This week we start the first of two Blog posts covering the topic of the highly essential piece of diving/snorkeling equipment FINS. 
Fins
The basic function of a fin is to propel you the diver/snorkeler through the water with as little effort as possible for the most propulsion, to this end there are a multitude of designs now available on the market to suit everybody’s needs.
A fin consists of a foot pocket, either full foot “slipper fins” or open heel, and a blade which can be of many different designs.
In this Blog post we will cover the full foot design fin which is used predominantly in Dive Shops in tropical locations as their rental fin or by snorkelers.
Full Foot Fins
So called because the whole foot of the diver/snorkeler is enclosed in a foot pocket made of rubber or neoprene these fins are usually used in warmer waters by divers and snorkelers. The comfort of these fins usually depends on the quality of the rubber or neoprene used on the foot pocket. Cheaper fins tend to use a more rigid rubber that can, if the fin does not fit correc
tly, rub and cause blisters on the feet
or if beach diving/snorkeling it is wise to ensure you have no sand on your feet before fitting the fins to avoid chaffing. More expensive models tend to use higher quality more comfortable foot pockets that tend to eliminate the problem of blisters. For sizing you would normally choose the size that corresponds to your shoe size. Always try before you buy as the foot pocket will usually cover two shoe sizes and the correct fit is essential for your enjoyment.
The blades are made from either rubber, which can be rather heavy for a full foot fin, techno polymer which is light or a mixture of rubber and techno polymers which encompasses the benefits on both materials.
The blades can incorporate channels to ease the flow of water across the fin but at the same time maximizing the thrust, have a split fin design which provides the diver/snorkeler with a propeller thrust effect or a hinge/energy storage system which provides most thrust on one stroke and effectively storing energy on the opposite stroke.
You would normally find ribs down the edges of the blades, these tend to aid the flow of water down the length of the blade enhancing thrust and preventing the blade from twisting under stress.
To find out more about fins available please contact us for more information.
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