Without fins we would not be able to move through the water while diving. The drag of our equipment along with the small surface area of our feet make it practically impossible to maneuver without them.
Good fins give us all the power we need. A couple of strong kicks with our legs and off we go.
Components
- Blade
- Shoe
Blade
The blade is the flat part used to thrust through the water. They usually have side rails to provide some stiffness. The blades themselves come in many different shapes and sizes, depending on the intended use. Many have vents to allow reduce the effort needed to kick. Some have ribs to provide firmer feel. There are even split fins, which have a “split” down the middle of the blade. Split fins act like a propeller and allow faster speeds in the water with reduced work load.
Shoe
The shoe is where you put your feet. There are two types, a boot type and adjustable strap. Boot type fins are used primarily for snorkeling. Adjustable strap fins are what we normally use for scuba diving.
Selection
Fins come in a huge variety of designs and costs. When selecting the fins, comfort is always a major concern. Make sure the fins fit you. They will not change after use, you cannot break them in like shoes we use on land.
Also consider the primary type of diving you enjoy. If you are a current adrenaline junky, strong stiff fins may fit your style. Prefer nice calm diving, then split fins could be an option. If you travel a lot when diving, also consider the weight of the fins.
Not always possible, but certainly best if you can try our a pair before buying. Maybe your buddy or a local dive shop has the same style you could borrow or rent.