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Snorkel fins are a frequently overlooked piece of snorkeling equipment which make a huge difference in snorkeling as they provide the propulsion
system when in the water. Snorkeling without fins is certainly
possible, but fins add so much speed and manueverability to snorkeling,
it really is a different experience without them. Fins give swimmers
more power to move through the water, increasing their swim speed by
approximately fifty percent. Fins also focus all propulsion power in
the legs, taking the strain off a swimmer’s arms and freeing them to
handle equipment and explore.
There are two basic types of
fins, open-heel fins and full foot fins. To be used effectively
a diver’s fins must fit comfortably and securely. Too tight and
they can hurt and cause blisters, too loose and they may chafe
or fall off. Full foot fins, which fit
over the entire foot, offer more protection to the bottom of a
diver’s heel, but because they are not adjustable they do not
provide as secure a fit. Open-heel fins, which are held in
place by an adjustable strap, can be more secure and often
easier to put on and take off. However, because they provide no
protection for the bottom of the foot, many divers choose to
wear Neoprene booties when using open-heel fins, to protect
their feet against sharp objects and rough underwater surfaces. |
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Open Heel Fins |
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Full Foot Fins |
Whichever type of fins you decide to use, all
divers should become comfortable with their fins both in and out of the
water before taking them out for a dive. Although fins are designed to
make it easier to maneuver through water, they take more effort to move
than bare legs, so beginners may find their legs tiring out more quickly
than they expect. Fins with longer and more rigid blades take more
effort to swim in, so beginner divers are encouraged to use smaller,
more flexible fins.
Initially, many
divers find it cumbersome and awkward to walk around on land with their
fins on. Be sure to practice and get comfortable with your fins on dry
land, practice lifting your feet high to prevent the blade of the fins
from tripping you. You may prefer to enter the water backwards to make
it easier to walk into the surf. |
