I promised that I would give some feedback on these fins once I had tested them. I just got done doing a Swiftwater Tech class with my team and we brought these fins along. We all used them during the weekend, except the chief who used his jetfins. Over the course of three days we tested them in the areas of power, manueverability, ease of walking around on the bank and maintaining our footing in moving water.
First off this fin fits easily over all types of booties or river boots. It also has the advantage of tuly being a one size fits most. This means it can easily be used by different people, as opposed to the Churchills. The straps are very robust and have a second strap that wraps around the ankle. It adds extra time, which is bad, but it helps secure your fin in case a strap or buckle breaks. This did happen to one of the other participants who was also using this fin. On the downside, getting the fin off in a hurry wasn't that easy.
The fin does not come out even with the sole of the booty, but about an inch above it. This makes it easier to walk around in. The sole also has rubber treads to help give traction when walking along the bank. We all found this fin very easy to walk in, even directly forward.
In the water, the fin had both pluses and minuses. It didn't have the immediate power that is needed for hopping into a boat or making a quick surge. However, it was a very manueverable fin. It was good at making quick turns and the short blade wasn't as awkward when trying to stand and wade in current.
As far as fins for swiftwater rescue, they are very versatile. I can't say that I am completely happy with them, because they lack quick power. However, I am not sure that you can get that and have a short fin. I think they could get rid of the split fin and perhaps add a short jetfin style fin with the shredder foot pocket.
I hope this helps.
