However, for sports that require a little more agility, and where energy conservation isn’t as much of a concern, I prefer short fins like the ScubaPro Go Sport. This is because longer fins are more efficient at moving the diver further through the water than short or mid-length fins. PM: Do you prefer shorter or longer fins? Why?Ĭ.R.: For sports like free diving, I prefer to wear long fins as they’re best for propelling into deep water. I also scoured popular review websites, social media communities, and polled people within my network to see which fins are all but guaranteed to make your time in the water more enjoyable. I prioritized comfort, durability, effort-to-propulsion efficiency, and value for money when fine-tuning the list. The selections below feature the best flippers for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and free diving and include recommendations from industry professionals and athletes. If you feel pinching, hot spots, or chafing while wearing a set of fins, the foot pocket might not suit your foot shape, or you should try a larger size. The thicker the material, the more suitable it is for cold water. Dive booties come in multiple thicknesses, catering to varying water temperatures. When sizing, take note if that model is best worn with bare feet, neoprene socks, or dive booties, and adjust accordingly. Closed heel fins have a full foot pocket that’s available in set sizes, creating a better fit for greater energy transfer from leg to fin with each kick.įins are unisex and correspond to shoe size, though you’ll want to check the size chart for each model. The adjustability of open heel fins makes them ideal for families and groups, because multiple people can tailor the fit of one pair. This style is sometimes best worn with dive booties for comfort, warmth, and fit. Open heel fins have a foot pocket with an adjustable back strap, making them easy to put on and take off. Finding the Right Fitįins come with two heel types: open and closed. If you’re looking for one set of fins that can handle multiple sports, the Tusa FF-22 Solla is an affordable option.
Free diving fins are built with long, thin blades that help free divers and people who spearfish dive deep, expending as little energy as possible. Scuba diving fins are designed to maximize kick power with their longer and wider blades, helping a scuba diver push not only themselves but also their gear through the water. Snorkel fins range from short to long and are flexible enough to help a snorkeler move on the surface of the water with ease. As a rule, short fins are best for agility, whereas long fins help divers move forward with speed.įins or flippers made specifically for swimming have short, agile blades that help a swimmer maintain their form. Although all fins help you move more efficiently underwater, the shape and size varies depending on the activity for which they’re made. When you kick, water passes over the blade’s greater surface area, propelling you farther forward than your body alone can. Types of FinsĮvery flipper has a foot pocket connected to a blade. My dive writing has appeared in outlets such as Scuba Diving Magazine, Vice, Moon Travel Guides, and more.
I’m also the founder of The Salt Sirens, a website about ocean sports.
As an AIDA 3 free diver, experienced scuba diver, swimmer, and regular snorkeler, I have tested tens of fins personally. The Expert: I am in the ocean on a near daily basis.
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