Back in the early days of diving, SCUBA fins were basic paddle fins, modeled after some of the very first dive fins ever created – Benjamin Franklin made one of the first pairs ever, for swimming in the Charles River near his boyhood home. Today, divers are faced with a wide range of fin choices, with each being particularly useful for different diving scenarios. This information should help you to select the best fins for your favorite dives.
Paddle Fins
Usually made from very stiff plastic, rubber, or composite, these blades are simple extensions of your feet that can help you to swim more efficiently. Interestingly, men do better in a stiff blade, while most women, especially smaller statured women, do better in a more flexible paddle fin.
Some of the best paddle fins on the market are angled to provide better propulsion with every kick. These are particularly effective when diving in a current.
Split Fins
Featuring a split at the end of each blade, split fins are designed to propel divers through the water with ease. Although some naysayers have tested the fins and claim that there is no difference in propulsion, many divers do prefer them. If you plan to dive in overhead environments, such as inside wrecks or in caves, split fins are a poor choice as they can become snagged on lines and cause entanglement.
Vented Fins
There are a variety of different vented fin styles available, some with small vents, and others with larger openings intended to reduce drag. These tend to be lightweight and are the preferred choice of snorkelers. Not usually the best for use in heavy currents, they are nice for shallow reef dives and depending on the model and the type of diving you do, can be good all-around fins.
How to Choose SCUBA Fins
To begin with, be sure that the fins you choose are designed specifically for SCUBA diving; not for snorkeling or other sports. For instance, freedivers use different fin styles, and so do snorkelers. Next, let common sense be your guide.
Just as with any other important piece of equipment, you want your fins to feel right and work well. The most common fin buying mistake is purchasing fins that are too small; while large blades might feel awkward on land, they’ll help you feel at home in the water, providing the power needed to propel you and your gear forward. As long as the foot pocket fits you right, the blade is probably proportioned correctly. Some additional tips include the following:
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Choose your foot style carefully. Full foot styles are intended for warm water diving – they can be donned easily, like slippers, and you don’t need to wear booties underneath. Open heel adjustable fins are worn with booties, and are the most popular choice in foot styles as they can be worn at varying temperatures.
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Try on fins wearing your own booties. Your foot ought to go all the way in, until the upper edge of the fin pocket reaches just to your ankle. Your toes should not come into contact with the bottom tip of the pocket. Even if it feels ok, if your foot only goes part way into a fin, that fin is too small and will cause you to tire quickly.
Last, but not least, remember that you get what you pay for. Choose quality over economy if at all possible, and if you’re not sure what you want, talk to other divers or get a dive shop employee to help you make a good choice. Be sure to get extra straps, and don’t forget to mark your fins. You can avoid embarrassment by marking them inside the foot pocket, if you like. Once you’ve got new fins, remember to use them – have fun!