Based on the questions asked by mummies and daddies, we decided to post some of the FAQs here.. just in case some of you are still undecided if you should get the SwimFin.
Q1.My child is 2yrs old.Can he/she use the SwimFin? A1.SwimFin was designed for kids 3yrs old and above.However, all around the world, SwimFin has been used with great effect on kids as young as 2yrs old.. but with guidance and supervision by the parents/trainers (but we gotta admit.. at that age.. whether they use SwimFin or not, we will definitely make sure we have our watchful eyes on our lil’ ones rite??).
Q2.Is SwimFin suitable for kids who do not know how to swim? A2.SwimFin is a swimming aid cum floatation device.Hence it will be most effective for kids who do not know how to swim.For these kids, our main priority is to first make them love to be in the water.Eliminate fear.Introduce the SwimFin as a water toy.It is definitely less intimidating than your armbands and floating vest.Next is to encourage them to 'swim' by introducing hand and leg movements without the fear of drowning. Be it the front crawl or any strokes that your child is comfortable in, the SwimFin automatically adjusts and compensates according to the child’s posture and position.Hence, whether your kid is upright (the natural position for beginners) or slightly leaning forward (the natural position when your kids gain enough confidence), SwimFin will do the work. With no restrictions on the hand movements, and having enough buoyancy to keep your child afloat, your child will soon realise that he/she will need to maintain the hand and leg movements in order to 'swim'.. making it a natural process.
Q3.I intend to use SwimFin on my 10yrs old child.Can it fit? A3.The SwimFin has been tested to take on weights from 8 - 96kg. Hence there is no age limit on the use of the SwimFin. Yess.. I'm using it myself. Not because I don't know how to swim.. but because my kids simply love to have 'daddy shark' chasing after them in the water.
Q4.What is the dimension and weight of the SwimFin and the BagPack? A4.Each SwimFin measures approximately 28cm x 27cm x 12cm and weighs around 260grams.You can see for yourself that the 12cm base of the SwimFin ensures that it is very stable and will rest comfortably on your kid’s back. The BagPack measures 40cm x 28cm x 11cm.
Q5.Is the SwimFin meant for a particular stroke? A5.Definitely no.SwimFin is a multi-stroke functional device.It is so versatile in its ability to automatically adjust to the swimmer’s posture and position that it can be used for breast stroke, free stroke, back stroke and even butterfly too!! Q6.My kid is very active.Will the SwimFin fall off easily? A6.The straps are elasticated.This means that the straps will move with the body.In addition, it is made Grade ‘A’ Velcro.. hence it will still stick even if it is warm and wet.
Q7. Can the SwimFin keep my kid afloat if he does not move his arms and legs? A7.The SwimFin's primary function is as a swimming aid. Hence, it is meant to encourage kids to incorporate arms and legs movements while in the water. In fact, this should be instilled in the child because it is not natural to simply stay still while in the water (which is why I personally feel that the conventional floats are actually teaching our kids the wrong things). In short, when using SwimFin, encourage your child to move his/her hands and legs.. the SwimFin will do it's part to maintain enough bouyancy to support your child to stay afloat. And soon enough, he/she will learn the basic swimming skills.
Q8. I tried the SwimFin on my child and he doesn't seem to like it. He wants the normal floats. Why is this so? A8. Your child has been used to the regular float where he does not have to 'work' to stay afloat. Hence, it is normal for a child to be less receptive at first. Introduce the SwimFin slowly. It may take him a few weeks to finally enjoy the SwimFin. Remember that a human's natural instinct in the water should be to move your arms and legs to stay afloat.. not just get lazy and lie down. Hence the SwimFin is instilling this instinct in your child. Imagine giving your child a motorised bicycle where he does not have to paddle to get the bicycle to move. If you were to introduce a bicycle that requires him to paddle, he will surely refuse because he has been used to getting the bicycle to move without doing any work. But is sitting down and not paddling the correct way to cycle? Definitely no right? The same applies for SwimFin.