Well, it is easier to control the jet of water coming off a relatively short and stiff fin, and in conditions where silting out can mean the difference between a fun dive and and a really stressful experience, controlling that jet of water is critical.
Smooth, simple fins have less of a tendency to get caught in line or cable or wire. Tech divers generally use spring straps, too, which don't have buckles and loose straps to catch things; either that, or they reverse and tape their straps.
Tech divers may need to haul a lot of gear through the water. You aren't very streamlined and efficient when you are carting a set of doubles, one or more deco bottles, and one or more stages; further, you have a tremendous amount of mass to move. Soft fins reduce your apparent leg effort for each kick, just like low gear on a bike does, but just like low gear, you end up producing less thrust for each kick (or pedal revolution). To a point, a stiffer fin simply transfers more of your kicking energy to the water, and that's useful when you're moving more stuff.
BTW, it's a WONDERFUL idea to start working on the skills you'd need in a cave or wreck now, when you're diving open water. You might consider, once you have put your gear together, looking for a class like GUE Fundamentals or an Intro to Tech class. You don't have to take those classes in doubles, and taking them in a single tank gives you a great foundation to work on skills you CAN learn in open water, and which do nothing but enhance your diving experience in any environment.
Smooth, simple fins have less of a tendency to get caught in line or cable or wire. Tech divers generally use spring straps, too, which don't have buckles and loose straps to catch things; either that, or they reverse and tape their straps.
Tech divers may need to haul a lot of gear through the water. You aren't very streamlined and efficient when you are carting a set of doubles, one or more deco bottles, and one or more stages; further, you have a tremendous amount of mass to move. Soft fins reduce your apparent leg effort for each kick, just like low gear on a bike does, but just like low gear, you end up producing less thrust for each kick (or pedal revolution). To a point, a stiffer fin simply transfers more of your kicking energy to the water, and that's useful when you're moving more stuff.
BTW, it's a WONDERFUL idea to start working on the skills you'd need in a cave or wreck now, when you're diving open water. You might consider, once you have put your gear together, looking for a class like GUE Fundamentals or an Intro to Tech class. You don't have to take those classes in doubles, and taking them in a single tank gives you a great foundation to work on skills you CAN learn in open water, and which do nothing but enhance your diving experience in any environment.
