With a strong right arm and hand and a left leg with a knee I needed to create balance to avoid swimming in circles so I bought a large pair of rubber fins and modified the left one so I could fit my stump in to it.
February 2023 - with the green fin
NEW - Faster advanced larger fin - needed as my grandson was getting quicker!
Pin shown that locks into the base of the fin
Locked on and strapped in place
Firstly I needed a size of fin that my short stump below the left knee would actually fit into snuggly.
If it was too loose it would chaff the skin; too tight and I would not get into it far enough to gain real purchase against the water and it would probably come off. It is well worthwhile spending time on getting the right fit.
I then drilled and bolted a heavy duty leather belt to the heel of the fin. I used leather because it lasts and water doesn`t seem to affect the material. It does stretch in the water after a few minutes so I allowed extra holes for the buckle to be tightened.
The fin shown in the video has been superceded twice now. I built a slightly larger green fin based on my original design and to get more propulsion. However the extra water pressure does tend to add soreness to the stump if swimming for long periods.
As a result I have, with after hours help from the Prosthetic and Amputee Rehabilitation Centre at Stanmore, begun to develop a completely new way of securing the even bigger green flipper by using a silicon sock - see below.
Rolling on to my stump a silicone sock with a metal stem, I have fixed a moulded insert (like a socket) into the fin complete with a connector and simply push the metal stem into the socket and it clicks together securely. I then buckle up the leather strap.
This method eliminates the need for putting on stump socks as the silicone sock does not rub and the mechanical connection is so much more secure. It does have distinct advantages.
See above the very latest faster blue fin .
Please see my video - swimming at The Grove with the original design -