Fin Removal and Replacement Learning the Right Way

Fin removal and replacement. Maybe you just got your fins or maybe its been so long since you’ve been diving, that you’ve practically forgotten how to use them and now you find yourself looking around to brush up on how to use the darn things.

No problem. They’re actually pretty easy to use correctly. All you need to know is how to put them on safely, which less face it, can be pretty tricky and how to use them to get maximum efficiency in the water.

How to Don Dive Fins

Fin removal and replacement in or out of the water is easy, here’s an easy technique that you can use.

First you need to find something to lean on. If you can’t find anything then have your dive buddy come over and you can use each other for support. Once you have something or someone to lean on, place one of your fins on your “leaning arm” and lean against your support. Now lift the leg closest to your support in such a way that your legs look like the number four (4) pointing towards that object, or person, supporting you. Then use your free hand put your foot in the fin and pull the strap around your ankle.

Once you’re done with your first fin, turn around and repeat the process for the other leg. You can remove your fins using this technique as well.

But what about fin removal and replacement to get on a dive boat? I’d still recommend using the number four (4) position to take off your fins. Just hold on to the boat’s ladder for support. I’d also recommend slipping the fin straps on your arms instead of handing them up to the divemaster. The reason for keeping your fins with you is because you never know when a wave will catch you by surprise and knock you clear of the boat. If that happens and your fins are with the divemaster, you’re gonna have a hard time swimming back to the boat. In a strong current swimming back to the boat can be downright futile.

Having your fins on you at all times assures you that even if a rouge wave does kick you from the boat, you can always just put the fins back on and swim back.

How To Use Dive Fins Efficiently

This one can get a bit tricky for a couple of reasons.

First of all there are several types of kicks you can use when diving and each one is best suited for different dive conditions.

In addition there are some fins that suggest slightly modified kick styles from the norm (split fins being one of them).

For the sake of simplicity, I’ll focus on the most popular kick that works best with the vast majority of dive fins: the modified flutter kick.

The modified flutter kick

To execute the modified flutter kick, get yourself into a horizontal position in the water column, keep your legs straight and bring each leg up and down. It’s okay to bend your legs a little as you bring them down but don’t bend them too much or you’ll lose all your power and end up barely moving at all.

It’s also important to keep your toes pointed out too so the water can be cupped in you fin. That part is usually easy since the water will usually push your feet in that position anyway.

As I mentioned before, there are many different styles of dive kicks and each one works well for different diving situations. If you have any questions about what will work best for the area you plan on diving, just ask your friendly local dive shop owner! Good luck and safe diving!

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