- Messages
- 20,501
- Reaction score
- 19,884
- Location
- Philadelphia and Boynton Beach
- # of dives
- 1000 - 2499
The proper flutter kick for ANY fin in similar to the technique taught for a competition crawl kick - Force Fins are no exception. The problem is lots of people like to use a kick from the knee or a "bicycle" kick which absolutely will not work with Force Fins. I would say that when you are fighting a current or wanting to go fast - this competitive type flutter kick kick is the best alternative. The most effective kick for Force Fins is almost like a slow "dolphin" kick, like you use with a butterfly stroke, but one leg at a time. Force Fins were designed to mimic the action of a fishes tail and and work best when they get a hard initial flick (to load up the fin) and gentle follow through (to let the rebound finish the propulsion). This action uses the hip, abs and a little quads and results in minimal joint stress but moves you forward at a pace that is more than adequate.
By the way - I am not "selling" Force Fins, I have no horse in that race. I am only a very satisfied user, who has a great appreciation for the science behind them and I tend to want to pass on knowledge when I find "a better mouse trap".
Dive Safely
I was a competitive swimmer from the age of 4 through high school and also played water polo. Technique is not my problem. Sorry, but I'm not interested in owning multiple pair of very expensive fins depending on how I will be diving and kicking. I'm glad Force Fins are good for the minority of divers that use them. The majority of us will never have the opportunity to use the full range of products, so cannot comment on their overall utility.