Just as your legs are your primary means of locomotion on land, so too are they the main means of propelling you when you are in the water. The addition of SCUBA fins allows your legs to move you even faster through the water and with less effort, but it may take some practice and building up of the muscles in your legs and ankles to become fully at ease and comfortable while swimming with fins.
Step 1
Step into your fins if they are full-foot models. The fins should fit snugly at the heel with no gap between the rubber and your skin. If you are using open-foot fins, slip your foot into the toe pocket, and tighten the straps behind your heel until your foot feels snugly encased within the fin.
Step 2
Walk backwards into the water while wearing your fins. If you're at a pool, you may jump into the deep end while wearing the fins. Another alternative is to put on your fins once you are in the water. Hold onto the edge of the pool or a swim buddy's shoulder with one hand to keep your balance.
Step 3
Submerge your legs and fins fully as you begin to swim. Keep your fins extended behind you with your legs relaxed and joints loose. Move your legs up and down from the hips. Make long, full kicks. Widen your legs if your fins hit each other, or choose thinner fins.
Step 4
Alternate between swimming with and without fins to slowly build up the strength in your ankles and legs. If you feel sharp or lingering pain in your shins or joints, give your legs a rest to avoid tendinitis.
Step 5
Keep your arms relaxed by your sides or folded across your abdomen. If you are looking for increased speed or strength, rotate onto your side and move your top arm in a forward scooping motion to pull you ahead in conjunction with your fin kicks. Extend your bottom arm straight ahead as a guide.
Tips and Warnings
- Prepare for your swim by selecting fins based on your experience level and your intentions (such as recreational swimming in a pool vs. underwater diving). The style of fin you choose affects how you swim. Wide fins require you to swim with legs spread farther apart. Long fins require stronger kicks. You may want to keep a couple of styles on hand if you swim regularly under different circumstances. Rinse your fins with clean water after every use, and allow to air dry upside down.
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