A scuba diver's list of essential equipment typically includes swim fins. These specialized shoes have a long, flat blade on the front that helps the diver move and maneuver throw the water more easily, similar to a fish or frog. Swim fins come in a range of shapes, sizes and designs, with each serving different aspects of the sport of scuba diving.
Paddle Fins
Paddle fins consist of a a full shoe or half shoe, and heel strap with a broad and flexible paddle blade connected to the front of the fin shoe. This style of swim fin is typically reinforced with a pair of ribs that run down either side of the paddle. Many models also have ribs that run through the paddle from the shoe. Paddle fins are a good choice for beginners and are often relatively inexpensive.
Long Bladed Fins
Long bladed fins are similar to traditional paddle fins, however, the blade is considerably longer and stiffer to provide a greater amount of resistance for a higher level of propulsion. These fins require a significant amount of leg strength the use them well. They are particularly popular with free divers and blue water spearfishing enthusiasts who are often not carrying the extra drag of scuba tanks and other gear.
Vented Fins
Vented fins have an added feature of an angled vent molded into each fin just in front of the toe of the shoe. The vent allows water to flow throw during forward leg strokes, reducing the resistance of the fin in the water. The vent angle prevents water from flowing through when on leg back strokes, however, allowing full resistance and providing the most forward propulsion.
Split Fins
In split fins, the center of the blade of each fin, from the toe of the shoe to the outer edge, has a split that separates the blade into two equal parts. These fins are designed more for open water swimming on flats and near open structures, such as reefs, rather than the tighter quarters of wrecks or caves. Split fins require a shorter, more rapid stroke that other swim fins, due to the reduced surface area of the blade.
Monofins
A very specialized type of swim fin, monofins, are also used in free diving, as well as in fin swimming. As the name suggests, a monofin incorporates both shoes into a single large fin. To use a monofin the diver uses a stroke with both legs similar to that of a dolphin flapping its tail flukes. Monofins are made from a range of materials including rubber, fiberglass and composite materials. Some models have interchangeable blades.
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