Monofins. Are they any good?

[Lord Northern]

Alright.
So, I was wondering the other day: should I consider using a Monofin? Is it better than the normal fins specifically for diving?

Thanks in advance.

 

[TxHockeyGuy]

I had to go look up what a monofin even was. To save others time it is basically a single fin that you put both feet into making you into more or less a dolphin.

No dive shop is going to let you use that for certification, nor should they in my opinion. You would have a very hard time doing any sort of fine movement control (other than forward) in something like that. It would also negate the possibility of learning alternative kicks like the frog kick which helps prevent the kicking up of silt, a frog kick or some other form of anti-silting kick are pretty much required where I dive.

 

[H2Andy]

they're useless for diving

they're used a lot in freediving and some types of swim races

 

[GA Under Water]

I thought Mono fins were for Free-Diving. And it limits you to nothing but Dolphin kicks, do forget about any tec type kicks.

 

[Lord Northern]

heh, I see.
Thanks for the detailed explanation.

 

[GA Under Water]

If you want to train yourself for competition swimming or just a good tool to help you get into shape and get stronger in the water they are good also. Kindo of high priced if you get top of the line around $300 + right?

 

[Lord Northern]

Heh, according to Froogle the most expensive ones are 250 bucks, so yeah something around this.
Well, since they're not good for diving, I have no use in them. After all, losing weight and getting into shape can be achived with regular fins, as well.

 

[Walter]

The dolphin kick is merely one of the many kicks a diver should learn in their OW class.

 

[Footslogger]

Seemed to work for Daryl Hannah ...

 

[Hoyden]

The dolphin kick is merely one of the many kicks a diver should learn in their OW class.

Do you really think this is a necessary OW skill? I can dolphin kick (from swimming) but see absolutely no reason that any scuba diver needs this in their skill set.