Choosing The Right Fins
Having the right fins when off out on a scuba dive can sometimes make the difference between a great dive and a … not so great dive…
It’s all about your personal comfort levels and how they help your performance underwater!
But when searching for the perfect fins, what should you be looking out for?
Why Do We Need Fins?
The reason divers wear fins is to overcome water resistance caused by our diving equipment whilst underwater. Fins allow us to move far more efficiently and appropriately through the water without expelling much energy. As divers, it's important to conserve as much air as possible, therefore wearing suitable good-quality fins is a must!
What To Look For
When looking to buy the perfect pair of fins, there are many options to consider but it’s best to concentrate on choosing a pair that will help conserve energy. Modern-day fins are made with comfort in mind, developed to be streamlined and efficient. They’re generally made from plastic, rubber, and carbon fibre however these days you can also buy eco-friendly fins made from recycled plastic!
There are many fin types, which can become overwhelming if you’re not quite sure what you’re meant to be keeping an eye out for but luckily there’s a wide selection in all different price ranges, so let’s break it down.
Open heeled fins have much wider and more spacious foot pockets, designed to be worn with dive boots. Boots are helpful in protecting your feet from potential harm and keeping them warm which is why open heeled fins are generally more appropriate for colder climates and rough shore entries (walking on stones/rubble to get to the dive site).
Closed heel fins are considered conventional fins and are still a very popular choice amongst divers and snorkelers alike. These fins are much more affordable than opened heeled ones, however as there is no requirement for dive boots, it also means they offer no thermal protection. A closed heel means that these fins are non-adjustable and if ill-fitting, could slide off so they’re probably best suited to warmer climates.
Paddle fins can be both open or closed, these are the most traditional fins and are used in an up and down motion. Due to their stiff design, they’re very helpful for strong currents and powerful strokes.
Split fins are designed with a long slit straight up the middle of the fin. This helps with flexible fast movements through the water and more efficient swimming.
Force fins are usually smaller than the more traditional fin but don’t let this put you off. They are packed with one hell of a powerful kick and are designed to resemble dolphin fins or shark fins.
Flippable fins are probably the most versatile, if not modern, of the bunch. They have a foldable blade that locks into place, which is helpful for walking on various surfaces or climbing ladders in and out of the water.
Remember that as well as choosing a cool style of fin that you’ll be happy wearing, comfort is still the most important!
How to Fit a Pair of Fins
After you’ve decided what design you’re after, the first step would be to try them on. Make sure you’ve got a pair of dive boots to wear if trying on open heeled fins.
Take a seat and slide your feet into the fin, if you’re trying on a closed heel then the fin should feel snug and comfortable against your barefoot. If it’s an open heel then make sure you can see a few inches of your dive boot poking out at the back.
The next step is to move your foot and shake it a bit to check that the fin isn’t too loose and doesn’t fall off. Remember, underwater everything becomes a little bit more slippery so for a closed heel, make sure it’s tight enough against your foot to stay in place. For an open heel, ensure the strap is comfortable against the back of your foot, not pinching your ankle and can be easily adjusted if necessary.
Finally, a good trick is to raise your foot with the fin and reach forward to grab the tip with your hand. Test the comfort levels whilst you flex your foot and decide whether the fin is secure enough to stay put.
Best Place To Buy
Although there’s a variety of online stores that you can browse and purchase from, it’s best to physically visit a dive store and go from there. If you have any questions at all then dive centre staff will always be the best people to ask. Many dive shops can even order in your preference if they don’t have it on hand and can offer both great advice and recommendations.
Hopefully, this quick guide has helped you to find the right fins!
Looking for the right mask? Click here to find out how!
