Scuba Diving Fins - Flippers

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The varying designs of fins for scuba diving are based on the plastic/rubber shoe model and facilitate propulsion in water. They are also referred to as flippers or swim fins. Freedivers use long fins or monofins tailored to heightened speed propulsion for accelerated movement.

Similar to the way a fish moves, scuba diving fins serve to manoeuvre you through the water as effortlessly as possible and save your arms from tiring unnecessarily. Make sure their fit is comfortable and inspect the straps regularly, as they tend to wear more easily than any other part of your dive gear.

It is documented that as a boy, Benjamin Franklin pioneered an early version of scuba diving fins resembling, of all things, an artist's palette. The first official roots however, can be traced back to a design by Owen Churchill, as noticed by the US Navy in the 40s who had the design in mind for their underwater demolition squads.

As with free diving long fins, the unique needs of each diving activity have given rise to practical scuba dive fin designs of varying proportion. To combat drag for example, lifeguards and bodysurfers require scuba gear fins that relentlessly grip their feet in strong surf and tide conditions, while snorkelers require scuba equipment fins more lightweight for efficient propulsion. The best scuba diving fins are those that have been designed specifically to suit the type of activity and corresponding water.

There are four basic examples of fin design:

1. Basic paddle fins (or jetfins), which include the composite of a water vent with channels or grooves in the blade that expel water from the scuba diving fin for extra versatility.
   
2. Freediving fins are an elongated model, combining manoeuvrability and acceleration, concentrating on mainly lightweight maintenance.
   
3. Force Fins are unique in that their design is closely modelled to fish tails with a v-cut at the blade end. Made from polyurethane, the configuration favours speed but not agility. A second disadvantage is their inability to balance the lightweight nature with cold water neoprene boots which results in negative buoyancy.
   
4. Biofins or Split fins sport a blade split-designed on the premise of a propeller, work with manipulating water flow. They have advantages and disadvantages in that although they assist in prolusion, manoeuvrability is compromised.