Backkick with Jetfins

[Nemrod]

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

I would think you should practice with the Jet fins you have. Not meaning to start a scubaboard throw down as to what method is correct or "approved" but I note that some divers use the side rails more and some (me ) tend to use more of the front face of the blade (but I can do any variation needed). I think you just need some time to adjust and to be more deliberate and to make sure your kick goes through the full range of motion and not shortening the kick cycle due to the heavy Jets.

I know people like Slipstreams, they are much lighter and less negative than Jets. I would (and did ) get some Eddy Flippers if I wanted a lighter and less negative paddle "tech" style fin. I sold my Slipstreams after using them in the pool, they are good fins, but I like the Eddy Flipper better. It is an excellent all around fin as long as you do not need a negative fin, er, uh, flipper .

 

[Kylebee]

I would think you should practice with the Jet fins you have. Not meaning to start a scubaboard throw down as to what method is correct or "approved" but I note that some divers use the side rails more and some (me ) tend to use more of the front face of the blade (but I can do any variation needed). I think you just need some time to adjust and to be more deliberate and to make sure your kick goes through the full range of motion and not shortening the kick cycle due to the heavy Jets.

I know people like Slipstreams, they are much lighter and less negative than Jets. I would (and did ) get some Eddy Flippers if I wanted a lighter and less negative paddle "tech" style fin. I sold my Slipstreams after using them in the pool, they are good fins, but I like the Eddy Flipper better. It is an excellent all around fin as long as you do not need a negative fin, er, uh, flipper .

Thank you for the info! I notice that sometimes I will move forward a little bit when I initiate the back kick. Is that normal?

 

[crofrog]

Any idea on what defects it might be?

potentially extending your legs too quickly, or not having your fin tips touching as you extend out. I'd have to see a video to get a better guess, but it's something I've noticed with people switching to stiffer fins in the past.

 

[crofrog]

Thank you for the info! I notice that sometimes I will move forward a little bit when I initiate the back kick. Is that normal?

Only when you're doing it wrong ... I didn't see this before the post above. If you're going forward when you initiate it's likely one of the 2 things I mentioned above.

 

[rddvet]

Probably you, not the fins. The jet fins are one of the most popular tech fins out and they don’t hinder most people. But there is a learning curve. Take video of yourself both sitting neutrally in the water and then back kicking. No one can diagnose your problem without seeing it. May not even be technique. There’s about 50 different culprits. One example is too tight of shoulder harness. If your harness is too tight in the shoulders it brings the tans forward, making you ever so head heavy. As someone above said, if you’re head heavy you’re back kick is taking you more vertically than perfectly horizontal. You end up more head heavy or head down and therefore just make yourself ascend above your starting point.
Video is key

 

[Kylebee]

Update: I did manage to perform several back kicks effectively. However, sometimes, I will move up, get out of the trim for the back kick. The other issue I have is that I feel that my body is shaking left and right when I am kicking back.

 

[grantmac]

Pulling the fins down rather than forward to the sides?
Also the Go Sport blade is bent which might make getting them pointed back easier.

 

[Landau]

Should I try to practice without the fins ?

Definitely not. You need to feel that the position of the fin is correct and you can’t do that without fins. I can back kick (just barely) in bare feet, but my technique, especially foot position and angle is much different than with fins.

Practice really slowly and concentrate on feeling that the right surface of the fin is pushing against the water. I find it much easier to practice in a pool. No currents which might make you think your kick is better (or worse) than it actually is, and lots of lines to measure your progress against.

 

[Kylebee]

Definitely not. You need to feel that the position of the fin is correct and you can’t do that without fins. I can back kick (just barely) in bare feet, but my technique, especially foot position and angle is much different than with fins.

Practice really slowly and concentrate on feeling that the right surface of the fin is pushing against the water. I find it much easier to practice in a pool. No currents which might make you think your kick is better (or worse) than it actually is, and lots of lines to measure your progress against.

Thanks! If i am moving back while being neutrally buoyant, does it mean that I am doing it correctly? I wonder if it is a bad idea to practice it myself without an instructor as I am scared that i will reinforce the bad habits.

 

[Kylebee]

Pulling the fins down rather than forward to the sides?
Also the Go Sport blade is bent which might make getting them pointed back easier.

Thanks! Any ideas on why my body was "rolling" left and right while kicking back?