Fins!

[jeanaz1989]

Hi all,

I just bought a pair of cressi garas 3000. I was used to normal welfare fins which were cressi pumas but switching to long fins are a total killer on my foot. Bare in mind they are a tad big but I can buy thicker socks so thats no issue.

My question is if the transition is hard? Is it hard to get used to Long Fins?

 

[Kars]

It's easy, do a few sessions dynamics in a pool and improve your:

- Finning technique: strait legs, keeping the feet strait too*, moving mostly from the hip + slow movement pace.
- While adapting your style, you're building your foot and angle muscles.
- Watch some bifin dynamics of others, copy the best styles.

*Many people have a poor finning technique. Long fins are not forgiving to poor technique. 'cycling' is a common mistake, and also moving the foot. I just hold my foot stiff in place while I use my hips and in small way my knees to move the fin.
Another mistake is to move the fin too fast, feet are fast, fins are slow, long fins require very slow, more precise movements.
It's necessary to have fitting foot pockets.

 

[rovanpera]

also the gara 3000 is a pretty hard fin...

 

[Kars]

True, the LD - Long Distance version is better for beginners, cruising and shallow diving.

In general you have to consider your mass, strength and goals when choosing your long fins.

 

[jeanaz1989]

It's easy, do a few sessions dynamics in a pool and improve your:

- Finning technique: strait legs, keeping the feet strait too*, moving mostly from the hip + slow movement pace.
- While adapting your style, you're building your foot and angle muscles.
- Watch some bifin dynamics of others, copy the best styles.

*Many people have a poor finning technique. Long fins are not forgiving to poor technique. 'cycling' is a common mistake, and also moving the foot. I just hold my foot stiff in place while I use my hips and in small way my knees to move the fin.
Another mistake is to move the fin too fast, feet are fast, fins are slow, long fins require very slow, more precise movements.
It's necessary to have fitting foot pockets.

very helpful thank you! I had no idea I had to keep your foot stiff

 

[jeanaz1989]

True, the LD - Long Distance version is better for beginners, cruising and shallow diving.

In general you have to consider your mass, strength and goals when choosing your long fins.

i got the hf as i gad no choice really, last pair in shop for 73 euros hehe

 

[Kars]

With proper technique these will be great diving to greater depths, where you want to have solid strong fins. For cruising a fin with more foot angle and softer blades are preferred.