Which fins are good for strong currents

[АлександрД]

long fins (e.g. for freediving) is very good for currents
here I`m posted already Scuba with freediving fins

I do love long fins with Scuba. Just one drawback - when you dive between corals or other underwater creatures - you can damage them.
But for the currents - it is the best!

Once, when I was new diver, I had dive with pair from Germany.
We turn behind island corner and got very strong current in front.
My buddies try to catch rocks, but I stay in water without any problems, with normal forces.
Later we passed corner, where was not current.

See at bubbles angle ultra-high-speed

I use Cressi Gara LD (grey ones, it is more soft than black). It has perfect overshoe, ideally fits to my foot.

Also you can swim at same speed with others (who has normal fins) just slowly moving by feets, that allow just moving only fins tips. Minimal forces spent, great relax.

In Russia we have one domestic manufacturer, who produce very interesting fins overshoe:
Ласты из пвх и стеклотекстолита: продажа, цена в Челябинске. ласты для плавания от "Зырянов и К" - 836567

It fits to any kind of boots or socks (boots is better )

and also long fins suitable even for back kick

 

[REVAN]

Which fins for strong currents.
I dive in Indonesia occasionally and quite often there are strong currents at the end of the reef where we hook on. Obviously we have to go against the current at some point.
Which fins are good for strong currents. I have been looking at Mares power plana and Mares X treme fins. Are these any good in currents although I'm not sure if the power plana fins are available in small size. (6 uk shoe size). I'm female so wondering if a heavy find would cause cramp. Any advice apriciated.

https://www.scubaboard.com/co

I did side by side comparisons of the Plana and x-treme against several other brands. The plana, in particular, I found to have high resistance for the propulsion they provided. They just don't have a good blade bending profile. They have the illusion of being powerful, because they suck up a lot of power, but they didn't do a good job of converting that power into thrust. The x-treme was not impressive either, easier to kick than the plana, but didn't rank very high on the distance per stroke.

If you want good fins for current, the only choice that will really stand out is going to be a fiberglass long blade fin. To really capitalize on the fin's performance, you will need to take steps to streamline your gear.

The attached pdf is something I wrote a couple years ago on the subject of scuba diver mobility and swimming performance. You may find it useful. Be sure to check out the Drag Performance Addendum at the end.

 

[Hank49]

Moana Waterman Carbon Fiber Freedive Fins

Fins do make a difference, which is why free divers use them. More distance, or depth, using less energy and oxygen per kick.
Moana is a very good brand. After using them, even other carbon fiber fins felt like I had no fins on.
They are expensive though.
Re longer fins damaging coral, you get used to the length. Taller divers don’t damage more coral. Trim.

 

[remante]

Scuba Pro seawing fins work well though they are a bit pricey.

 

[Ghost95]

I've always found that the old SP Jet Fins or Rocket fins at leas "felt" like they pushed me through the water better.

This is an old discussion though. Stubby and stout vs long and flaccid.

 

[johndiver999]

I've always found that the old SP Jet Fins or Rocket fins at leas "felt" like they pushed me through the water better.

This is an old discussion though. Stubby and stout vs long and flaccid.

Try swimming with someone who is using freedive fins while you use jets and try to maintain a reasonable pace. Within 2 or 3 minutes, the difference in efficiency is going to be pretty clear.

 

[АлександрД]

I`m recommend to have a look to this movie
Tanya Streeter has very nice fins kick technics, and I also learning this by this video.
Straight legs. not like on bicycle. and slow motions.

 

[dmaziuk]

Actually, what she is doing may be best for "bang per buck" ratio, but against a current that only works if the current doesn't have that much bang.

 

[scubadada]

Actually, what she is doing may be best for "bang per buck" ratio, but against a current that only works if the current doesn't have that much bang.

I have found just the opposite. Continuous, wide, full leg flutter is very effective in high current. It delivers constant power that can be easily adjusted. It gives you a very good feel of the current, power and direction. I have a feeling that it probably also turns out to be more efficient.

 

[charlier]

I have found just the opposite. Continuous, wide, full leg flutter is very effective in high current. It delivers constant power that can be easily adjusted. It gives you a very good feel of the current, power and direction. I have a feeling that it probably also turns out to be more efficient.

I agree with @scubadada. I use free dive fins in moderate to high current dive sites - full leg flutter provides power and control. The fins are effective, way more than traditional scuba fins. As a dive guide, I can rapidly help a diver in distress while in moderate currents.