Know Thy Flippers
Have you listened to the discussions of professional scuba divers? They talk a lot about fins and propulsion. If you are wondering what it is all about, this piece will help you decode some of the scuba jargon your friends are spewing out like jets of steam. Most likely, you have heard about the scuba flippers, straps, and designs, which are their favorite conversation pieces.
The scuba flippers of your childhood has mutated into a more sophisticated device. Continuous research has contributed to the newer, better scuba flippers your friends are raving about. However, they will have comparisons – these reflect their different needs and diving styles.
Different Strokes for Different Fins
There are two variants of the scuba flippers. The full foot fins which you use with bare feet, and the open heel fins which you wear with boots. The full foot fins are best for those snorkeling jaunts while the latter is ideal for scuba diving. You should no longer be confused about the choice you have to make.
If you are still using the standard scuba flippers, you will notice that instead of forward propulsion, you are just propelled up. The flat fin causes a loss of 10% propulsion when you kick because of the 27 degree distance between your heel and the foot. The drag slows your speed. This is a nuisance when you want to move fast and straight ahead in the coral depths.
Increasing Speed Underwater
But you if are just starting to join the elect circle of the scuba diving community, scuba flippers with slim fins are right for you. You will wonder why instead of splits, slim fins have open toe pockets. The pockets add force to your kick. It helps coordinate your thighs, hips, and buttock movements. This is important for a beginner who has to get used to exerting more force than usual, being underwater.
If you are ready for force swimming, the bladed fins will give you speed underwater. The blade pushes the water backward when you kick. This is great for the initial forward thrust. Towards the end of the down stroke, the fin returns to its position – poised for the next kick. The scuba flippers with bladed fins actually enhance the muscular activity of your legs. Swimming underwater becomes sheer pleasure.
Paddle fins are common for scuba diving. This helps you move in the water with less exertion. The introduction of the pivoting blades that helps you get the right angle, hence there is more push to your kick.
The scuba flippers with flat fins are slowly being nudged out by split fins. With a vertical split fin, you can slice the water neatly. Water passes between the split and reduces the water pull. This makes propelling forward easier –you don’t have to tire yourself out with repetitive and hard kicking for a single straightforward direction. Sounds easy?
Proper care of your scuba flippers is essential. Once your scuba flippers lose their shape, these will no longer give the propulsion you enjoyed previously. Therefore, in storing your fins, make sure these are placed away from the weight of your scuba gear, and avoid the habit of arranging them in a vertical position.
Health Benefits Too
If you think that snorkeling and swimming are just for fun, think again. These activities have health benefits too. You burn more calories with every stroke, and kick. Your heart muscles become stronger. The advantages out distance the pleasure you get from the swimming faster and better.
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