Sore shins?? Bad fins or bad boots

[mkutyna]

You're not understanding the point I'm trying to make. Sure, if you keep both of your legs together without alternating which leg is up and down (a dolphin kick in other words) then you can swim like a whale, dolphin, seal, etc. Many divers don't use a dolphin kick though. They use a flutter kick. A flutter kick is nothing like what most largish (larger than a penny) marine creatures use for propulsion.

 

[Coalcracker]

Well, perhaps, with your extensive experience, you have the whole fin equation worked out.

Over the years I have been diving with SP Jet fins, my first fins, Voit duck feet, The Mares Power Plana models, original and graphite, etc. The better split fins have way more efficiency, thrust, and lack of resistance than any paddle type fin, just IMO.

This horse has been beaten so many times it is now just horse meat hamburger.

In any case, what works for you, works for you.

 

[CompuDude]

Some like to frog kick, most fish and marine mammals seem to prefer a smooth flutter or dolphin type kick. For that open water style of diving the better split fins are way more efficient less effort, faster response, better speeds in currents etc. Stiff paddles do have there place, they are not the answer for all.

This issue has been fought to death.

My suggestion of using the frog kick is something the OP can do without going out and dropping $150 on a pair of split fins. It's free to try.

More efficient for less effort is something that has yet to be proven to my satisfaction... and I say this owning (and liking) a pair of split fins. The flutter kick used for split fins is NOT the most efficient kick for all fins, it is merely the most efficient kick for split fins. Going up against a paddle fin, doing a flutter kick, the split fins will win under most circumstances. Switch to the frog kick with the paddles, and the flutter kick for the splits, and THEN compare air consumption. THAT's a test I'd like to see.

 

[mkutyna]

It seems that you're very intent on making this a fin discussion. Unfortunately, I'm not talking about fins at all. Oh well, let me know when you'd like to talk about types of kicks.

 

[CompuDude]

It seems that you're very intent on making this a fin discussion. Unfortunately, I'm not talking about fins at all. Oh well, let me know when you'd like to talk about types of kicks.

Was that directed to me or to Coalcracker?

The OP asked if he needed to change fins, or if there was a different issue.

 

[driftwood]

Hi Guys,

I currently dive with Mares Plana Avanti Quattro fins and boots and have for around 7 years. About mid way through every dice my shins start to hurt and start to feel better on the dive boat after I've taken them off. I don't do a whole lot of diving 3 or 4 a year on average since the kids were born. I figured that my legs just needed to adapt to the fins. I'm getting tired of sore legs after diving and using lots of air to compensate. Should I switch to a split fin, wider boots, or something else?

Thanks

My wife was constantly having leg cramps (I know its not the same thing, mussels are different from joints) and we solved the problem by getting spring fin straps. They maintain the correct amount of tension and flex when you kick harder. She was asking her mussels to take too much force and your shins are complaining from the same thing. Springs makes donning and doffing your fins off much easier and are a lot less expensive than new boots/fins (only about $25-40 depending on where you get them).

Check with your LDS to make sure that you have a good fit between your foot/boots/fins. If that is good then try out springs. That being said, keep your fin straps low on your heel and there is no substitute for swimming with your fins on a regular basis.

 

[divingtigger]

Thanks all. Lots of good advice there. I'll try those out (different kick, checking with the local shop about fit {however I bought everything as a package so I'd hope it would be} and I think there was a thread in the DIY section about spring straps). It isn't something in poking me. I thought it might be my dive knife but I moved it off my leg and I'm still having the problems

 

[Ber Rabbit]

Spend more time in the water (swim laps in the pool with your snorkling gear) with your fins doing whatever kick you decide; you're using muscles that aren't used to being worked and they hurt. It's like horseback riding, spend an hour on a horse when you haven't ridden in ages and you get sore enough to walk funny when you get off. The more you ride the longer it takes to make you sore, same for finning. Switching to a frog kick may help but you know what? Something ELSE is going to hurt when you do it because you're asking a different set of muscles to exercise in a manner they aren't accustomed to. My ankles and knees KILLED me when I was learning to frog kick but now that I use that as my primary means of propulsion I get sore flutter kicking. If you want it to stop hurting throwing money at it isn't the answer, you need to invest some sweat instead.
Ber :lilbunny:

 

[Geoff_H]

Some like to frog kick, most fish and marine mammals seem to prefer a smooth flutter or dolphin type kick.

Where do you dive, I've never seen a fish with legs doing a flutter kick!