When we imagine a freediver the image of a long and stylish fins come to our mind. Somehow that image have become a symbol for freediving.
But the truth is that, besides of being a symbol, these long and stylish fins are a capital part of our freediving equipment, which helps us to safe energy and oxygen.
The first feature that usually concern us about freediving fins is the material.
The two main materials in which freediving fins are made are plastic and carbon fiber.
Which one is better will depend of ourselves.
Carbon fiber fins tent to recover really fast their original shape when we bend them, which is a real help to the finning’s efficiency and energy saving.
Plastic fins are not that efficient but they are much more resistant and considerably less expensive and, unless we are going to go deeper than -30m, we are not going to feel a big difference, which makes that kind of fins the ideal ones for beginners.
Another feature to consider is the stiffness.
As more stiff are the fins faster will be their reaction when finning, but we are going to need stronger and better trained legs.
A less stiff fins can be more convenient if we have not a well trained legs.
Especially important part of the fins are the foot pockets.
The foot pockets are the way of transmission of all our effort to the fins and, because of that, they need to be fit and stiff.
A flexible foot pocket will lead to power losses, even if we feel it more comfortable.
To help the foot pocket to fit better is recommended to use neoprene socks, which in addition will help the foot pockets to be more comfortable.
Freedive l’Estartit- Lassdive freediving courses.
First freediving school in the Iberic Peninsula.
http://www.lassdive.com
