SCUBA fin questions?
OK, so I am going to get SCUBA certified but I need fins! I have snorkeling fins, but obviously those won’t work. I would like full foot fins, I don’t want to have to buy the boots, too, and I will probably use them more for snorkeling than diving…. my question is how can you tell the difference between SCUBA and snorkeling full foot fins? also does anyone know any good places to buy them online? Thanks
also, if anyone could recommend a exact fin I should use I would greatly appriciate it!
well i would just buy them at the store i will be taking my class at, but they are soo expensive and i’ve looked up a few online that are more in the $30-50 range instead of $80-130 range
Go to your dive shop where your taking your certification class. Ask them about the different types, and then TRY those types out during your OW certification class.
This will tell you what YOU like, and not what a bunch of strangers think you should get.
The more comfortable you are in your fins, the longer you’ll be diving! 🙂
The chief difference is size of the fln portion. SCUBA fins are a LOT larger, as they have to push the additional mass of harness, bottle, weights, etc.
I also use my SCUBA fins for snorkling; it’s amazing the speed and distance I can get with little effort.
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Most proper SCUBA fins are fins that have a boot attatched to them. Snorkeling fins and some free-diving fins tend to be slip ons instead of booties. Also SCUBA fins tend to be stiffer than snorkeling fins. You are probably better off getting a pair of fins for SCUBA diving and using them for snorkeling as well. Most flippers for snorkeling are not going to be much good for SCUBA diving. I don’t know anywhere to get them on line, but I would recommend going to a store so you can try them on first. That way you will get a better fit.
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Well i recommend you go diverssupply.com where you will find a big variety of fins. I personally like mares fins, especially the volo fins. They are pricy but i have never enjoyed wearing anything more. also you might consider cressi fins. However i would die in my Mares volo fins. good luck with your search
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The easy way to tell the difference is to work with someone at a dive shop. That said, shop around. Some dive shops do charge a lot for equipment. Don’t let them sell you the fancy, exotic stuff – a basic set of fins are all you really need.
I tend to buy gear I can lay hands on first. The one time we triedbought a wetsuit online didn’t go well.
Seriously consider fins that do require boots. It’s really nice to have the foot protection when walking in while shore diving. I know several people that use waterproof athletic shoes instead of diving booties.
My wife recently swapped out the straps on her fins for springs. She loves them!
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Well, there isn’t really a distinct difference between Scuba and Snorkeling fins. Your selection should be based mostly on what sort of diving you will be doing and how strong your kicking is. Full-foot fins have the disadvantage of having the top edge of the heel tear out easily, and when that happens its time for new fins. I’ve always used replaceable-strap-type fins, ScupaPro Jet fins are my first choice. First, since I do cold-water (California) diving, the extra warmth from the neoprene booties is essential. 2nd, if I do tear the strap, I keep a spare in my dive kit and 2 minutes later I’m good to go. No new fins, no spoiled dive trip.
If I were you I’d think first about the type of diving I’m likely to do. Then go to a good scuba shop and ask for advice. Then try on different sets of booties and fins until you find a combination that’s comfortable for you.
Also think about how strong a swimmer/kicker you are. Some free-diving designed fins have very long surfaces and if you aren’t pretty strong these will induce leg cramps. Also, remember you have to drive yourself and your gear through the water, so short-fins that are used for body-surfing and the like aren’t suitable either, as they just don’t give you the push you need.
You might end up with a pair that doesn’t work out for you in the long run. Go with a name-brand good quality set made specifically for scuba use and your chances of liking them are very good.
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There’s no difference between fins used for SCUBA and snorkelling. What governs the type of fins is whether you will be wearing neoprene boots or not. That will depend on the water temperature and the type of entry into the water (for example, if you’re going to enter the water over rocks, you might need boots rather than bare feet). Once you’ve determined whether to go for foot fins (worn with bare feet) or open fins to fit over boots, you need to get a pair which are comfortable. For full foot fins, get a pair the right size (usually the same size as your shoes). For open fins, make sure the fins will go over your boots without too much difficulty without being too loose. You might also want to consider the type of strap release on the fins (how easy they are to release if you’re wearing gloves, for example).
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Personal experience: certified scuba diver since 1988.
Go to your dive shop where your taking your certification class. Ask them about the different types, and then TRY those types out during your OW certification class.
This will tell you what YOU like, and not what a bunch of strangers think you should get.
The more comfortable you are in your fins, the longer you’ll be diving! 🙂
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There is no difference between snorkleing and scuba fins its just that you have open heel for when you wear boots and fool foot when your bare foot or neoprene socks. make sure you get the rite size if not can make legs cramp I would highly advise EBAY cheapest abest way to go with fins
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In addition to the above listed answers, you also need to consider whether you will be doing any cold water diving. If you will, your feet will get very cold without the neoprene boots.
Also, IMHO, fins/boots are much less susceptible to causing blisters than full foot fins.
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I highly recommend working with your local dive shop. You will need other gear for your class too, that you absolutely need a personal fit for (mask). Most dive shops I know have package discounts on that stuff, and you are going to be building an important relationship with the dive shop.
Another excellent point is that most dive shops have loaners that you can try out. If you are a beginner, this can be very helpful since you may not know exactly what you like yet. I found that full foot fins gave me terrible foot cramps. Once I used the booties it was no problems! You definitely want to be comfortable in the water, and you won’t know what’s comfortable for you unless you try some stuff out.
I dive in Oregon, so I need the extra warmth too, but I used my booties & fins in the Caribbean and it worked great too. Never can be too warm (and if you get a little toasty, just let some water into your wetsuit).
Personally, I use the Apollo BioFins. They are easy to kick and have good speed.
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