How to Use Swimming Fins

The basic movement is called the flutter kick, which can be done on the surface or underwater.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Dive Boots
• Dive Masks
• Fins
• Scuba Gear
• Snorkels

1. Keep your arms at your sides. You'll get more than enough power from the action of the fins alone.

2. When swimming on the surface, keep your legs well below the surface. Bend slightly at the waist if snorkeling, or decrease your buoyancy if you have scuba gear.

3. Swing your legs back and forth with your knees straight as if you were marching.

4. Keep your feet extended. The force of the water should pull them into this position naturally.

5. Perform long, strong kicks, which are more efficient than short, choppy ones. The effort should come from swinging your legs and not your knees.

Tips & Warnings

• Break up your effort by doing a few strong kicks followed by a few moments of gliding without kicking.

• The flutter kick relies on two fins working in opposition to each other. If you lose a fin, the only kick that works is called the dolphin kick. This involves bending slightly forward at the waist, and then arching your back, while keeping your legs stiff. This kick is difficult with a snorkel since your head is plunged underwater on each kick. Practice swimming with one fin to have the skill if you need it.