Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Different Types of Fins


For more than six years, Jan Michael Berkowitz served as the CEO of GDC. In this capacity, he oversaw operations at the Louisiana-based bio-remediation company. A PADI-certified diver, Jan Michael Berkowitz enjoys scuba diving in his free time.

Most fins are divided into two categories: full-foot and open-heel fins. Similar to a slip-on shoe, full-foot fins cover the entire foot and heel. They are the most effective at transferring energy from the foot to the fin and allow divers to travel without any extra dive boots. Further, their lighter weight makes full-foot fins a popular choice among warm-water divers.

Meanwhile, open-heel fins are kept on the foot with a heel strap. These straps either are made from flexible rubber that can be tightened or loosened, as is the case with standard straps, or feature a coiled metal spring that stretches across the heel, also known as a spring strap. Many divers in cooler waters prefer open-heel fins because they are worn with dive boots. These boots feature varying levels of thermal protection and remain on the feet when the fin is removed.

Within these two main categories, divers can also choose between a paddle or split fin. Paddle fins, also known as blade fins, feature a continuous piece of rubber or plastic that allows divers to kick more efficiently. They are ideal for frog and flutter kicking and can be found in different degrees of flexibility. Split fins, on the other hand, have a large cut down the center that separates the fin into two pieces. This split requires divers to kick with more effort, but it can help when swimming in areas with little to no current.

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