Caribbean dream Islands

Snorkelling Fins

Choosing your snorkelling fins

There are two basic types of fins: full foot and open heel. Open heel fins are designed to fit over the toe of a diving boot, and are secured round the back of the boot with a strap. They are used for diving in all but the warmest waters and are big, heavy and expensive. They are also used in conjunction with a wetsuit for snorkelling in cold water, but have nothing to recommend them for snorkelling in the warm waters of the Caribbean.

Full foot, or shoe fins fit directly onto the foot and are sold in the same sizes as shoes. There is a wide choice available from compact fins for easy snorkelling in protected waters to more elaborate hi-tech designs which are more efficient at converting leg movement into forward motion. Choice depends on the type of snorkelling you intend to do. For swimming out to off shore reefs or snorkelling in strong currents, high quality fins should be chosen.

Donning your Fins

Snorkelling fins are very easy to put on, providing that the correct technique is used. The heel of the fin should be folded down and tucked under the sole. Dip the fin in water to lubricate it, and slide your foot into the foot socket. Snap the heel of the fin back into place, and all is secure. This technique minimises wear and tear on the fin and ensures years of trouble free service.

Finning Technique

Finning action involves a leisurely up and down motion of the legs. Your fins should never break the surface, and the whole movement should be relaxed and comfortable. With conventional fins the movement is from the hips, keeping the legs straight and the toes pointed.

Modern Fin Design

Two recent development in fin design have been developed to increase the efficiency of fins by channeling more water backwards rather than it spilling over the side of the fin. Originally found only on ultra expensive open heel fins, these technologies are now available on full foot fins at very competitive prices.

The first, the split fin, is becoming increasingly popular with divers as it improves manoeuvrability as well as power. These require a rather different leg action, with the kick being from the knee rather than the hip. Some divers swear by split fins, but others still prefer a more conventional design.

The other is based on combining several materials with different properties in the construction of the blade of the fin, with a gusset of more flexible material in the centre of the blade. These are used in a similar manner to more basic fins, but give power comparable with that obtained from split fins.

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