Instructor Manual
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Ocean Diver
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Adapting to the underwater world
Copyright © BSAC 2017
08
Features
Fins come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Before buying a set of fins you need to
consider whether the style of fin suits the type of diving being undertaken.
• Two basic styles
There are two traditional, basic styles: the shoe fin and the strap fin. The shoe
fin has a foot pocket with an enclosed heel and is generally used in warm water
or in the pool, where extra foot protection is not worn. The strap fin has a foot
pocket designed to fit over boots and an adjustable strap or spring fitting around
the heel to hold the fin in place.
• Flexible blade
The blade should allow some flexibility as the legs move up and down with the
finning action.
• Stiffening ridges
The basic design of a fin blade should include stiffening ridges to maintain the
shape of the blade, the blade itself should decrease in stiffness towards the tip.
Too rigid, too flexible or overlong fins will increase strain on the legs.
• Shaped to maximise efficiency
Manufacturers have refined their fins over the years to increase finning
efficiency. Most fins include slots, grooves or have shaped blades that assist the
finning action.
Fit
• Comfortable foot pocket
The most important consideration is that the foot pocket is the correct size and
a comfortable fit. If too big or too small, it will generally result in cramp and
discomfort. The foot pocket should be foot size for shoe fins and boot size for
strap fins.
Care
• Rinse in fresh water
Fins should be rinsed in fresh water after each dive.
• Dry before storing
Dry them standing up on the foot pocket end as standing fins up on their blades
can distort their shape over a period of time.
