Scuba fins are an essential piece of diving equipment for both beginners and advanced divers. You'll be wearing your fins from before you even get into the water until your dive is complete, so carefully selecting the proper size and style with the features you'll need is important for a safe and enjoyable diving experience.
Uses
Your leg muscles are some of the biggest in your body, and wearing fins allows you to get the most power from those muscles. The large surface area of the fins allows you to propel yourself faster through the water with less effort than if you were to swim barefoot. While not the primary purpose, scuba fins also serve to protect your feet from sharp objects in the water.
Styles
Scuba fins are available in an adjustable open-heel or closed-foot style. Open-heel fins have a bigger area for your foot to accommodate dive boots. Most scuba divers wear open-heel fins, especially when diving in cooler water temperatures, as dive boots help to keep you warm and offer protection on shore-entry dives. Closed-foot fins fit like a glove over your foot and do not allow you to wear boots. This style of fin is appropriate for snorkeling or very casual warm-water diving.
Blade Types
The blade, or fin, is what propels you through the water, and you have several types of blades from which to choose. The traditional fin, called a paddle blade, is found on most cheaper fins and is better suited for skin divers than scuba divers. Jet fins, a bit shorter and wider than paddle fins, are great for advanced or technical divers. Split fins are basically paddle fins with a large slit running down the center of the blade. Due to their light weight and efficiency in the water, split fins are perfect for any diver, especially those who travel frequently.
Choosing Fins
When shopping for scuba fins, bring your dive boots if you have them, and be ready to tell the sales person about your style of diving. If you're an advanced diver, you'll want a sturdier pair of fins than if you plan to dive occasionally while vacationing. With your boot on, place your foot in the fin's sleeve until the top panel touches your ankle. The fin should feel snug while leaving room for your toes at the end of the sleeve.
Tips
Always label your fins inside the foot pocket with a permanent marker. Next time you're on a busy dive boat and lose track of your fins, they'll be more likely to find their way back to you if labeled. If possible, purchase an extra pair of straps for adjustable fins in case the primary set breaks during a dive trip.
Member Comments