You just got your shiny new pair of fins, and you had an amazing first session. The day's over, and it's time to bring the fins home.

While you may think it's fine to leave them outside just like sandals, there's a better way!

In the following guide, we're going to dive into how you can take care of your swim fins. That way, you can keep them lasting LONGER and enjoy MORE sessions with them.

So let's dive right in!

RINSING YOUR FINS

One major thing to keep your fins lasting longer is to rinse them once you're back in fresh tap water, or water from the garden hose.

As we all are aware, salt water is extremely corrosive. Pair that with sand, or any other particles your fins picked up on the way back home, and you have a recipe for disaster. Your swimfins will degrade a whole lot quicker if they aren't rinsed.

We always recommend a quick rinse over once you're back, along with your bodyboard and other gear.

KEEPING YOUR FINS SAFE 

A second thing to keep in mind when caring for your swimfins is keeping them safe. No, not safe from thieves. Safe from something a whole lot more dangerous: the sun!

Sunlight, especially over time, will degrade your swim fins. UV rays, combined with heat, can really break down the fins' PVC and rubber construction.

We recommend keeping your swimfins in a cool, dark place when they're not in use. Along with your other gear, of course!

A good place is under your bed. A garage (as long as it's cooled), is another great place.

ONLY USE YOUR FINS IN THE WATER

Taking off your fins when you're not in the water will help them last a lot longer.

You want to avoid wearing your fins while walking down the beach, down the street on the way home, etc.

It'll help reduce grinding between the pavement and your fins, which really will wear down that PVC and rubber.

Additionally, waiting to put your fins on until you enter the water will help avoid a lot of sand rubbing up against them.

STORE YOUR FINS SIDE BY SIDE 

Last but not least, storing your fins side by side is another excellent way to care of your fins.

If you've had to store them in the sun, you'll know how hot the fins got. The plastic can melt or degrade over time in really intense sunlight.

Another thing to avoid is keeping the fins on a clothes hook. While this may be an easy way to grab them and go, you're going to be putting a lot of stress on the hook end of the fin.

We recommend storing your fins side-by-side on the ground, not on top of each other. This will prevent shape issues over time and to keep them ready to go for the next session.

CHOOSING A PAIR OF FINS

There's many factors that go into choosing the right pair of swim fins. For newer riders, we recommend Churchill Fins. However, each rider is different. We always recommend contacting us prior to ordering a new pair of fins. Alternatively, you can check out our guide on choosing a pair of fins here.