Frog kicks, back kicks, helicopter etc...

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randytay

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Scuba Instructor
Divemaster
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I'm a Fish!
Hi all,

I am really impressed with the way these divers could do those kicks and tried them during my last couple of dives but alas! Lets just say I do not know what the hell I was doing...

Is there anywhere, video or otherwise I could get more info on these techniques (short of looking for an instructor)? I really think these techniques are great if you need to stay relatively still or moving through small obstacles.

Thanks in advance.
 
According to your profile you use Apollo Biofins.

Getting rid of those would be the first thing to do. (Replace them With Jets or similar)

Yes, when I tried to do the kicking, I did borrow a pair of Jets and am planning to get a pair (or similar), but I do need directions in the ankle movements...
 
BTW, I'm looking at the aqualung rocket or rocket II. Will they work?
 
Randy, go to YouTube and search for the various kicks for which you are looking . . . there are bunches of them.

However, I think the folks that do that smooth backkick really have someone pulling them backwards . . . ijs . . . ;)
 
I've worked my ass off on that back kick. I think it works great in the pool but even the slightest current from the back and it's not very effective. Jax said it, though....youtube has them all. Some even have directions with them.
 
I found that practicing in the pool with no fins was the best way to learn an effective technique and build the muscles needed to do it well.

I also found that in full scuab gear I had touble doing it when I wanted to practice but had no problem actually doing it in a wreck or cave.

I had to think about that awhile and finally figured out that it is an issue of finesse as finesse is really highly rewarded in back kicking. If you try a bit too hard to make it happen or try to muscle through it the results are probably going to be disappointing.

Once you get it you have it for life, but its more an issue if feel in moving the fins tips back correctly to set up for the next bite of water without moving any signficant amount of water aft.

Now,after actually getting good at it, back kicking with a pair of stages is not an issue and with just two primary tanks, it feels like a back sprint. :D

In that regard I have found back kicking against mild flow ina cave or against a mild current offshore actualyl works pretty well, but it takes a while to get to that point. In one respect when back kicking against a current to hold position is easier as you are only having to hold position and inertia works in your favor rather than against you. Otherwise from a standing start it can take a kick or two before you start moving and a couple more to get up to speed if you have the added mass of doubles, stages, deco bottle, etc.
 
While various videos on Youtube can give you some familiarity with various kicks, a skilled mentor or instructor is invaluable in becoming proficient with them. I would highly recommend a UTD Essentials class: it is a workshop style class and the only gear requirements are a long hose primary regulator and non-split fins, but the focus is strictl personal skills.

Peace,
Greg
 

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