Backkick with Jetfins

[Kylebee]

In the past, I was able to do back-kick easily in singles with the ScubaPro GoSport fins--very light fins with positive buoyancy. However, today, when I attempted to do back up kicks in doubles and with jetfins, I either stay still or go upwards. I used the same techniques that I used with the GoSport fins. What could be causing this issue? Thank you all in advance.

 

[davecampbell]

the extra weight of the manifold, extra reg, etc... could be causing your trim to be slightly head down. You might be back kicking just fine, but the angled trim is causing you to rise as you reverse. have someone take a photo of your position in the water....

 

[Kylebee]

the extra weight of the manifold, extra reg, etc... could be causing your trim to be slightly head down. You might be back kicking just fine, but the angled trim is causing you to rise as you reverse. have someone take a photo of your position in the water....

The jetfins are so heavy.

 

[crofrog]

The stiffer fin blades are likely showing a defect in your kick where you’re moving yourself slightly forward as you extend your legs for the back kick

 

[Kylebee]

The stiffer fin blades are likely showing a defect in your kick where you’re moving yourself slightly forward as you extend your legs for the back kick.

Any idea on what defects it might be?

 

[gregbenson314]

Any idea on what defects it might be?

Perhaps not extending your toes/bending your ankles as you extend your legs back, which has the effect of pushing the flat blade backwards in the water, rather than carving through with the tips/edges.

 

[Nemrod]

With my Go-Sports (now GS Gorillas) I can back kick facing my dive groups as they swim forward and nearly keep pace. I do this sometimes to get diver photos. If I were in my doubles, a heavy suit and Jets, no way. Just too much mass and drag. You may need to refine or adjust your technique as suggested but you may also be expecting too much. Jets are no more effective at back kicking that are Go-Sports and you have a lot more gear, it is what it is. I am sure you will adjust and get that reverse gear, in gear in short order .

One thing, I have noted with Jets vs Go-Sports, the Jets being considerably heavier and somewhat less snappy, make your motions more deliberate being sure to give the massive Jets more time to fully swing into position and unload before executing each movement.

 

[flymolo]

The jetfins are so heavy.

the jetfins are heavy but that helps to balance out the extra weight you have up top with a doubles manifold, first stages, etc.

 

[sea_ledford]

If by "going up" you mean you end up fins up/head down after 3-4 back kicks, what I found works well is to push on the isolator valve with the back of you head. I think it's a combination of providing an immediate form of feedback to keep you from looking down or at your feet and pushing on the manifold ends up pushing the tanks down on your hips.

 

[Kylebee]

With my Go-Sports (now GS Gorillas) I can back kick facing my dive groups as they swim forward and nearly keep pace. I do this sometimes to get diver photos. If I were in my doubles, a heavy suit and Jets, no way. Just too much mass and drag. You may need to refine or adjust your technique as suggested but you may also be expecting too much. Jets are no more effective at back kicking that are Go-Sports and you have a lot more gear, it is what it is. I am sure you will adjust and get that reverse gear, in gear in short order .

One thing, I have noted with Jets vs Go-Sports, the Jets being considerably heavier and somewhat less snappy, make your motions more deliberate being sure to give the massive Jets more time to fully swing into position and unload before executing each movement.

Should I try to practice without the fins or try a neutral fins like Slipstream?