Kicking in the water

[alan_lee]

Hi all! Just came back from Phuket, and man, we were caught in really stormy weather, and the condition was like a typhoon. Fortunately, when it was time to dive, the weather got lovely!

My question is really about the choice of kicks in the water. I noticed that DIs and DMs I've seen so far prefer using the breastroke kick rather than flutter kicks (which is what I do). Is there any reason for them preferring to use breastroke kicks?

Also realise that whenever I turned my head to look around the environment, water leaks into my mask. Is that normal, or is it a problem with my mask?

Cheers!

 

[PerroneFord]

The "Breaststroke kick" is called a "frog kick" and has many advantages over the flutter kick including being less tiring, more efficient, and not stirring up the silt on the bottom when you swim near it.

Your mask is fitting poorly.

 

[erparamedic]

You either need a new mask, or you need to adjust the mask straps for a better fit. Try on several before picking a new one to buy. My mask almost never leaks.... in fact the only time it will leak is if I'm laughing (really laughing hard) or if my hair is in it. I bet I tried on 15 masks before I found the one I bought... so don't give up, there is one out there to fit you.

 

[nwbrewer]

Alan,
What kind of mask do you have? I tried a few before I got the one I use now, which is a knock off of the good old ScubaPro framless design. I've let a few friends try it, and I've only found one person it didn't fit with no leaks. Thier sold under a bunch of different brand names, so you ought to be able to locate one and try it out.

As for the kicks, the "breastoke kick" you saw the DM's doing as Parrone mentioned is frogkick, kind of a modified breaststroke kick. I've started using it recently, and it really is a lot easier to do the Flutter kick. You'll expend less energy, and have more control.

Dive safe.

Jake

 

[spectrum]

The mask may be a poor fit but don't overlook the possibility of it being TOO tight.

As for the kick be advised that fins like ScubaPro Jets are much more conducive to the frog kick. I have tried some and the frog kick is far more concievable with those than with my Aeries Velocities.

Pete

 

[Quarrior]

The best way I've found for fitting the mask is to hold your breath and gently press the mask onto your face without the strap. It should stay in place as long as you are holding your breath.

Do not suck the mask onto your face. Any mask will fit doing this method and gives a false indication of fit.

 

[alan_lee]

As for the kick be advised that fins like ScubaPro Jets are much more conducive to the frog kick. I have tried some and the frog kick is far more concievable with those than with my Aeries Velocities.

Pete

Cheers all for the advice! Pete, I'm using the Twin Jets, how's that for the frog kick?

 

[PerroneFord]

Cheers all for the advice! Pete, I'm using the Twin Jets, how's that for the frog kick?

Split fins, as a whole, are not good for frog-kicking. It's like trying to eat soup with a fork.

 

[alan_lee]

Dang it! Cheers for that tip. Am actually also looking for another pair of fins which might be lighter to travel with. Any suggestions?

 

[spectrum]

Split fins, as a whole, are not good for frog-kicking. It's like trying to eat soup with a fork.

Well said!

I did try a regular pair of Jets and I could immediately see how fins of that style made the frog kick concievable. My Velocities are longer and set up all sorts of weird forces in the frog kick position. Meanwhile they work nicely for the diving I do and they are paid for.