Fins

Fins are a highly personal choice, and one that matters a lot. There are two ways that fins can be classified: "full foot" and "open heel" fins. Full foot fins have a pocket that your foot slips into, kind of like a shoe. These are usually only used for warm water diving. "Open heel" fins are meant to be used with a dive boot, and most won't really be usable without one. These can be used in either warm or cold water, and are more of an "all-purpose" fin (all of the fins pictured on this page have an open heel). Many fin designs only come in open heel styles, while some come in both.

Fins come in various sizes (S, M, L, XL), and you'll need to choose a size that fits. I'd suggest getting fins either simultaneously with dive boots, or after purchasing boots, since you'll want to make sure the fins fit while wearing the boots you'll be diving with.

Besides the foot pocket and sizes, fins come in two major designs: "paddle" fins and split fins.

paddle fins

Paddle fins are the common fins of diving, and they're relatively simple: a paddle-shaped fin gets strapped on your foot, and you use it to push water around, which makes you move. They come in a number of different materials (mostly rubber and plastic), and some are stiffer than others. It's best if you can try fins out before buying them, since they all feel a little different. Paddle fins usually retail for $40-$100 in most dive shops.

split fins

Split fins are a variations on fin design that actually seems to help. They look like someone took scissors to a paddle fin and cut it about 2/3 of its length. Divers that like these fins claim they reduce the amount of effort needed to get around (a common complaint about many paddle-style fins is that they make you work pretty hard, and may lead to muscle cramping if you haven't been diving in a while). Be prepared to pay more for decent split fins though: most retail for $120- $200.

Force Fin

Force Fins are another type of fin that don't fit well into either of the two catogories above. They're short, shaped like a fish tail, and relatively efficient. They're either loved or hated by divers who try them, so be sure to try them before buying a pair. They retail for about $100-$120, with the "pro" model a stiffer version of the standard Force Fin.

Next page: Choosing a Wetsuit