They are usually made of rubber, composite, or simple plastics. This fin type acts as an extension as the feet kick while swimming. This type of fin is better for snorkeling and long-hour dives because it can reduce cramps and leg muscle fatigue. Split fins are suitable for divers who prefer flutter kick to frog kick. However, there was a study in 2003 that questioned the significance of the split fin designs. Some swimfin manufacturers believe that split fins act like a propeller that lifts a swimmer forward.

There are fins that have a split in the blade’s centerline. Open-heel models are commonly used in diving where a diver needs foot protection and those who have to walk from shore to the water. They are normally adjustable so they can fit almost any foot size. Open-Heel Fin TypeĪs the name suggests, the heel area is open and the fin is clasped by spring straps. It is advisable to choose the right size as they are non-adjustable. Full-foot fins are commonly used on surface swimming like snorkeling. It can be worn with soft neoprene socks or bare feet. This type of swimfin is also called closed-heel or slipper fins. This helps lessen oxygen consumption and enhances efficiency. Many freedivers use monofins and very long fins because they do not entail high-frequency leg movement during underwater propulsion. It is important that the legs don’t bend so that the motion is transferred to the monofin. This kind of technique is known as dolphin kick. The movement should start from the shoulder, followed by the hips, and then to the monofin. A swimmer who wears monofins will have a movement of rising and falling from the water that starts in the shoulder while arms are extended forward and the head is locked in between the biceps. Monofins are commonly used in underwater orienteering, free-diving, and finswimming. They can also come in different sizes and stiffness depending on the wearer’s swimming style, type of activity, and muscle power. They are called monofins because it only consists of a single blade but it has two foot pockets for the wearer’s feet.īoth bifins and monofins are usually made of rubber, aluminum, carbon fiber, or glass fiber composites. Sometimes they are called bifins or simply swimming fins, but to differentiate them from monofins, they are often called bifins. Most fins come as a pair meant for each foot.

This is why it is important to know the different kinds of swimfins and their purposes. The swim fins used by scuba divers may not provide the same effect when used in snorkeling and vise versa. A swim fin comes in different types and each type is meant for different functions. Over the years, swimfins have evolved to meet the requirements of each water sport. Many water sports use swimfins such as the following: A swimfin consists of a blade and a foot pocket where the blade can be attached to the foot of the wearer. Wearing swim fins can make the wearer move effectively through the water. Human feet are not shaped appropriately and are too small to provide more thrust particularly when a swimmer is carrying a piece of equipment. The main purpose of swim fins is to help a person move through the water more smoothly and efficiently as a fish would. Swim fins, commonly called diving fins or swimfins, are swimming accessories or gear that can be worn on the feet and hands when swimming.

Whatsize swim flippers