new fins

[waterishome]

OK, so I just got a new pair of Cressi 2000HF fins and Im stoked to use them. I am going to the carribean next week and that will probably be the first time I get to use them. I have never used freediving fins before and I was just wondering if there is any difference between the kick with normal scuba fins and freediving fins. I have noticed that the kick stroke looks much longer and more exaggerated when i watch videos. Is this correct? and are there any tricks to using these fins.
Also are there any excersises that I could be doing to increase my bottom times.
thanks to anyone who can help me out with these questions.
waterishome

[sanso]

Hey there,

try to keep Your knees straight (not stiff, but don't bend them too much) and play around with long, slow kicks.

For bottom times (and safety)
and pretty much anything else of interest for a beginning freediver go through the How to start Freediving thread, that should keep You busy for a while.

safe and fun diving,

[sciencemike]

If at all possible get to a pool to get used to your new fins. You should do this for a couple of reasons.

1st - Make sure they fit and are comfortable with/without your current booties.

2nd - The muscles and feet will get fatigued easily for the first week or so using the fins. The last thing you want is to not be able to use your fins due to sore ankles/calves.

3rd - You can play around in a pool and are somewhat more relaxed/focused then when you are in the ocean and are busy looking at fish. This means you can alter your frequency or amplitude to really dial in an efficient kick that works for you.

Also the finning techniques in "Manual of Freediving" are a big help, as well as the beginner freediving sticky.

But most importantly have fun.