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Fins, Flippers & Accessories
We stock a variety of flippers and fins for swimming, scuba and diving activities. Fins are designed to improve your efficiency when moving through water. A good pair of fins should fit properly to ensure you are getting the most assistance when moving through water, allowing you to travel further without wearing yourself out.
Depending on the diving activity you are about to undertake it is advisable to choose the right fins to ensure you are getting the full benefit. When choosing diving fins there are several factors to take into account. Aside from cost, styling and colour options the three main aspects of diving fins to take into account are foot type (i.e. full foot or open heel fins), blade types and the fastening type (typically buckles and strap variants).
When selecting the right foot type the main discerning factor is the weight of the fins and how much manoeuvrability you require. Full foot fins are designed to be light and flexible making them ideal for propelling light loads of gear through water which makes them easy to recommend for scuba diving. Full foot fins are intended for use with bare feet or light diving socks meaning they are more suited for diving at warmer temperatures. At the other end of the scale, open heel feels are comparatively heavier and less flexible than full foot fins. The more rigid design improves propulsion through water and the difference is noticeable particularly when carrying heavier or increased amounts of equipment when diving.
The next factor to take into account is the type of blade. There are three main types of blades to choose from which can make a surprising amount of difference when diving. Standard blades, as the name implies, are relatively simple in design and feature flat surfaces which resemble and behave in a similar manner to paddles. Channel blades allow more flexibility compared to standard blades which can be more beneficial depending on the activity you have planned. Channel blades are comprised of one or more materials which allow the fins blades to flex with the flow of the water. The layering and arrangement of the interlocking materials allow blade fins to resemble different shapes with different properties and angles for pushing through water. Split fins resemble tried and tested designs which are visibly based on fish and water faring animals. The style of blade is reminiscent to a hoof which allows water to move between the split in the fin which reduces the amount of effort required as you are effectively pushing a reduced volume of water with each kick compared to other blade types.
The final aspect to take into account is the fastening type for diving fins. All types of diving fin fastenings comprise of buckles and straps arranged in different configurations. Fin buckles are designed to be quick and easy to remove when necessary. Basic buckle fastenings feature an adjustable strap to get the right fit as well as a quick release mechanism. Other fastening types are available including spring straps which incorporate a flexible element such as a spring to ensure a stable and secure fit.