Paddle VS. Split: A Biased Review

[TSandM]

I'm a bear of very little brain, so I used the exact same technique in splits that I used in my Jets. You do have to do the extension phase slowly and make sure the fins are really tilted so they meet as little resistance as possible. The "scoop" phase is identical. I made good progress backwards, but I hated the way it felt.

 

[24940]

The kick is much more tiring in split fins, and also doesn't work as well using my drysuit. ....
....I also think I kick up more silt using the split fins simply because your fins need to be straight out behind you, and therefore closer to the bottom.
Tom

Hey Tom,

Thanks for the details. Next time I need a silting back kick that is more tiring, I'll give it a go.

Seriously, while your method does sound far less efficient that using a paddle fin, it would be a good technique to know for those using splits, at least when they are off the bottom.

I'm a bear of very little brain, so I used the exact same technique in splits that I used in my Jets. You do have to do the extension phase slowly and make sure the fins are really tilted so they meet as little resistance as possible. The "scoop" phase is identical. I made good progress backwards, but I hated the way it felt.

Sorry Lynne, you don't have enough surface area to be considered. Even in full kit, your surface area is about that of a loaf of bread.

I was flirting with reverse motion by really slowing down the loading stroke, but didn't realize how floppy the fins were till I saw the video.

in any case, I won't be putting any further effort in learning a split fin back kick. I do believe it can be done, but I also believe a bowling ball can be pushed with a piece of spaghetti. Less than ideal, but possible.

 

[sea nmf]

Lynne,

You use Jets, right? I know you are a tiny woman. What size is your regular shoe size, and what size are your Jets?

Every store I've been in that carrys Jets, only has L or XL or XXL. All of those are too big for me. They talk about special order, but I really want to see, touch, and try on first.

OP - by the way - loved the videos!

 

[b1gcountry]

Hey Tom,

Thanks for the details. Next time I need a silting back kick that is more tiring, I'll give it a go.

Hah!
Hey, I never claimed it was more efficient. I do have a partly torn ACL (hockey) and when I'm doing it in Jets, I can feel it putting a little strain on my knee. I would actually prefer tiring to that, but it isn't too bad.

Seriously, while your method does sound far less efficient that using a paddle fin, it would be a good technique to know for those using splits, at least when they are off the bottom.

If you're on a reef, or sandy area, it's not bad. I never give more than a quick backup on a reef dive anyway.

Sorry Lynne, you don't have enough surface area to be considered. Even in full kit, your surface area is about that of a loaf of bread.

Double Hah!

Lynne,

You use Jets, right? I know you are a tiny woman. What size is your regular shoe size, and what size are your Jets?

Every store I've been in that carrys Jets, only has L or XL or XXL. All of those are too big for me. They talk about special order, but I really want to see, touch, and try on first.

I've seen the Mediums, and they are tiny. I would probably consider getting larger booties if I had that problem. But I don't so feel free to ignore that...

 

[sea nmf]

I've seen the Mediums, and they are tiny. I would probably consider getting larger booties if I had that problem. But I don't so feel free to ignore that...

Well, I have a small foot for a woman, even, so a larger bootie might not be that comfortable. I have a hard time finding booties that fit my feet.

The LDS said there were mediums that could be special ordered. But, again . . . . .

I might give it a go if Lynn chimes in with a 6 - 6 1/2 size womans shoe and a medium jet fin. I would trust that.

 

[TSandM]

I wear a 6.5 to 7 women's shoe, and I dive L Jets with my dry suit. I had problems with diving wet, because my wetsuit booties were too small for the foot pocket on the Jets. I bought a pair of Converse high tops and it solved the problem.

I have since been given a pair of medium Jets, and I'm going to give them a try in the pool when it warms up. If they work, they'll become my warm water fins. They ARE tiny!

 

[Coalcracker]

Thanks for the results.

I use my jets when diving dry and with a heavy equipment load.

I use my apollo splits when I am in warm water with nothing but trunks and rash guard.

I use my Apollo bio XT's all the time. I do a frog and a dolphin, and scissor kick with no problem. Most of the time it is just a nice even short and flutter style kick, but frog style and backwards works well also.

With the proper new fins you can kick any style kick without much effort-IMO. Of course some just want to be frogs not Dolphins or other open ocean species. That is OK. Less effort and more efficiency seems like the better choice.

 

[sea nmf]

I wear a 6.5 to 7 women's shoe, and I dive L Jets with my dry suit. I had problems with diving wet, because my wetsuit booties were too small for the foot pocket on the Jets. I bought a pair of Converse high tops and it solved the problem.

I have since been given a pair of medium Jets, and I'm going to give them a try in the pool when it warms up. If they work, they'll become my warm water fins. They ARE tiny!

Cool. Shoot me a PM after you try them out. And, what? Given to you?
How do I get in on that action?

 

[24940]

Less effort and more efficiency seems like the better choice.

That's the pitch the LDS will throw you, but what I found was that what splits are most efficient at doing(going forward fast, with minimal effort), I have little to no need for. Flutter kicking is all they did well for me. Anything else, the paddle fin is superior, imnsho.

 

[Wiilldd1]

I use my Apollo bio XT's all the time. I do a frog and a dolphin, and scissor kick with no problem. Most of the time it is just a nice even short and flutter style kick, but frog style and backwards works well also.

With the proper new fins you can kick any style kick without much effort-IMO. Of course some just want to be frogs not Dolphins or other open ocean species. That is OK. Less effort and more efficiency seems like the better choice.

Everyone should do what they feel best. In my opinion, I like having the proper tool for the specific task.
Why use a flat tip screwdriver when a phillips is needed and vice versa.