Diving Fins Buying Guide
Diving fins help in the kicking action of swimming and diving and are meant to help the divers achieve desired results.
The Various Types
- Paddle fins are available as either heel strap adjustable fins or full foot fins. Adjustable strap diving fins are most often used in scuba diving while the full foot diving fins are used in snorkelling. These fins push the water around the swimmer up and down when kicked.
- Split fins or bio fins differ from the paddle fins by their cut-outs, vent or splits for improving the efficiency and kicking force. Some brands have vertical splits while some have horizontal splits that are designed to push back water instead of up-and-down.
- Force fins are another varied style of diving fins that are smaller when compared to other types. If you feel comfortable with them then they too can be used for offering good kicking force. They mimic the action of whale tails but on a smaller scale and are hence, considered to offer efficient kicking.
- Other specialty fins include scuba fins, rescue fins and swim fins.
Choosing Scuba Diving Fins
- You need to be first comfortable in them. A common complaint is always pain in the calves from kicking with long and stiff dive fins.
- Next they should be chosen according to the kind of diving (relaxed diving or for speed).
- The features of the fins should be examined; with or without splits or vents, how they move water (up and down or propel) and then choose the one based on your capabilities and efficiency of the fins.
- Normally closed heel fins are considered as safer ones but are not recommended for use in areas where the water is not warm with corals or rocks. Open heel fins on the other hand are less safe but very comfortable in areas full of rocks and corals.
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