Red and Yellow and Pink and Blue, Orange and Purple and Green, Fins come in all the colours of the rainbow and then some, all shapes and sizes but let's get one thing straight from the start .. As masks are not goggles, a BCD is not a life jacket, fins are FINS and not flippers !!
Fins are an essential part of the scuba diving as we do not have large webbed feet, we simply aren't made for propelling our bodies through the water. Fins help us do that quickly and effortlessly, with a pair of fins the legs do all the work and hands are only used to make small adjustments. Fins are absolutely essential for scuba diving because of the extra drag of scuba equipment and the necessity to control movement, having the right set of fins is mandatory. Knowing what is on the market, the options that are available and what works best under what conditions is important. While those unfamiliar with fins may think that with the exception of some variation in quality and price, fins are all pretty much the same, nothing could be further from the truth.
There are basically two types of fins used in diving and snorkeling, full-foot designs and adjustables. Each has its special purpose and works best for certain applications.
Full-Foot Fins
Full foot or reef fins as they may be known are essentially robber slip-on shoes with fins attached. They have a heel section and you simply put them on like slip on plimsoles. They are generally the most flexible and comfortable, but you have to make sure they fit just right as there aren't any adjustments. Full-foot fins are primarily used for snorkeling. They are easy to put on and off, and there is no need to wear booties. One drawback is that the heel part can tear and that's the end of the fins.
Adjustable fins
Adjustable or bootie fins are what most people wear for scuba diving. They don't have a rubber heel built in, Instead, there is an adjustable strap around the heel that keeps the foot in place. Adjustables are generally worn with diving booties which are pretty much mandatory when diving in even moderately cool water. This means that when you buy a set of adjustable fins, you need to try them on while wearing the boots. A big advantage of adjustables is that the straps can be replaced. If a strap breaks, you don't lose the investment in a pair of fins. Adjustable fins are generally more heavy-duty than full-foot fins, and they provide more thrust. In order to do that, their blades are stiffer and usually larger
Above are the two basic fit of fins, bootie and non bootie, from there it can get complicated regarding the style, ease of propulsion and so-on. I would without doubt recommend bootie fins although I use full-foot when teaching in the pool as they are easy to slip on and off. For open water boots are a must, especially when you have to walk across hot sand or rocky beaches as they protect your feet before you put your fins on in the water. The choice of fin is up to you and you should also do your homework regarding propulsion technology.
What to buy???
When shopping for fins, be prepared to find it harder to make a decision the more you learn about the different designs. Every manufacturer has their own patented methods and design, their own materials and compounds, and, of course, numerous sexy, colourful and eye-catching designs. Learn as much as you can, become familiar with the terminology, ask experienced divers for their thoughts and of course search the w.w.w for information. Fins come in many sizes and weights, if you travel a lot and like to travel light, it can make a difference as smaller size fin is a whole lot easier to transport. Many times I have seen fins that are larger than the owners dive bag or gear box so they either bend them to pack them or leave them out.
When selecting fins, pick up a few pairs and compare weight, you'll be surprised at the differences. Rigid, sturdy fins may work well on some people with strong leg and lots of diving practice, but a much lighter, more flexible design may be better for beginners. Experts swear that a fin that is too rigid and heavy is almost guaranteed to cause a lot of cramping.
Never forget the most important part: the fins must fit well and be comfortable, unlike trainers or leather shoes, you can't really "break in" fins, they either fit or they don't. If you buy the wrong fins, or a set that doesn't fit right, you quickly cramp up or get blisters, so make certain you buy a set that works for you and is made for the type of diving you have in mind. If you do, you'll be rewarded with a wonderful extension of your body, one that lets you glide through the water elegantly and with ease.
Boots:
Make sure you pick up a nice comfortable pair of boots to go with your fins and be sure they are the right size. Just like normal shoes, if they are too small they will pinch and be uncomfortable. To large and they may not slip off but they will interfere with the efficiency of your fins. There are two types of boot, pull on and zip up, I prefer zip up as they are easy to take off when wet.
Foot Note:
Contrary to the belief of some students (usually mine) fins are not handed (or footed) there is no left and right !
There are basically two types of fins used in diving and snorkeling, full-foot designs and adjustables. Each has its special purpose and works best for certain applications.
Full-Foot Fins
Full foot or reef fins as they may be known are essentially robber slip-on shoes with fins attached. They have a heel section and you simply put them on like slip on plimsoles. They are generally the most flexible and comfortable, but you have to make sure they fit just right as there aren't any adjustments. Full-foot fins are primarily used for snorkeling. They are easy to put on and off, and there is no need to wear booties. One drawback is that the heel part can tear and that's the end of the fins.
Adjustable fins
Adjustable or bootie fins are what most people wear for scuba diving. They don't have a rubber heel built in, Instead, there is an adjustable strap around the heel that keeps the foot in place. Adjustables are generally worn with diving booties which are pretty much mandatory when diving in even moderately cool water. This means that when you buy a set of adjustable fins, you need to try them on while wearing the boots. A big advantage of adjustables is that the straps can be replaced. If a strap breaks, you don't lose the investment in a pair of fins. Adjustable fins are generally more heavy-duty than full-foot fins, and they provide more thrust. In order to do that, their blades are stiffer and usually larger
Above are the two basic fit of fins, bootie and non bootie, from there it can get complicated regarding the style, ease of propulsion and so-on. I would without doubt recommend bootie fins although I use full-foot when teaching in the pool as they are easy to slip on and off. For open water boots are a must, especially when you have to walk across hot sand or rocky beaches as they protect your feet before you put your fins on in the water. The choice of fin is up to you and you should also do your homework regarding propulsion technology.
What to buy???
When shopping for fins, be prepared to find it harder to make a decision the more you learn about the different designs. Every manufacturer has their own patented methods and design, their own materials and compounds, and, of course, numerous sexy, colourful and eye-catching designs. Learn as much as you can, become familiar with the terminology, ask experienced divers for their thoughts and of course search the w.w.w for information. Fins come in many sizes and weights, if you travel a lot and like to travel light, it can make a difference as smaller size fin is a whole lot easier to transport. Many times I have seen fins that are larger than the owners dive bag or gear box so they either bend them to pack them or leave them out.
When selecting fins, pick up a few pairs and compare weight, you'll be surprised at the differences. Rigid, sturdy fins may work well on some people with strong leg and lots of diving practice, but a much lighter, more flexible design may be better for beginners. Experts swear that a fin that is too rigid and heavy is almost guaranteed to cause a lot of cramping.
Never forget the most important part: the fins must fit well and be comfortable, unlike trainers or leather shoes, you can't really "break in" fins, they either fit or they don't. If you buy the wrong fins, or a set that doesn't fit right, you quickly cramp up or get blisters, so make certain you buy a set that works for you and is made for the type of diving you have in mind. If you do, you'll be rewarded with a wonderful extension of your body, one that lets you glide through the water elegantly and with ease.
Boots:
Make sure you pick up a nice comfortable pair of boots to go with your fins and be sure they are the right size. Just like normal shoes, if they are too small they will pinch and be uncomfortable. To large and they may not slip off but they will interfere with the efficiency of your fins. There are two types of boot, pull on and zip up, I prefer zip up as they are easy to take off when wet.
Foot Note:
Contrary to the belief of some students (usually mine) fins are not handed (or footed) there is no left and right !
