Freediving Fins -
A New Breed of Flipper!

Freediving Fins

Now, you may not be a freediver, but we should talk about the freediver fins and the difference between them and a regular old dive fin. They are very similar to the paddle fins, but they are much longer and are engineered to work with a kick that is stiff, slow, and wide to conserve energy when freediving. Most are made with a full foot pocket which is very rigid – all in an effort to reduce weight and increase power. Since conserving energy is their main purpose, they are obviously very efficient. However, if needed, they can also deliver good speed if used correctly.

PROS:

•Efficient. Designed to conserve energy.

•Speed. If used correctly and you have the leg strength, the extended fin can give you extra power if needed.

CONS:

•Experience. Because of the longer design and rigid foot pockets, these aren’t for a beginner.

•Restrictions. Make sure that if you are planning on taking a dive class or going on a snorkel or scuba trip, you check to see if they have restrictions on wearing the longer style of fins. Many companies and organizations won’t allow you to wear this fin design because of the potential hazards they bring. Due to their extended length, many feel they are more likely to harm coral and other sea life. Additionally, some think they are a hazard if you are swimming into structures or wrecks due to their lack of maneuverability.

Monofin

This design is definitely the most unique of all the different scuba flipper styles. It is a single-bladed fin with fused foot pockets. It reminds me of a whale’s tale. Often freedivers wear monofins, which, like the freediving fins, help to conserve energy and therefore, air.

It is said that freedivers wearing monofins greatly resemble mermaids. Monofins may be new to me; however, not to the rest of the world. There is even an official sport called fin-swimming, in which the competitors race wearing monofins!

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