How to Swim With Fins

Magnera on Flickr

Swimming with fins can help you move faster through the water and make swimming easier. They are a necessary part of any scuba outfit and also are used when snorkeling. It can take a while to strengthen your ankles enough to use fins, but once you do, you'll be swimming faster than ever.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Booties (for some fins)
Booties (for some fins)

Step 1

Make sure you have booties if your fins require them. Some models -- most of the high-end ones -- require a bootie for proper use.

Step 2

Drop yourself into the water and begin treading water. You will notice how much easier it is to remain buoyant with fins. Not only do fins float, but they do most of the work keeping you up.

Step 3

Begin swimming using a scissors kick. This is the most effective kick to use with fins.

Step 4

Use your upper body to steer, particularly if you are scuba diving. If your ankles become sore, stop swimming or remove the fins to prevent straining a muscle or ligament.

Resources

Churchill Fins

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

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