Proper Fin Kicking Technique

  As hard as we try to prepare new divers for everything in the Open Water training course, many skills take additional time to develop. One of the most important and the most overlooked is kicking. Often overlooked because most divers do not realize how much a good kick will improve their dive. Better air consumption, more control during a dive and fewer muscle cramps are just to name a few pro's.

  It needs to be said that being physically fit, good buoyancy and having a high quality fin is a must but that is a discussion for another article. 

 Kicking styles;

Flutter kick- also referred to as scissor kick. Most common kicking style preferable to the new recreational divers. The key to the best flutter kick is a pointed toe and straight leg. You will get the most energy output by using the biggest muscle group in your leg, your thigh. 

Frog Kick- This kick is most commonly used for technical diving however every diver new or old can benefit with this technique. The horizontal movement reduces the amount of water being disturbed below or above the divers, ideal for diving around silt bottoms, overhead environments or to best avoid disrupting the marine environment. 

Helicopter kick- This kick is great for tight turns when in a cave or when taking video underwater. When preformed correctly the diver can turn without moving forward or backwards.

Reverse kick- Also called a Back kick, is one of the most difficult and extremely useful kicks. This can allow you to most backwards without having to turn. Excellent in small spaces like a cavern however it can work well to avoid being kick by another diver when in a large group. The key with this one is to use your fins like a scoop. Pushing your feet out straight, stick out your feet at a 90 degree angle then scoop the water in using a bend of the knees and ankle.

As with any skill practice makes perfect.