DearDiveBuddy.com

Up and down, that’s the way we learn to use our big blade somewhat stiff open-heel fins in the Open Water course. The fins are designed for this use and therefore it is this “normal” fin stroke that is the most effective. The one to use in most circumstances, long and slow.
However sometimes this high efficiency is not necessary and we prefer another technique. For example when we enter in a cave with a sandy bottom we don’t want to make it dusty and can use our fins sideward instead of up and down, also named “sculling”. Or simply because we want to use other leg muscles to avoid cramps. In the normal fin stroke one foot moves opposite to the other, but with sculling the movement is more symmetric and sideward. Thrust comes from the fin tips closing the feet together while the heels our pointing outward. In the opening movement we put our feet parallel or opposite so the fin blade has less resistance in the water or even a bit of thrust.

Swimming backwards, for example checking our dive buddy behind us, we can use the fins the same way, but having thrust in the opening movement pointing our heels outward and in the closing movement pointing our heels together. Try tipping your head back while swimming backwards to see where you go. Pick a visual reference point to swim to, to be able to go in a straight line. You better us a regulator that doesn’t leak used upside down.

Diving along with the current requires another rhythm, with long non-moving intervals between smooth soft slow kicks, more like flying. In fact, with stronger current you can assume the position of a sky diver or even upright, increasing the surface the current can push on, controlling your speed.

But, when we see a moray in a hole or that eating turtle, we elegantly turn around and use swimming against the current (if not too strong) to have greater control to position us steady respect the subject. Take care the other members of your team notice you. Preceding members might drift away, loosing contact. Following members might bump into you.

Treat your fins well. They have the right to be rinsed as well as your other equipment. Don’t pull the straps to tight. An extra pair of straps with buckles already mounted can be useful.

Oh yeah. I almost forgot. The movement you make putting your fins together, pretending they are a mono-fin. Forget it! With your tank you can’t be half as elegant as a skin diver with a real mono-fin. Unless of course you want to have fun or look funny…

Now print out this article and the one about “static” and “dynamic” buoyancy and hit the water, to find out that something as basic as moving under water can still enhance. Good luck!