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Scuba Diving Fins, the most popular styles.

The Broad Strokes of Scuba Diving Fins.

So you’ve finally decided to take the plunge.

You’ve wanted to do it all your life and this year is the year you’re learning to scuba dive.

Now you’re standing in front of a wall of what seems like hundreds of different kinds of scuba diving fins and you’re wondering which fin to choose. That choice isn’t as easy to as it was twenty years ago. Back then all fins were basically the same.

Now there are dozens of different brands to choose from including a handful of proprietary fins boasting unique methods of propulsion and all claiming to be the best. But the real question is, “Which fin is the best for you?”

Here’s a quick overview of the most popular styles of scuba diving fins including their pros and cons.

Traditional Scuba Diving Fins

These scuba diving fins make use of your major muscle groups to propel you through the water with maximum efficiency.

When you kick down in the water (down stroke) these fins tend to stiffen up to push massive amounts of water down and away from you which propels you forward. When you bring your leg up in the water (upstroke), traditional scuba diving fins give way and allow you to bring your leg back into position with little effort.

The main benefit of this kind of scuba diving fin is versatility.

Whether you’re diving in open water, inside a shipwreck, or in a cave; these fins will work for you and they’ll do a good job.

Fast water, slow water, it doesn’t matter. In short, these fins are the best choice for a beginner who isn’t sure what type of diving they’ll fall in love with.

The primary shortcomings of these fins are few. If you’re only diving in the crystal clear, calm waters of the tropics then proprietary fins such as split fins will deliver the same performance with much less effort.

Common examples of traditional diving fins include Mares Quattros, Technisub Idea3’s, and Aqualung Blades 2’s.

Long Blade Scuba Fins

Long blade scuba fins work in the same way that traditional diving fins do. The difference is that long blade fins are (this is gonna shock you) longer. Okay, so it isn’t quite that simple. These fins also tend to be much stiffer that than traditional diving fins which means much more power but also much more effort.

This type of fin is used primarily for freediving, that is, diving without using scuba equipment.

Long blade fins provide loads of power when you’re streamlined and cruising through the water but once you add all the extra drag of scuba gear, you end up with the same thrust as traditional dive fins but with much more effort. While some divers swear by their long blades, they’re generally not the best choice for beginning scuba divers.

Proprietary Scuba Fins

This category includes Force Fins, Split Fins, and the like. The way they work is as varied as the fins themselves.

Force Fins:
Claim to work by mimicking a whale’s tail.

Split Fins:
Claim to use an alternate method to vary pressure on different sides of the blade to create forward propulsion with more ease than traditional fins.

Generally speaking many of these proprietary fins will give you lots of propulsion for very little effort and are generally great choices for beginners.

On the down side proprietary fins hug the high end of the price scale and if you decide that wreck or cave diving is your passion, these fins might not deliver the kind of performance you need to navigate close quarters. But if you plan on staying in open water, then these fins are a no-brainer if you can stomach the price tag.

Common examples of split fins are Atomic split fins and Scubapro Split fins. Force Fins are a brand unto themselves.

Choosing the Right Fin

This is not as difficult as it may appear, however it use to be a lot easier. Technology has given you more choice than ever.

Have a look here to help you choosing the right fin.

Snorkeling Fins

Okay what is the difference between snorkeling fins and scuba diving fins? Is there any difference?

Well, yes there is and make sure you understand the difference before you part with your hard earned money. If it's cheap there is usually a reason for t!

Have a look here to learn more about snorkeling fins.

Flippers

Flippers or fins, is there a difference? Is it a big deal and who really cares what I call them?

Well you best click here to find out, you don't want to be the laughing stock of the class do you?

Fin Removal & Replacement

Using your fins underwater is easy, putting them on and off can be a little awkward mainly because you are on land or on a boat, but once you know a couple of easy tricks you will be an expert.

Have a look here it will give you some tips on getting your fins on and off and some information on using your fins.

Dive Fin Care & Maintenance

It doesn't take long, do it as soon as you get back from your dive.

Do not sit down once you get home, time for that later

Have a look here it will give you some tips on caring for your dive fins.Hopefully that wall-o-dive-fins doesn’t seem quite so daunting now. Remember that the key is to choose the fin that will give you the most power with the least effort given the kind of diving you plan to do.

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