Orienting to new fins

[waterman503]

I've got a pair of freediving fins on the way. I'm a strong swimmer and have used stiff surf-rescue and standard scuba fins in the pool for dynamic training for some time. My static is only 2:00. In my experience, it can be difficult to know how to incorporate a new piece of equipment into an established training routine. Any advice on where to start and how to best incorporate the fins into my training? Thanks in advance.
Safe diving,
waterman503

 

[growingupninja]

If you are a swimmer with good technique already and are moving to long fins you will probably want to slow down the tempo of your kick and use a larger amplitude kick. If you are using a stiff fin you will need to be more conscious of your technique. I was taught to swim with relatively relaxed knees and ankles for flutter kick; with long fins I consciously point my toes on the upstroke. You may feel fatigue more in your ankles than your legs but with use your ankles will catch up. If you don't know how to dolphin kick it is good to learn as well; it is especially useful with longfins and for me provides faster acceleration although I mostly flutter kick once I am moving.

In the ocean, I would also be more careful entering and exiting as long fins are extraordinarily clumsy for walking and because there is so much more surface area they are more prone to getting ripped off in the surf.

Have fun!

 

[waterman503]

Thanks. Those are all helpful points. How do I keep from losing my fins in surf situations?

 

[growingupninja]

Thanks. Those are all helpful points. How do I keep from losing my fins in surf situations?

Fin keepers may help. And a little common sense.. Avoid diving when conditions are too rough, especially at night. You may be safe enough as a strong swimmer but your chances of losing gear go way up. We enter and exit around cliffs, rocks, and urchins here so sometimes it is easier to enter the water without fins and put them on once past the trickiest part of the surf... Depends. Usually if I am looking at the water and I start thinking about how I will strap my gear together in such a way as to enter safely, without losing gear or getting tangled up, knocked out, and drowned... Conditions are rough enough that maybe I should not fish that day

 

[guybly]

https://www.apnea.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=140_142&products_id=284

something like this is what ninja was talking about, they really do help. you develop a lot of power using freediving fins so slow down, you almost want to feel like you are going too slow.

get a couple of pool sessions before trying it out in the ocean. I feel that freediving fins become a part of you after a while, they just seem more natural.

also, if you are phisicaly fit, your time can go better than 2' if you can get yourself to relax and breath "with your belly" more. but remember never practise alone , never practise alone and never practise alone.

Hope this helps,
Guy

 

[waterman503]

Fins got here today. They feel good size-wise. Will try them in the pool or open water tomorrow. I feel like I'm at a stand still static apnea wise. What do you mean belly breathe?

 

[Andrew the fish]

belly breath means (if I understand it correctly) something like using lower portion of your lungs by first bulging out belly and then comlpeting the breath-in by lifting yuor shoulders. If done correctly your lungs are full to the point when packs aren't really necessary. If you don't practice exhale diving, then this correct breath-in technique gives you an instant increase in static times. 2' isn't really much for static, but then, don't push it trying to match the numbers either. Be happy with what you have.

 

[guybly]

belly breath means (if I understand it correctly) something like using lower portion of your lungs by first bulging out belly and then comlpeting the breath-in by lifting yuor shoulders. If done correctly your lungs are full to the point when packs aren't really necessary. If you don't practice exhale diving, then this correct breath-in technique gives you an instant increase in static times. 2' isn't really much for static, but then, don't push it trying to match the numbers either. Be happy with what you have.

this is pretty much it, sorry for taking so long to explain it.

it just a method to make sure you are taking in as much air as possible by using your diaphragm when inhaling.

this, relaxing and praticing your O2/CO2 tables will help inprove your hold times.

Cheers,
Guy