Dive Gear Tips: Choosing The BEST Dive Fins

My Advice For Choosing Dive Fins

Welcome to the second instalment of our Dive Gear Tips mini-series. If you haven’t already, make sure to go back and read the first! Ok so we’ve chosen which scuba mask to use, so what’s next? Fins!

Choosing the right fins is pretty important, not only for your comfort levels but to maximise your ability underwater. You’d be amazed at the variety of designs available and hopefully with the following tips, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the right fins for you.

Why Do We Need Dive Fins?

The reason divers wear fins is to overcome water resistance caused by our diving equipment whilst underwater. Fins allow us to move far more efficiently and appropriately through the water without expelling much energy. As divers, it's important to conserve as much air as possible, therefore wearing suitable good-quality fins is a must.

What To Look For in Dive Fins?

When looking to buy the perfect pair of fins, there’s many options to consider but it’s best to concentrate on choosing a pair that will help conserve energy. Modern day fins are made with comfort in mind, developed to be streamlined and efficient. They’re generally made from plastic, rubber, and carbon fiber however these days you can also buy eco-friendly fins made from recycled plastic!
There’s many fin types, which can become overwhelming if you’re not quite sure what you’re meant to be keeping an eye out for but luckily there’s a wide selection in all different price ranges, so let’s break it down.

Why Choose Open heeled Dive fins?

Open heeled fins have much wider and more spacious foot pockets, designed to be worn with dive boots. Boots are helpful in protecting your feet from potential harm and keeping them warm which is why open heeled fins are generally more appropriate for colder climates and rough shore entries (walking on stones/rubble to get to the dive site).

WHy Choose Closed heel fins?

Closed heel fins are considered conventional fins and are still a very popular choice amongst divers and snorkelers alike. These fins are much more affordable than open heeled ones, however as there is no requirement for dive boots, it also means they offer no thermal protection. A closed heel means that these fins are non-adjustable and if ill-fitting, could slide off so they’re probably best suited to warmer climates.

What Are Paddle fins?

Paddle fins can be both open or closed, these are the most traditional fins and are used in an up and down motion. Due to their stiff design, they’re very helpful for strong currents and powerful strokes.

What Are Split fins?

Split fins are designed with a long slit straight up the middle of the fin. This helps with flexible fast movements through the water and more efficient swimming. Please note, these types of fins are less effective in strong currents.

What Are Force fins?

Force fins are usually smaller than the more traditional fin but don’t let this put you off. They are packed with one hell of a powerful kick and are designed to resemble dolphin fins or shark fins. Becasue these fins are so small they allow you to exit without removing them, unlike other longer fins.. but only in situations where it is safe and makes sense to do so.

How to Fit a Pair of Fins

After you’ve decided what design you’re after, the first step would be to try them on. Make sure you’ve got a pair of dive boots to wear if trying on open heeled fins. Take a seat and slide your feet into the fin, if you’re trying on a closed heel then the fin should feel snug and comfortable against your bare foot. If it’s an open heel then make sure you can see a few inches of your dive boot poking out at the back. The next step is to move your foot and shake it a bit to check that the fin isn’t too loose and doesn’t fall off. Remember, underwater everything becomes a little bit more slippery so for a closed heel, make sure it’s tight enough against your foot to stay in place. For an open heel, ensure the strap is comfortable against the back of your foot, not pinching your ankle and can be easily adjusted if necessary. Finally, a good trick is to raise your foot with the fin and reach forward to grab the tip with your hand. Test the comfort levels whilst you flex your foot and decide whether the fin is secure enough to stay put.

Best Place To Buy Dive Fins

Like everything these days you have a variety of online shopping options that you can browse and purchase from. Alternatively, you can physically visit a dive shop if you have on ein your local area and go from there. If you have any questions at all then dive centre staff will always be the best people to ask. Many dive shops can even order in your preference if they don’t have it on hand and can offer both great advice and recommendations.

What Dive Fins Would you Recommend?

As a PADI Master Instrucor with over 1000 students under my belt ive answered this question alot...

Personally speaking I would choose an open heel design dive fin with a pair of boots. Why?

Reason #1 - Best of Both Worlds Because this choice will serve you well for both cold and warm water conditions. Just because you plan to dive in tropical waters doesnt mean the water tempertature is always like a bath tub! its not. Booties and open heel is the way to go.

Reason #2 - Versitility. Whether you plan to dive from a shore or boat, with boots and open heel fins your feet will be protected once you remove the fins. Be it from stones or rocks on the shore or a scorching hot dive deck! trust me.

Reason #3 - Comfort. Not all closed heel fins will rub your feet. BUT many will. The chances of your fin rubbing and hurting your feet using a boot and fin are extremely low to zero. (unless they are totally not your size)

Which Dive Fins Are Best?

For most people of all levels of scuba diver from beginner to pro I would recommend a pair of Mares Avanti Quattro Plus Open Heel fins with Bungee Strap and a Pair of Aqua Lung Superzip 7 mm boots.

These fins have been a classic choice for divers and Divemaster's alike for a long time. They are neutrally buoyant meaning they are easy to control and use underwater as well as strong and durable, built to last. The bungee strap makes taking them on and off very easy too.

As for the boots, these are the boots I currently use. They offer great support and comfort; I love the look and design. The Zip guard has stayed and is still in place as are the grips and trims after a year or more of use. Thats a lot more than I can say for some of my previous boot choices.

I also dive a pair of Scubapro Jet Fins which I think are one of the best dive fins ever made, however they are not so easy to master and certainly not travel friendly. The Jet fins are a heavy negatively buoyant fin meaning your feet will sink with ease whilst diving. This is useful in certain circumstances such as underwater photography or pivoting with students on sand but for every day divers might be a little heavy. But if want raw power power, want to learn to kick slowley and forcely with a frog or backkick whilst truely mastering your finning technique then maybe these are the fins for you. The choice is ultimately yours.

Pro Tip! Notice how both sets of fins here are bright yellow! This is because this colour fin is by far the easiest to see once underwater due to colour absorbsion. Get Yellow fins and I promise your dive buddies will love you and never lose you!

Happy diving all!