I'm not sure I can agree with less effort, but you get more propulsion for
the same effort IMO. Freediving fins also come in different stiffnesses for
different degrees of fitness. The stiffer you get, the better shape you need to
be in.

and that there exists a

   I agree with the store owner.

   Theres plenty of truth in what he says. Traveling with them can get
interesting. They will barely fit crosswise in the biggest suitcases. I ended
up having to go out and buy a hard bottemed duffelbag just to fit my fins.

 Most of all I want to make sure I can 'work' the fins w/out

   They work just fine on the surface, though they do work better underwater.
Even on the surface they are miles ahead of other fins. You may work some new
muscles when you first start with them, the kick is longer and deeper with more
knee bend (at least mine is), but theres no need to be a competitive swimmer to
use them.

$100 for fins isn't a spectacular amount.  We can find you some nice split
fins for more than twice that.  LOL

Why not try them.  I assume your shop will be happy to accept a return if
you are not satisfied.  If not, you need to find another shop.

I have not tried the "free diving fins" but I'm familiar with them.  I live
in Hawaii and "free diving" means spear fishing here and it's a *huge* sport
among the locals.  Something to do with the "noble savage" myth.  I don't
participate but I have observed them.  In their search for prey, they do
swim very long distances along the reef.

I've been snorkeling a lot lately since my doctors says I can't dive "ever
again."  (I'm also not supposed to run but I did 5 miles this morning.)
Mostly I go with my old Blades because they float.  Positive buoyancy is
good for two reasons.  One, I usually reach my site by kayak.  I always tie
all my gear down but if it's on a kayak, and it doesn't float, it's probably
going to wind up on the bottom.  Two, positively buoyant fins help keep you
flat on the surface.  I once tried to snorkel while wearing Jetfins.  I felt
like one of those "aqua joggers."

suds

Okay, let's think about this. The freediving blade is almost twice as long as
most snorkeling fin blades. The blade is also far more stiff (whether plastic
or carbon fiber) than that of an average snorkeling fin. If you are pushing
nearly twice as much surface area through the resistance of water, that is
going to require more energy and effort from you as the working agent to
produce force against the resistance to do work. So, at first, using them is
going to feel more tiring to your muscles and cardio-vascular system. What will
happen, if you use them frequently, is that your muscles will build up to allow
you to dive using them with less effort than you're going to require in the
beginning. If you are an avid recreational snorkeler and often participate in
the sport, you should definitely purchase freediving fins because your muscles
will strengthen and your body will adapt to the fins. If, however, you rarely
participate in snorkeling or not frequently enough to build your muscles
through using the fins, you should stick with snorkeling fins. My favorite
freediving fins are the Picasso America Black Team fins, while my choice for a
snorkeling fin would be the Mares full foot fins with a slightly longer (couple
inches) blade. I don't know the product name offhand.

Trace Malinowski
PDIC Instructor #2075
Freediving Instructor Trainer