINIS, LANE 4 or Water Pals equipment directly from FINIS?
  12. Where can I find the nearest dealer to me?
  13. How do I become a dealer?

  1. What style of Monofin is right for me? There are two styles of Monofins available, competitive and recreational. It is important to understand your swimming ability in order to select the proper model, whether you're looking for a training tool or simply a fin for good clean fun. If you're interested in a training tool please select the best competitive style to fit your training needs. If you are just looking to swim like a dolphin, then select a recreational fin that corresponds to your shoe size.

  2. What are the differences between the three competitive Monofins: Shooter, Trainer, Competitor? Shooter: The Shooter Monofin allows for quick kicking action. It is designed to simulate race pace kick tempo and develop power in your kick.

    Trainer: The Trainer Monofin has a longer fiberglass blade for development of proper streamlining and dolphin kick motion. It is ideal for lengthening of stroke, improving body balance, and care muscle conditioning.

    Competitor: The largest and fastest of all FINIS Monofins, the Competitor Monofin utilize a hand tapered fiberglass blade that provides speed and flexibility with maximum distance per kick.

  3. What size of competitive Monofin do I need?

    Shoe Size Monofin Size Monofin Pocket Color
    6.5-8 Medium Blue
    8.5-10 Large Green
    10.5-12 X-Large Orange
    12.5-16 XX-Large Black

    Note: Competitive Monofins should be put on in the water. Foot pockets will stretch with use. Monofins will not fit with heeled scuba diving boots.

  4. My snorkel is leaking, how do I fix it? If you have a snorkel which appears to be leaking, it can only be happening from the purge valve section of the snorkel. The purge valve is located under the mouth piece and this allows water to be expelled from the tube. Over time it is possible for debris or contaminants to wedge between the soft silicone gasket and the hard plastic purge retainer. It is also possible to loose the entire purge valve as it can be removed for cleaning. Cleaning directions can be downloaded here.

  5. Where do I wear the tempo trainer? The Tempo Trainer may be attached to swim goggles, bicycle helmets, baseball caps or additional clothing garments. When swimming, it is recommended to remove the Tempo Trainer from the outside clip and place it securely under your goggle straps or swimmer's cap. When biking or running, it is recommended to use the outside clip and attach the Tempo Trainer securely to an article of clothing within your range of hearing.

  6. Is my Tempo Trainer broken? Most likely your Tempo Trainer is not broken, but is operating in an unfamiliar mode setting. If you do not recognize which mode you are in, it is easy to misconstrue whether the device is functioning properly. The majority of technical problems that occur with the Tempo Trainer are results of unfamiliarity with Mode 1 vs. Mode 2.

  7. How do I recognize the difference between Mode 1 and Mode 2 for my Tempo Trainer?
    1. Mode 1 is from 0.2 to 9.99 seconds.
    2. Mode 2 is from 10 seconds to 10 minutes.
    3. The colon in Mode 1 does not flash. Mode 2 has a flashing colon.
    4. The sound in Mode 1 is always a single chirp.
    5. The sound in Mode 2 is always a triple chirp.

  8. How do I position the Hydro Hip on my body? The Hydro Hip should be worn at the middle of the hipbone or as snug as possible on the hip bones. In order for the device to be most effective, it must be wedged to not move at all. One technique for achieving this is to inhale and pull the belt as tight as possible, and then expand your stomach. Also, keeping your stomach muscles flexed as you swim will insure non movement of the product.

  9. Where on my back should the Tech Toc rest? The Tech Toc should be worn with the chamber positioned in the small of the back. The belt should be snug, but not overly tight. Achieving the type of wedging action required of the Hydro Hip is not necessary.

  10. What's the difference between the Hydro Hip and the Tech Toc? The Hydro Hip is not recommended for novice level swimmers, but rather strong competitive swimmers. The Tech Toc is much more user friendly and may be enjoyed by swimmers of all abilities from novice to Olympic athletes. The Hydro Hip may be used for as little as a couple hundred yards to achieve results, but the Tech Toc may be used virtually for an entire workout.

  11. Can I purchase FINIS, LANE 4 or Water Pals equipment directly from FINIS? Yes. By accessing the "Online Store" from www.finisinc.com you will find each of the Finis brands and product categories. Additionally, you may search our online list of dealers to access a store in your surrounding area.

  12. Where can I find the nearest dealer to me? Please access the Dealer section on our website to search for a dealer closest to you. If a dealer is not in your general area, please call 888.33.FINIS and we'll be happy to assist you to find an alternative.

  13. How do I become a dealer? If you are interested in becoming a dealer for FINIS, LANE 4 or our Water Pals equipment, please send all inquires to and we'll happily begin to process..
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