Fin Envy
Posted By Cliff Etzel on 8 November 2000
To many, the ultimate expression and symbol of freediving are the fins.
Those long bladed, often flimsy looking attachments that we place on our feet to propel us into the watery realm that we enjoy so much.
Your typical scuba and snorkeling fin, although adequate for their intended purposes, don't come close to the efficiency of a well made freediving fin when used for the same activity by the aforementioned other types of fins.
The very recognizable trait of a true freediving fin is it's long blade. Seemingly too long and flexible for efficient propulsion both on top of and under the surface of the water, they are designed for long, slow, almost methodical kicking. To the average viewer they appear to be too flimsy for any amount of propulsion.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Typically the blades are made with a graduated taper that provides a decrease in stiffness from foot pocket to the tip of the fin. Others have the same thickness from one end to the other. But these fins do share a common design trait. The last one third to one half of the blade, though has no side rails providing added stiffness. This allows the blade to flex more and gives increased efficiency in a given kick cycle. The result is a design that allows for an increased length of the fin blade, while providing a very efficient means of transferring leg kick into propulsion, without the typical or expected resistance due to increased surface area of the fin blade. This equates to longer sessions in the water with reduced leg fatigue or cramping.
The results: More enjoyable time in the water.
There are two variations of freediving fins. Full foot pocket and open heel with heel straps. The full foot pocket versions reign as the dominant style preferred by the majority of divers using this type of fin, even when using a substantial boot for cold water, and as such were the only types tested for this review. Then there are those who come from the scuba camp, who feel that an open foot pocket with a heel strap provides an easier process of donning and doffing the fins, especially when in the water. But it is felt by many experienced freediver's that they do not provide the same amount of support and transference of energy that a full foot pocket fin does.
The subject is still up in the air on this point.
Those who are new to the sport, or who are looking for more information about snorkeling and the equipment involved, typically say "what about the fins at my local (scuba) dive shop that come as a package with mask and snorkel for such and such dollars...." From first hand experience, being a certified Rescue Diver and having done my fair share of dives with scuba fins, I can say that once I went to these long bladed wonders, I never looked back.
- Bookmark with :
- what are these?
