With the sheer variety of fins on the market these days, new (and even experienced!) snorkelers can be confused about what choice they should make. Perhaps the most obvious difference among fins is whether they have a closed foot pocket like a slip-on shoe or an open pocket with a strap that goes over your heel. Why do fins come in these two types? And which kind is best for your next snorkeling trip? Let's take a closer look at the differences between open-heel vs. full-foot fins! The key … [Read more...] about Open-Heel Vs. Full-Foot Fins for Snorkeling
Fins
How to Kick When Snorkeling (Nope, it’s Not a Flutter Kick!)
Picture this... Noisy splashes all over the water's surface. Bubbles and silt clouding your vision. Coral that's bleaching because too many folks have stood on, kicked, and grabbed at it. Not a pretty image, is it? And yet, this is what the vast majority of snorkeling tours look like. None of this would be a problem, though, if folks learned how to kick when snorkeling. If you're snorkeling, here's how you should kick: Like a frog. Yes, I know it's unconventional. But I believe that this … [Read more...] about How to Kick When Snorkeling (Nope, it’s Not a Flutter Kick!)
5 Reasons You Should Upgrade Your Fins With Spring Straps
Last night struggling to fall asleep I decided to put my mind at ease with some old-fashioned retail therapy. Except for me, retail therapy means adding to my wishlist of diving gear! As I was browsing for SCUBA fins, I noticed that there's a new feature that seems to be getting more popular. This feature is the spring strap. That got me wondering, what exactly are spring straps and why do so many fins have them these days? Spring straps are a relatively new design that has taken the SCUBA … [Read more...] about 5 Reasons You Should Upgrade Your Fins With Spring Straps
How Do Swim Fins Work? (SCUBA and Snorkeling)
Did you know? The modern design of the fin was invented by a Lieutenant Commander in the French Navy, Louis de Corlieu (source). Inspired by how the webbed feet on frogs and ducks propel them through water, de Corlieu designed wearable swim fins that work in a similar manner. He demonstrated his first prototype to the public in 1914 and later left the navy to refine the design, patenting it in 1933. By 1939, the propulseurs de natation et de sauvetage (swimming and rescue propulsion device) … [Read more...] about How Do Swim Fins Work? (SCUBA and Snorkeling)
Split Fins for Snorkeling? (How They Work and Recommended Models)
The modern design of the fin was invented in 1914 by a Lieutenant Commander in the French Navy, Louis de Corlieu (source). Since then, the design of the humble swim fin has seen countless iterations, styles, and designs to suit many different kinds of activities from snorkeling to SCUBA! One design that has become especially popular in recent years is the split fin. But is this new trend legit or just a gimmick? As it turns out, split fins can be a great choice for snorkeling! But to … [Read more...] about Split Fins for Snorkeling? (How They Work and Recommended Models)