Often when faced with buying SCUBA gear people sideline its importance and mostly go for attractiveness, color and flexibility. The most common misconception about diving fins is that the harder the fin and less flexible, the better power and faster you can go.
The truth of the matter is you, don’t really need to be going by speed or power, after all you’re there to explore the underwater life, not race your buddy or catch the fish. SCUBA fins that are less flexible fool divers into thinking that they are generating more propulsion where as the reality is, they create more resistance. No fins have power. You are the power for your forward movement, the more you can feel your fins, the more energy you’re expending and the more you’re working for them, instead of having your fins work for you. Since the name of the game in diving is to decrease energy use (which in turn decreases oxygen consumption and increases bottom time), it makes sense to use more efficient fins, not more “powerful” ones, as long as they do the job of moving you through the water. The rate of your breathing and the time you spend to consume your air is directly related to your kicking style and that’s where the necessity for good fins comes into play. Owning a good pair of dive fins for yourself instead of renting can make all the difference as far as your movement underwater and enjoyment is concerned while SCUBA Diving.
For starters, you need to choose dive fins that are easy on you in the water, and allow you to navigate well. Fit and comfort are of utmost importance when buying fins. Fins that are even slightly loose for your feet may cause your ankles to hurt as they would move while you kicked. They can give you blisters and chafes and make your dive uncomfortable. Loose fins can also be easily kicked off while on a dive. Your fins should have features and a size appropriate for you. Extra long fins if you’re a relatively short person can put undue stress on your leg muscles during propulsion causing them to cramp. So, choosing a good pair of SCUBA fins while investing in your first pieces Diving Gear and Equipment is critical.
Here’s a look at the Types of Dive Fins to help you choose a good pair of SCUBA Fins in our Aqua guide- SCUBA Gear: Types of Fins
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