Finning Techniques for Freediving You Should Know

Efficient finning is a crucial skill for freedivers, helping move underwater smoothly and save O2 🌊. Finning techniques vary depending on the type of fins used:

1. Bifins

The technique used with Bifins is the flutter kick, which involves kicking the fins up and down alternately.

Method:

• Posture: 🧍‍♂️
  • Keep your body straight. Arms and legs must be aligned to create a good streamline.
• Leg Movement: 🦵
  • Alternate kicking: Kick one leg up and down while the other moves in the opposite direction.
  • Kick from the hip: Movement should initiate from the hip flexors, not the knees.
  • Legs almost straight: Avoid bending knees too much. Knees should bend less than 45 degrees.
  • Small amplitude, High frequency: Depends on the fins used and individual physiology. Generally, kicking short, fast, and wider than long, slow, and narrow kicks is better. You need to experiment to see what suits you and your fins best.
  • Symmetry: Focus on keeping the kicks symmetrical and equal on both legs.
• Ankle Movement: 🦶
  • Relax when kicking forward (front kick): Let your ankles flex slightly when kicking up.
  • Straighten toes when kicking backward (back kick): Point your toes and exert force using ankles to push the fin when kicking back.
• Arms: 🤲
  • Place arms by your side or raise them above your head in Arrow streamline position. Choose the position that feels comfortable and efficient.

2. Monofin 🐬

The Monofin technique is similar to the dolphin kick in swimming.

Method:

• Posture: 🧍‍♂️
  • Keep your body straight. Arms and legs must be aligned to create a good streamline.
• Leg Movement: 🦵
  • Whole body movement: Movement should flow from the chest, through the hips, and down to the fins.
  • Engage core and back muscles: Helps create powerful and efficient kicks.
  • Legs and ankles almost straight: Avoid bending knees and ankles too much.
  • Small amplitude, High frequency: Kick narrow and frequent for more efficiency than wide kicks.
• Arms: 🤲
  • Recommended to raise arms above the head if shoulder flexibility allows.

Tips for Efficient Finning:

• Relax: Avoid tension. Try to relax your body as much as possible ✨.
• Focus on Technique: Pay attention to the details of each kick. Try to move correctly and make every kick your best 🌟.
• Practice: The more you practice, the better your finning will be 🔝.
• Use Appropriate Fins: Choose fins that suit your strength, flexibility, and skill level 👌.

Remember, the key to efficient finning is efficient Oxygen use and minimizing drag 💡. By focusing on good technique, relaxation, and regular practice, everyone can improve their finning technique efficiency and enjoy longer, more comfortable dives 🌊👍.