Indonesia is home to the Coral Triangle, a region supporting 76% of all known coral species. This rich biodiversity has fostered a vibrant diving community, many of whom are dedicated to preserving the environment. Choosing the right scuba diving fins can be a step toward preserving these unique marine ecosystems. Have you selected a fin that works with your body type? Can you perform advanced techniques with them? If the answer is yes, you’re doing your part to ensure you stay safe and keep the luscious ocean life around you in good condition.
Proper finning technique and maintaining the correct weight are essential. Proper buoyancy and technique coupled with good fins will take you to the next level! Along with the right fins, you’ll improve air consumption and become a more efficient diver. If you’re considering a Divemaster course it’s really important to not only have the technique on point, but also the right gear to best help you along the journey!
Improving all of these things will ultimating allow you to conserve air, make you safer, and a more overall well rounded environmentally aware diver!
Buoyancy of the Fins
One thing that often gets overlooked when purchasing fins is the buoyancy of the fin in relation to the diver. Because fins are worn at the end of your lever, they significantly impact your trim (body position in the water) almost as much as the type of BCD you wear. So you will want to consider your physiology when you select what kind of fin you want. People usually pick fins through brand and pretty colors, however buoyancy is KING. Consider your body type—where you carry muscle and fat—when selecting your next pair. These points will help to inform you what kind of buoyancy you need in your fins. More and more manufacturers are including this information on their fins. Make sure you ask what the buoyancy is on your fins when you make your next purchase.
What Are the Different Types of Fins?
Understanding the structure of scuba fins can help you choose the best pair for your needs. When choosing the right fins you will want to consider two main things, the heel structure and blade type/stiffness of the blade. Below we talk about the different types of fins and how the components of the fins matter when choosing what will work for you! There are various types of scuba fins, each designed for different diving needs:
Full Foot Fins
These cover the entire foot and are ideal for warm water dives and snorkeling. They are the cheapest, but not very forgiving for sizing. Good for places where conditions are very still. Generally they are the softest of all of the fins making the propulsion a bit weak. Sandy entry or boat entry is best as they do not require the need for booties.
- Free diving fins – generally full foot fins that have gained popularity as a diving fin due to their stiffness as they are usually made out of carbon fiber. Some divers find them particularly good when in currents however they are not ideal for all finning techniques and do require some work to get used to.
Open Heel Fins
Often used with dive boots, these are versatile and great for cold water or rocky entry points. Generally they are stiffer to help cope with more extreme currents and other dive conditions. There are many different styles to the open heel; however one important thing worth considering is the ease of putting them on and taking them off. The easiest type of open-heel fin to put on and take off is typically one with a metal spring strap. The open heel spring lets you pull the fin on and off with ease.
- Split Fins: Designed for less resistance, these open heel fins are efficient for divers who prefer flutter kicks. Designed primarily the way that the water flows through the finn allows for better flutter kicking. However they are limiting when it comes to any advanced techniques. It is difficult to backfin in split fins which is what pushes some away from this style. Finning technique is key, but it’s most helpful when supported with proper equipment.
- Jet style Fins: Traditional and robust, they provide strong propulsion for any dive condition. They have their origin in military and tech diving. They are stiffer, allowing easy backfinning, side-to-side movement, and helicoptering (turning in place). The US Navy used to use a certain type of jet style fin that allowed for divers to move quickly and easily through the water. The slightly stiffer style allows for more maneuverability and more complicated fin techniques. They also have more propulsion when frog kicking.
How Much Do Scuba Diving Fins Cost?
The cost of scuba fins can vary based on type and quality:
- Budget Options: Basic fins start from IDR400K to IDR 1.1Mill, ideal for beginners.
- Mid-Range Fins: Typically priced between IDR 1.2Mill to 2.5Mill, offering more features and better materials.
- High-End Fins: Advanced fins can cost IDR 3 Mill or more, featuring superior construction and performance-enhancing designs.
How Do You Store Diving Fins?
Proper storage extends the life of your scuba fins:
- Always rinse your fins with fresh water to remove salt, sand, or chlorine.
- Let them air dry to prevent mold or odor.
- Do not store fins fin-down as this may bend the blades. Hanging them by the strap is best to prevent deformation. Place them in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight or excessive heat.
- Don’t stack heavy items on top of your fins to prevent warping.
- Do not leave them directly in the sun.
Can I Use Scuba Fins for Snorkeling?
Yes, you can use scuba fins for snorkeling, but keep in mind that scuba fins are typically longer and may require more energy. If you’re planning on extended snorkeling sessions, shorter snorkeling-specific fins might be more comfortable.
Can You Use Freediving Fins for Scuba?
Freediving fins are longer and more rigid, designed for deep, powerful thrusts. While they can be used for scuba diving, they may be cumbersome in confined spaces and require more leg strength. Scuba-specific fins offer more versatility and comfort for typical dive conditions.
How Long Are Scuba Fins?
Scuba fins vary in length:
- Short Fins: Around 15-20 inches, often used for warm water or travel.
- Standard Fins: Range from 20-25 inches, suitable for general scuba diving.
- Long Fins (free diving): Typically 25+ inches, used for freediving but occasionally adapted for scuba diving by experienced divers.
With these tips, you’re ready to find the perfect scuba fins that offer comfort, efficiency, and fun for your underwater adventures. Check out our scuba diving mask guide and BCD guide to complete your setup!
Here at Crystal we think the OMS slipstream is a great choice. We find that they have the right amount of stiffness and buoyancy properties for a wide range of physiology and diving levels. When you’re considering purchasing fins it may be a good idea to jump into the water with your full set up. This is something we offer at Crystal Divers when you’re trying to select the right fins!
