AIDA rules for fins in DYN

[trux]

I know that I can compete in the DYN discipline (dynamic with fins) also without them. For the DNF training I am using the Speedo breast stroke fins (for feet) shown in my Collection of Weird Fins (that I am slowly materializing):

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Although they are not optimized for performance, but rather for the drills, they are excellent for training the frog kick (increasing the side drag). Despite their performance not being optimal, they propulse more than bare feet, and I am getting closer with them to my DYN performance. Now, if there were a model optimized for performance, I think there would be another serious alternative to bi and mono fins.

It is clear to me that their use would not be allowed in the DNF discipline, but would they be allowed in DYN?

The rules are not quite clear on it. On one hand, I see no reason why they could not be included in the bi-fin category. On the other hand the paragraph 3.11 of the rules tells:

• Any kind of special paddles or swimming gloves/socks are forbidden.[FONT=Verdana,Verdana][FONT=Verdana,Verdana] [/FONT][/FONT]

So would be these fins accepted as bi-fins, or are they swimming socks from the point of view of AIDA?

Then, another question is whether fins like the Aqueon or Lunocet would be allowed in AIDA competitions? The FFESSM (and likely the CMAS) regulation differs, and does not permit propulsion devices with moving mechanical parts, so Aqueon would not be allowed there for sure. Lunocet might possibly pass if it changed the design slightly. The question is how is it with AIDA - the rules do not seem to define the term "fins" any closer.

 

[Tony Babowicz]

I have thought of this myself. I would think they should be allowed in DYN w/fins.

 

[apneaboy]

Excellent question i'd like to hear the answer to that so i posted here.

I know a number of people who can do better or at least similar with no-fins and this would probably tip the balance.

I think they should be allowed in the w/fins category.

 

[Mullins]

I expect they would & should be allowed. But... the big benefit of nofins is the pushoff - in a 25m pool you can get almost half your distance just from pushoffs and this is why people like me, who aren't very good DNF swimmers can still do reasonably well at it (only to be exposed as frauds when we do CNF!). So allowing fins like these might detract a little from the spirit of DYN, which is free swimming.

Though of course, there is nothing now to stop somebody choosing short rubber fins which allow a good pushoff anyway...

 

[trux]

You can push perfectly with the Speedo breast stroke fins. No problem at all. They are made in rubber, so you can press the wings easily.

 

[Mullins]

That was the point I was making - that using fins like these might detract a little from the spirit of DYN by allowing a big pushoff like you get in nofins. Sorry, my post was a bit unclear.

I know that this is allowed in DNF, but I think that's a flaw in the discpline. If you can't swim, you can just use a thick suit, weight yourself up and do huge pushoffs with a tight streamline in a 25m pool. It's what I plan to do!! I don't know how to fix the flaw though because you can't disallow pushoffs and it's not realistic to make the minimum pool length 50m. Touch wall with hands only?? It's not a change that would ever happen but it's still one I'd like to see

 

[chrismar]

I've tried them and found them slightly detrimental to my performances. The less effective kickoff and the increased drag during the glide aren't made up for by the increased thrust. Plus the energy usage in the kick is increased.

They're great for drills and a couple of people have had the same thinking as you. I'll stick with my monofin for now though, thanks. I will be watching with interest though...