Take the strap off (or slip it around the front) of any mask you want to check out. Place it gently against your face, and see if the mask hits any part of your face ie. bridge of nose ect. If all is clear, press it against your face creating a suction. If it sticks well to your face, and you can see out of it ok, it's a proper fit. Expensive, cheap (within reason) mask fit is a strange thing! My wife's mask costs over twice as much as mine! As for fins, just get some boards, and dive! Forget the gimmicks, and get wet. Along the road, when you get a chance to try split fins, or whatever different style you're looking at (and you will), give them a shot. I will tell you splits are not good for all conditions. When they aren't, you will need the boards anyways.