Is there an Encyclopedia of Kicks?

[Matt S.]

As a very, very new diver I have realized that my class didn't cover different styles of finning--I think they were more worried about keeping us from kicking each other's regs out.

In my reading here I have sure heard of many styles though... is there some kind of guide to explain them all? Bicycle, frog, flutter, helicopter...? I'm probably missing some too. And which styles work with which kind of fins?

I've seen the cave guys (on video) and my own instructor finning in the same way so I guess that's the frog kick. But I don't understand how to do it myself, much less any of the other styles. When I want to go, I just flap my legs, and I go. There has got to be a better way though. Anyone got a link to explain it all?

BTW I use Turtles (single blade, vented) and my wife uses Apollo Bio-Fins (split).

 

[Splitlip]

http://www.deepsouthdivers.org/training.html

 

[Splitlip]

and this
http://www.divetekadventures.com/Images.htm

 

[Matt S.]

Those are great, thanks!

 

[TSandM]

If you really want a good reference, with some hints on how to do them, buy either the Essentials or Intro to Tech DVD from 5thD-x. They show the kicks, and the Intro to Tech DVD has some grease pencil overlays and voiceovers to explain the details.

 

[mdb]

As a very, very new diver I have realized that my class didn't cover different styles of finning--I think they were more worried about keeping us from kicking each other's regs out.

In my reading here I have sure heard of many styles though... is there some kind of guide to explain them all? Bicycle, frog, flutter, helicopter...? I'm probably missing some too. And which styles work with which kind of fins?

I've seen the cave guys (on video) and my own instructor finning in the same way so I guess that's the frog kick. But I don't understand how to do it myself, much less any of the other styles. When I want to go, I just flap my legs, and I go. There has got to be a better way though. Anyone got a link to explain it all?

BTW I use Turtles (single blade, vented) and my wife uses Apollo Bio-Fins (split).

I'm sure you will get a lot of "this is the way it should be done advice". IMHO it may be best to dive a lot in local waters with the locals. If you plan to go into a cave, dive with cave divers, if you want to be a frog I am sure you will find those who think that is the way. Seems to me that seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales and other marine mammals, use a nice relaxed flutter kick with their "split fins". I'm sure you will hear a lot about all this from various factions. Dive a lot, dive local, dive with those who have more experience.

 

[Adobo]

I'm sure you will get a lot of "this is the way it should be done advice". IMHO it may be best to dive a lot in local waters with the locals. If you plan to go into a cave, dive with cave divers, if you want to be a frog I am sure you will find those who think that is the way. Seems to me that seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales and other marine mammals, use a nice relaxed flutter kick with their "split fins". I'm sure you will hear a lot about all this from various factions. Dive a lot, dive local, dive with those who have more experience.

And then there are those who have a vested interest.

 

[ZzzKing]

Seems to me that seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales and other marine mammals, use a nice relaxed flutter kick with their "split fins".

Last dolphin I saw was using a dolphin kick. Same for whales. The only mammals you mentioned that may use a flutterkick are the seal and sea lion. Never dove with them so I'm not sure. One animal that has two legs to flutter kick with is a frog. And he uses the frog kick. Turtles have two hind legs to flutter kick with. They primarily use their front legs for propulsion. The hind legs are used as a rudder.

Marine mammals and birds don't have split fins either. They have webbed feet or solid flukes.

Animals are not always the best model. Appropriately chosen animals can be,though.

What I have seen is that people employing a flutter kick tend to disturb the bottom significantly more than those using a frog kick. I try my best not to disturb the aquatic environment so I frog kick most of the time. It's efficient and precise. If I need to run somebody down for some reason I flutter kick sometimes. Most times I can catch them using a frog kick. I try not to run races while diving. It also doesn't bother me in the least to be the last one back on the boat.

To the OP, acquiring additional knowledge in the form of new techniques is rarely time wasted.

 

[mdb]

To the OP, acquiring additional knowledge in the form of new techniques is rarely time wasted.

I agree. Mother Nature had it figured out eons ago. Different style kicks for different tasks.

www.apollosportsusa.com/Products/Fins/Videos.htm

The Dolphin style kick is a lot of fun. I like to use it. When used correctly a split fin will have less silt up as can be seen clearly in the video's. Of course this does not mean that a paddle fin diver, using a good frog kick and with good trim, is not efficient. These divers are very efficient. They have taken the time to work on trim and control and they are often amongst the best divers going. The rec., once a year vacation diver, can be a silt monster no matter what fin used. I have, at the moment, nine pairs of fins in my dive locker, three are paddle fins. In any case, enough comment, I'm heading to DEMA. I would rather be diving.