Scuba fins are an essential tool when diving. Rubber scuba fins help you swim more efficiently, preventing fatigue and increasing your agility. Wearing fins while diving also can help protect your feet from rocks other hard items on the ocean floor. Visit a dive shop to evaluate the different types of scuba fins to determine which type is best for you.
Closed-Heel
Closed-heel scuba fins, which are also known as full-foot fins, are the most affordable types of fins, according to the Aqua Views website. Closed-heel fins look like regular slippers with fins attached. These fins come in specific sizes and do not have adjustable straps. You don't wear booties or socks with closed-heel fins, which makes them a good option for snorkeling or light diving in warm water.
Open-Heel
Open-heel scuba fins are open in the back with straps that hold the fin on your foot. The straps are sometimes adjustable, allowing for a custom fit. You can wear open-heel fins barefoot, but it's best to wear them with dive socks or booties to keep warm and protect your feet. PADI states that open-heel fins are the type of fin most commonly used by scuba divers.
Non-Split Conventional
Scuba fins with blades that are completely solid are known non-split fins. Non-split fins work best when you kick as you would when normally swimming, with large movements. Conventional scuba fins have rigid blades that become more flexible towards the end of the fin. The Scuba Diving website states that non-split conventional fins are a good choice for beginning divers.
Split Fins
Split scuba fins have blades that are split down the middle, dividing the blade into two sections. Split fins are more expensive than non-split fins, but they may provide you with better agility. If you are diving in water with a strong current, split fins may be less effective than non-split fins. When wearing split fins, it's best to swim with small butterfly kicks.
Force Fins
Force fins are modeled after fish tails and designed with a V-shape cut out of the edge of the fin. Wearing force fins allow you to use less kicking effort while swimming. Force fins may help you swim faster, but they are not likely to help you with agility while diving.
Pivoting Fins
Pivoting fins have hinges in the blades to allow for flexibility while swimming. Made from softer plastic than other fins, pivoting fins are designed to scoop water better, delivering more speed during use.
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