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The fins are our underwater propulsion engine, so they are an essential part for diving. It is important that they fit well, tight and do not hurt us. Hence the importance of having your own personal ones. Many times with those for rent, they do not fit us, they are small or large, we do not advance, they hurt us ..... We are going to help you choose yours !!
We have prepared a guide on how to choose them and then put our favorites.
TYPES OF FINS
Dimmable:
They are the most used for diving. This type of fin is almost always used with booties or booties. They are the most comfortable and easy to put on and take off.
There are two types :
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With adjustable straps and buckles that allow you to easily fasten and unfasten them, which makes them very comfortable especially when getting out of the water (it is important that you check that you can easily unfasten the release system with one hand).
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With spring strips (which has the advantage of making them more durable, since the rubber strips end up breaking with use). These fins always provide the correct fit without having to adjust them.
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Closed
They are not adjustable and are usually used barefoot, so they are used mainly for snorkeling and apnea, although in some cases, also for scuba diving in warm waters.
They are very easy to carry and travel. It can be a good first purchase without a very high investment
BLADE HARDNESS AND SIZE
Depending on the type of diving, a paddle with greater or lesser hardness will be more useful:
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A soft paddle allows for less effort flapping, ideal for recreational diving, especially if you are a beginner (you do more or less sports in your day-to-day life). Excessively soft fins are very inefficient in the water due to their low ability to counteract the resistance of the water.
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A stiff blade produces a more powerful flap, but it also involves more effort . This type of fin may be suitable, for example, if you are going to do many dives with current , or if you are a technical diver.
In terms of size , currently diving fins are large enough to provide maximum power with the least possible flapping. Try not to buy fins that are for another sport.
At the other extreme, fins with an extra long blade are effective for long distances but require a greater range of flapping, more effort and a more refined technique. They are often used by experienced freedivers who go down to great depths.
People with small feet sometimes have the problem that, given their size, the blades tend to be short. The trick is usually to dive with an extra sock.
Comfort
In the end it is the most important of all. That the fins you buy are comfortable. Neither too tight that the foot comes out red, nor too great that the friction hurts you. The risk that they are very large is also losing them. Remember when you put them on, the strip that holds the fin is above the heel of the boot (if they are open fins)
The fins have to be comfortable to put on and take off at all times.
If you can, before buying some fins, try different ones. Ask your partner to leave them for you and see how you feel.
And once you have yours, take care of them !! Put your name or a brand that you can easily identify!
