Choosing the Right Fin, have you got the best fin?

Choosing the right fin isn’t as easy as it once was.

Once upon a time you could go into a dive shop and say, “I need a pair of dive fins” and you’d get a pair of big, heavy, flat, hunks of rubber. They had any color you wanted as long as you wanted black.

Now things are a lot different. Fins come in every color of the rainbow and there are enough different kinds of fins to make your head spin.

So what kind of fin should you choose and how do you know if it fits right?

Well, let’s take a look.

What Kind of Fin Should I Choose?

Good question.

The answer depends entirely on what kind of diving you plan on doing and how much effort you’re willing to put into your kick. If you’re not sure what kind of diving you plan on doings then I’d suggest a traditional dive fin like the Mares Quattro. These fins are highly versatile and work well for just about anyone in just about any condition.

Most new divers, however, plan on soaking up the sun in some exotic location and diving in crystal clear water that seems to go on forever in every direction.

In conditions like these, I’d take split fins hands down. Split fins are just about everywhere these days. Common examples are Atomic Splitfins and Scubapro Twin Jets. The reason these fins are so great for pleasure diving is that you barely even know that they’re on your feet. Split fins require a much shorter kick stroke to deliver the same power that a traditional fin will give you using your normal flutter kick. With split fins you can glide effortlessly through the water looking at all the pretty wee beasties that populate the tropical reef and you’ll generally consume a lot less air than if you were wearing a more traditional fin. The price on this kind of fin is a bit high, but they’re worth every penny.

Are you a diving predator?

Choosing the right fin for predators.

You have visions of yourself stalking limestone ledges with a spear gun in one hand and a lobster snare in the other.

What would be the perfect fin for you, the great hunter? Well for you, oh nimrod of the sea, I would go with a long blade fin with as stiff a blade as you can comfortably handle. Be aware that neither a mamma’s boy nor daddy’s little girl will be able to kick these brutes easily, but for those few who can, these fins will deliver the kind of insane power necessary to get the jump on a Red Snapper or take out an outrageous Grouper.

Now that you’ve decided what kind of fin you want, you need to make sure you pick out one that’ll fit you right.

Choosing the Right Fin to fit you?

Okay. After you put the fins on, get up and take a quick walk around the dive shop to see how they feel… just kidding.

Make sure you have your dive boots on if you’re trying on fins with straps. If you don’t have dive boots, I strongly suggest you purchase a pair with your fins because whatever fin you buy will feel different with a different boot on. Your heel should stick out about 1 or 2 inches out of the fin and you should be able to wiggle your fin from side to side without feeling your foot bounce around inside. If your fins pass those two tests, you’ve got a good fit!

Now you’re ready to head off to the dive shop and pick out the perfect pair of fins for you. I’d say 99 out of 100 dive shops are staffed with experienced and knowledgeable divers so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Good luck and safe diving!

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