fins and flippers......

[Ac_ita]

This might seem a really stupid question but: scuba fins, snorkeling fins, freediving fins..... whats the difference... or better: WHY they have to be different?
i do understand that each kind of diving has its own peculiar characteristics but can they be that diverse?

 

[101recon]

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/378022-flippers-lol.html

 

[mrsrobinson27]

Oh, I don't think it's a stupid question at all! You'll be surprised how many dive shops will try to make you dive in "flippers" saying that it's perfectly normal for scuba. And of course, you can do it, but it's much more difficult to slide through the water in something that unpowerful. There's a good article on the difference between scuba and snorkel fins on this site - DiveRevolution Advice:Wrong fins can ruin your dive. Choose wisely « Dive Cooperative. Hope you'll find it helpful.

 

[Ste Wart]

Length really and rigidity.

Snorkelling fins tend to be stubby affairs.
Diving Fins normally a bit longer with any number of add-ons e.g channels, splits, slingshots!!??
Freediving fins are long and rigid for maximising thrust.

Best to call them flippers though. Drives people insane

 

[ClayJar]

Freediving fins:

• Very long
• Great for moving far with minimal effort
• Horrible for turning in tight places

Snorkeling fins:

• Small and light
• Big enough to move you along the water
• Not big enough to generate sufficient propulsion for a big, heavy kitted-out diver

Split fins:

• Very easy on your knees
• Efficient at going fast
• Less efficient at maneuvering

Paddle fins:

• Very powerful strokes
• Fantastic at maneuvering
• Less fantastic when sprinting

Depending on the type of diving you do, you may gravitate toward one (or more) of the four general directions of finnage. I have fins in several categories that I use when appropriate for the dive, just like I have hiking shoes, biking shoes, work shoes, and so on.

You don't *need* a closet full of fins, of course. As long as you choose some that are comfortable, they should be "good enough" for your diving. On the other hand, if you start doing lots and lots of diving, there's absolutely no shame in having more than one set of fins so you can wear the most comfortable for each type of diving you do.

 

[Ac_ita]

thanks guys