Which fins are best for me?

Right at the very beginning of our diving adventure, we are put in a situation where we have to make a decision without having much idea of what criteria should be our determinant.

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This is the case with fins, for example. What should they be and how much do they cost? How do different models differ from each other? And above all, how to choose the best ones for me? There is no shortage of questions, so we hope to give you some insight into this topic. We hope that in this article you will find important tips which will be helpful in the selection and purchase of your fins.

Flippers can be divided into two basic categories: kayaks (worn on bare feet) and strap-on (worn over a neoprene boot). The first ones are perfect for swimming, snorkelling in Poland and trips to warm places, where we will dive from a pier or a boat. They have limited ability to protect our foot from the cold and the propulsion they provide. The second type, is dedicated to diving in cold water and conducted from the shore (they eliminate the danger of hurting yourself on shells, sea urchins, etc.).

An example of calico fins with a slit feather.

The choice of the right fins is determined by our needs and the specifics of the dive. We will not buy a heavy “technical” fin with springs, if our goal is recreational swimming within the OWD limit. Similarly, choosing light and soft fins is not a good idea if you have a two-bottle set and a dry-suit and intend to make increasingly difficult dives. Also important is the style in which we move underwater, as different fins are suitable for so called “kink” and others for “frog”.

When it comes to fins, we should pay attention mainly to their weight (we’ll be taking them to the pool, travelling abroad) and the flexibility and strength of the fin feather. The rule of thumb is, the harder the fin, (which means we get better propulsion) the heavier it is. It’s important not to go to extremes, because either we’ll be waving our legs like crazy and standing still, or we’ll quickly get tired swimming in too heavy and stiff fins. As for the models available on the market, there is an infinite number of them. Depending on our tastes and financial possibilities, we will be able to decide on a modest or more sophisticated and polished model. Looking for fins, it is worth to get acquainted with the offer of such companies as Mares, Cressi, Technisub, Aqualung or Scubapro. The price range starts at around 70pln and can reach 500-600pln for very specialised and technologically advanced models.

When choosing a pair of strapless fins, there are more things to look at and the choice of models available is greater, with them differing from each other, much more so than the squirrel fins. Depending on what equipment configuration we use and what style we swim underwater, we will focus on specific models and solutions.

In case we are just starting our adventure with diving and this is our first pair, the matter is relatively simple. We definitely don’t want heavy technical fins (best suited for frogs), let’s focus on some universal model for not too high price. We can recognise it by its relatively low weight and quite high flexibility. Often the feathers of such fins have various inserts and channels made of very soft materials to further reduce drag and improve manoeuvrability and hydrodynamics. If we don’t have shoes yet, let’s choose them first, but when we already have our shoes, let’s remember to take them with us when we go to measure the fins, because they must fit very well (comfort is a very important factor for a successful dive). In most shops and diving centres, there are people who dive a lot themselves, so it’s worth asking them about different models and taking their advice.

If this is our next pair, but we want to stay with the so-called recreation, we can try harder and slightly heavier fins than our previous ones. We will certainly feel the difference, as over time our body gets used to the loads we regularly serve it, so from time to time we can safely raise the bar to achieve more visible results – in this case, more effort and fewer movements to swim faster. There is a whole range of models, designs and patents available. The products of Scubapro, Mares, Cressi, Tusa, Oceanic are worth mentioning, their products are available for 235-500pln.

The part where you put your foot should end before the heel, so that about 5cm of the shoe extends beyond the fin. In order to protect the fin from being lost, manufacturers outdo each other in creating new patents and conveniences. The standard are rubber straps with plastic buckles. Buckles may be of various types, with locks, security devices etc. However, we should remember that what comes easy to us on the surface, does not have to be so easy in water, so I advise against using too “sophisticated” and complicated solutions. According to my observations, appropriate springs work best in this place. They are durable, do not break, do not jam and are incredibly simple and easy to put on / take off, and their cost should not exceed 125pln.

For those who are looking for a better “kick” underwater, or have purchased a dry suit and want to match it with fins, the best option will be the previously mentioned heavy, strong fin called “technical”. It is characterised by a much shorter blade, more comfortable for frog swimming, solid construction and high weight. Often springs are included in the set, if you don’t have them, remember that you will have to buy them! This type of fin is largely only available in black (there are exceptions e.g. yellow, white, moro). In the construction of the technical fin the characteristic element are the nozzles, through which water flows freely during the movement (less resistance, better hydrodynamics).

The undoubted advantages of this type of fins are their high speed (at the expense of the force used), their weight (allows you to put some weight on your legs and catch the correct trim if you’re using a dry suit), their durability (it’s a solid piece of fin that will last for years and hundreds of dives) and the included springs that make dressing/removing them trivial, regardless of whether you’re in the water or on land/ice. Leading manufacturers of the above are: Scubapro, Dive System, Scubatech, Poseidon, Beaver or Manta. Prices start at 250pln (without springs) and go up to 700-750pln.

An example of a technical fin.

Source: Own initiative