Scuba Finning Techniques

Every diver should recognize the value of essential kicks such as the flutter and powerful scissor kicks. The latter, a slower yet more powerful fin stroke, serves as a key ally when navigating currents, efficiently propelling you from point A to point B.

However, for DiveLogix divers, we teach the following options to all of our divers:

The Frog Kick: In tight spaces, the flutter kick falls short. Meet the frog kick, reminiscent of a swimmer’s breaststroke. Experienced guides, Divemasters, and Instructors rely on it for good reason, offering several advantages:

a) Energy conservation and reduced drag, extending your dive duration. b) Environmentally conscious: the wake produced by your fins moves backward as opposed to up-and-down, minimizing disturbances to marine life on the bottom and preserving visibility in silt-prone wreck environments. c) Enhanced control: pause mid-stroke to slow down, ensuring safety during group dives.

The Helicopter Turn: Elevate your diving finesse with the helicopter turn, allowing you to do a 360-degree pivot without disrupting your horizontal, streamlined position. This skill proves invaluable in various situations: a) Navigating confined spaces or delicate bottoms, where precise fin control is essential. b) Diving in a drysuit, maintaining control and buoyancy in a vertical position. c) Technical setups: maintaining trim while monitoring buddies without compromising your posture.

The Reverse-Fin (Back-Kick): Experienced divers employ the reverse-fin or back-kick to effortlessly glide backward. Bid farewell to awkward hand movements that we call “scuffling.” The benefits are numerous: a) Fin reward from confined spaces or close encounters with fellow divers. b) Gracefully approach delicate marine life, capturing photos without disrupting the reef.

At DiveLogix, we ensure our students acquire these techniques during basic open water scuba training. We equip our divers with skills that set them apart, nurturing options and fostering environmental awareness. Remember, your choice of fin propulsion direction matters. Flutter and scissor kicks may not always be the optimal choice for your environment or your dive buddy’s experience. Choose DiveLogix for a diving experience that stands out and makes a meaningful impact.