Freediving Fins

Welcome to Spearfishing School Part 18 of our 80+ part series written for people new to spearfishing. This blog is free for my readers and so is access to Spearfishing School during the beta stage. If you learn something here, sign up for our email list and share this page with someone that is looking to learn about spearfishing. It is a free way to say thanks.

Freediving Fins

Oh yes – The iconic long fins. Freedive fins are long to help freedivers dive down and get back up in an efficient way. It’ is all about efficiency. Conserving oxygen and getting the most done with the least effort. The long fins extend your kick. The kick propels you forward and creates a bend in the fin. As you kick with your other leg and reset your original leg the bend you created in the fin continues to propel you. How much spring you get depends on the fins.

Does A Beginner Need Long Fins?

Simple answer, no. If you are not 100% sure spearfishing is for you, you can start with some snorkeling fins. Short fins will get you in the water without braking the bank and you can keep them as a backup when you upgrade.

Sizing and Fit

The foot pocket should fit snug but not tight. Ware the neoprene sock when you are trying on foot fins. Different brands have different traits. Some are known for being wide and some thin. Work with your local dive shop staff to get a good fit. I don’t recommend ordering these in line unless you have tried them before and have your exact size and brand.

Separate Foot Pockets and Blades

These are a little more expensive but totally worth it. The foot pocket and fin blade can be detached by removing some screws. This is great If you find a foot pocket that fits and comes with a plastic blade. Later when you upgrade you can just get a set of fiberglass or carbon fins and use the same foot pockets. I have a set and the only way they will fit my luggage is if I take them apart.

Also, my personal feeling is that the fin pockets with an angle to the blade work better for me. My first set didn’t have the angle. When I upgraded it was a big improvement.

Fin Blade Material

Fins blades are made from different materials. They hall have their advantages.

• Straight Plastic – The cheapest fins,  not efficient or light but they are affordable
• Fiberglass – Price goes up and so does performance. I’d just save up and go for the carbon fiber. 😉
• Carbon Fiber – Most expensive but best performance. Light and springy everyone that spearfishes either wants a set of carbon fin or owns a set.

Stiffness

Carbon fins come in different stiffness levels. It’s best to work with your dive shop to figure out what stiffness to get. Basically the stiffness has to do with the divers weight and size. A little guy will have a hard time with hard stiffness fins as he will lack the power to use the fin at its optimal curve. The fin will also cause strain on the divers ankles and legs. On the flip side, a big guy with soft stiffness fins can easily overpower them and not get the lift he expects. Not having enough lift while trying to get back to the surface can be a dangerous situation.

Want to read more?

Go to Part 19 – Spearfishing Dive Knife
Back to Spearfishing School

Disclaimer

Freediving, Spearfishing, and the related topics discussed here are inherently dangerous. Participating in any freediving activity exposes one-self to the risk of death and/or permanent injury. The content of this site is provided as personal entertainment only. Although portions of the content may be perceived as instructional, do not depend upon it as such. The following article is not intended as a replacement for proper training in any water sport activity. There are no warranties or guarantees, either expressed or implied that the information contained at this site is accurate, correct or reliable. You are responsible for using your own good judgment. We urge you to seek proper instruction from a qualified and certified agency before attempting any sport requiring breath hold freediving.