| Know Thy Flippers | | | | important for a beginner who has to get used to |
| Have you listened to the discussions of professional | | | | exerting more force than usual, being underwater. |
| scuba divers? They talk a lot about fins and | | | | If you are ready for force swimming, the bladed fins |
| propulsion. If you are wondering what it is all about, | | | | will give you speed underwater. The blade pushes the |
| this piece will help you decode some of the scuba | | | | water backward when you kick. This is great for the |
| jargon your friends are spewing out like jets of | | | | initial forward thrust. Towards the end of the down |
| steam. Most likely, you have heard about the scuba | | | | stroke, the fin returns to its position - poised for the |
| flippers, straps, and designs, which are their favorite | | | | next kick. The scuba flippers with bladed fins actually |
| conversation pieces. | | | | enhance the muscular activity of your legs. Swimming |
| The scuba flippers of your childhood has mutated | | | | underwater becomes sheer pleasure. |
| into a more sophisticated device. Continuous research | | | | Paddle fins are common for scuba diving. This helps |
| has contributed to the newer, better scuba flippers | | | | you move in the water with less exertion. The |
| your friends are raving about. However, they will | | | | introduction of the pivoting blades that helps you get |
| have comparisons - these reflect their different | | | | the right angle, hence there is more push to your |
| needs and diving styles. | | | | kick. |
| Different Strokes for Different Fins | | | | The scuba flippers with flat fins are slowly being |
| There are two variants of the scuba flippers. The full | | | | nudged out by split fins. With a vertical split fin, you |
| foot fins which you use with bare feet, and the open | | | | can slice the water neatly. Water passes between |
| heel fins which you wear with boots. The full foot | | | | the split and reduces the water pull. This makes |
| fins are best for those snorkeling jaunts while the | | | | propelling forward easier -you don't have to tire |
| latter is ideal for scuba diving. You should no longer | | | | yourself out with repetitive and hard kicking for a |
| be confused about the choice you have to make. | | | | single straightforward direction. Sounds easy? |
| If you are still using the standard scuba flippers, you | | | | Proper care of your scuba flippers is essential. Once |
| will notice that instead of forward propulsion, you are | | | | your scuba flippers lose theirshape, these will no |
| just propelled up. The flat fin causes a loss of 10% | | | | longer give the propulsion you enjoyed previously. |
| propulsion when you kick because of the 27 degree | | | | Therefore, in storing your fins, make sure these are |
| distance between your heel and the foot. The drag | | | | placed away from the weight of your scuba gear, |
| slows your speed. This is a nuisance when you want | | | | and avoid the habit of arranging them in a vertical |
| to move fast and straight ahead in the coral depths. | | | | position. |
| Increasing Speed Underwater | | | | Health Benefits Too |
| But you if are just starting to join the elect circle of | | | | If you think that snorkeling and swimming are just |
| the scuba diving community, scuba flippers with slim | | | | for fun, think again. These activities have health |
| fins are right for you. You will wonder why instead of | | | | benefits too. You burn more calories with every |
| splits, slim fins have open toe pockets. The pockets | | | | stroke, and kick. Your heart muscles become |
| add force to your kick. It helps coordinate your | | | | stronger. The advantages out distance the pleasure |
| thighs, hips, and buttock movements. This is | | | | you get from the swimming faster and better. |