How to Buy Scuba Fins

Choosing the right scuba fins is a key to your scuba diving success. You should pick fins that are right for you and your fitness level. There are two basic types of fins: full-foot fins and heel-strap fins. But no matter what type of scuba find you choose, choose fins that you will be comfortable in for hours. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Choose Your Fins

1. Choose the basic type of scuba fins you will be using. Full-foot fins are generally used for snorkeling and in warm water. Heel-strap fins must be used with dive booties. However, heel-strap fins can be used under any diving conditions. Heel-strap fins have been the norm on all the dive boats this eHow editor has frequented, from Cozumel to Costa Rica.

2. If you try on heel-strap fins, make sure to wear your dive booties to ensure a perfect fit. Your booties will protect your feet from blisters while scuba diving.

3. Look for fins that fit your feet snugly, but don’t cramp your toes or pinch your feet. However, your fins shouldn’t fit too loosely. If your dive fins are too large, it will be hard to kick and it will be easy to lose your fins in the water.

4. Choose dive fins that are durable. They should be able to stand up to repeated use and varied water conditions.

Tips & Warnings

• Always rinse your fins after every diving day.
• Some fins come with a plastic insert in each foot. Store your fins with the insert inside, so that you can maintain your fins’ shape.