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Do Split Fins Really Work?Split Fins, what are they? 
Other examples of split fins include Scubapro Twin Jet and Mares Raptor fins. Now that that’s out of the way, once you get past the name all these fins work in basically the same way. When you kick down through the water, the split opens into a “V” shape. The bottom part of the fin develops high pressure due to the large amount of water being forced through the small “V” opening. The pressure on the other side of the fin is lower so the diver is propelled forward (think of the way aeroplane lift works). The result is that you glide through the water with remarkably little effort. How much effort do I use with Split Fins?The effort involved is so minimal that when most people try split fins for the first time they say that they don’t think the fins are working.The only way I use to be able to sell the darn things was to challenge my students to an underwater race. They’d use their fins and I’d use the split fins. I’d beat them every time and I wouldn’t even be out of breath. Sound like split fins are the bee’s knees? Well, they kind of are, that is, as long as you know how to use them and under what conditions they should be used. In order to get the most out of split fins you’ll have to modify your kick a little. The long, broad strokes that you were taught to use with traditional dive fins doesn’t work well with split fins. You’ll find that you get a lot more oomph if you use short, rapid strokes. Incidentally, keeping your kicks shorter will also make you more streamlined and reduce drag which will increase your speed while decreasing your kicking effort. Are Split Fins for me?So where do these fins work well and where should you avoid using them?Split fins are great in open water conditions regardless of current. If the current is safe enough to dive, you’re good to go with your split fins. Atomic even states that their fins have been independently tested to show a 20% -40% reduction in air consumption over traditional fins when swimming against a current. In my experience I’d say they’re probably right. However if you’re a diver who loves the close quarters of a shipwreck or a cave system, I’d probably pick a different kind of fin. In these kinds of conditions divers often use a special kind of kick called a modified flutter kick. I’ve found that split fins lack the finesse to effectively maneuver using this type of kick. Bottom Line?So what’s the bottom line?If you’re an open water diver and you don’t have a pair of split fins, you’re missing out on extra bottom time and a much more comfortable dive. Go visit your local dive shop and get a pair before your next dive. I promise you’ll thank me for it. Return to Underwater Diving Equipment Home Page.
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