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Snorkeling is an underwater sport that involves swimming with the use of a mask or snorkel. The mask lets you see underwater, while the snorkel enables you to breathe surface air while keeping your head down. Snorkeling is a sport that allows you to enjoy underwater views of coastal life. Additionally, anybody can snorkel; you don’t need any special training.
What Equipment Do You Need for Snorkeling?
- Snorkeling fins: this equipment allows you to propel yourself underwater, moving faster and farther; they are ideal for escaping dangerous situations. Additionally, snorkeling fins make it easy to navigate shallow waters and reefs. Also, there are several types of fins to suit your strength and skill.
- Wet suit: this equipment protects your body from UV rays, saltwater, jellyfish stings, and skin irritation. Also, wet suits maintain your temperature when swimming in cold ocean water. Your wet suit should fit your body comfortably like a second skin without sagging in the arm and legs.
- Dry snorkel: this equipment allows you to breathe comfortably underwater. Dry snorkels will enable you to breathe through your mouth by sucking air at a natural pace from the surface. It is best to ensure that your dry snorkel fits your mouth shaped correctly.
- Snorkel mask: This equipment protects your eyes and nose while giving you a clear view underwater. There are several types of snorkel masks, including those with tempered glasses, wide goggles with silicone nose cover, or the ones that cover the entire face. Your snorkel mask should fit your face and allow you to breathe naturally without causing any discomfort to your mouth and eyes.
- Life vests: this equipment is especially suitable for beginners. Life vests protect you by ensuring you remain on the water surface even when you are tired from stroking continuously.
Snorkeling Fins Vs. Diving Fins
Snorkeling fins are essential equipment for snorkeling. Compared to diving fins, snorkeling fins are shorter in length to allow you to move freely through the water. Also, you can make quick and flexible adjustments with this fin, helping you adjust with limited struggle. Furthermore, snorkeling fins prevent accidental damage to reefs and ocean life whenever you have below the surface.
On the other hand, diving fins are longer than snorkeling fins and help you travel distances easily. Also, diving fins give you immense power that allows you to propel through pressurized water quickly.
Things to Note When Purchasing Snorkeling Fins
It is essential to have the right size of snorkeling fins, especially for beginners. The best snorkeling fins for you should be lightweight and flexible, fitting snugly without being too tight. Factors to note when purchasing snorkeling fins include;
- Heel design: This factor is essential in determining how a snorkeling fin will fit your feet. Heel design also affects your navigation through the water. Usually, most snorkeling fins have full pockets that cover your foot, just like a pair of socks or a set of boots; this type of fin is known as closed heel design and is most suited for traveling. Open heel designs, on the other hand, have heel straps for easy adjustability. Furthermore, open heel fins are ideal for colder water because they allow you wear boots in them. Although open heel fins are more powerful, they can be challenging to travel with.
- Material: alongside rubber, materials for making snorkeling fins include monprene and thermoplastic. The type of material for making a fin determines how it will bend while maintaining its rigidity and shape to give you the necessary power for propulsion.
- Blade: although snorkeling fins with long blades provide more energy due to their large surface area, shorter blades are more portable. Also, the style of the blade could be curved or flat. Curved blades are easier to use; however, they have less energy usage. On the other hand, flat blades are almost rectangular and provide more propulsion, although they use more energy.
- Vents: snorkeling fins with vents allows water to pass through them, reducing the effort required during snorkeling. Although vented fins minimize energy usage, they reduce power. Non vented fins, on the other hand, are more powerful but require more energy, making you get tired in the water.
- Weight: fins can be light or heavy, depending on their material. It is best to purchase lightweight fins for snorkeling because they are more suited for traveling.
- Comfort: you should always purchase comfortable fins. Otherwise, you won’t kick effectively or enjoy your underwater experience.
Types of Snorkeling fins
- Full-foot or closed-heel fins: This type of fin completely wraps around your barefoot. You don’t need any footwear when using closed heel fins. Also, this type of snorkeling fin is comfortable, lightweight, and portable. Also, there more hydrodynamic and efficient, making it easy to move through the water. However, closed heel fins can give you cold feet when snorkeling in cold water, and it isn’t easy to walk in them.
- Open heel fins: These snorkeling fins have larger foot pockets and allow you to wear boots in them. This fin protects your feet when you’re about to enter the water, and you can even walk in them. Also, your boots keep your feet warm when snorkeling. Nevertheless, open heel fins are bulky and can cause water resistance when kicking, making you tired.
How to choose the right size of snorkeling fins
When getting a snorkeling fin, ensure you have a snug but not too tight fit. Underwater, your feet will shrink a little, causing fins to be looser. It is, therefore, best to get a tight rather than a loose fit. If you’re going to use boots with your fins, always try out the fins while wearing the boots. Also, ensure your boots are very comfortable and do not rub row spots.
When trying on your fins with boots, try making a kicking action. If the fin or boot pinches you or rubs hard on your feet, that is not the right fit for you.
Safety Precautions when snorkeling
Although snorkeling is an enjoyable sport, it comes with its risks. Risks associated with snorkeling include strong currents, weather changes, drownings, and equipment issues. Some safety measures to follow when snorkeling include;
- Avoid turning your back on the ocean because a big wave might crash behind you.
- Always swim diagonally across a current; avoid swimming against it
- Avoid snorkeling at dawn or dusk
- Enter and exit the water from the sandy beach area
- Always check with the lifeguard before going into the water
The 4 Best Snorkeling Fins in 2021 are Reviewed Below
This section reviews four great snorkeling fins to improve your snorkeling experience in no order.
1
Oceanic Viper Open Heel Fin
The Oceanic viper fin is an open-heel fin with a broad point. The fin has a precision blend of hydrodynamics and materials, giving ultimate comfort, performance, and efficiency. Furthermore, the fin directs water off the blade’s tip to increase efficiency and power; this prevents water from spilling from the blade’s sides because of its flexible power thrust channel, engineered channels, and side rails.
Other features of the oceanic viper fin include its power vents that reduce stress while accelerating water over the blade. Also, the large blade size increases thrust and propulsion. The fin is also generous and has a streamlined foot pocket that can fit a wide range of boot styles, significantly reducing drag.
You can use your boots with the oceanic viper fin. The fin is ideal for all skill levels of snorkeling. Also, the fin is available in three colors and two sizes to suit your preferences.
Key Features:
- Open heel design
- Hydrodynamic materials
- Flexible power thrust channel
- Engineered channels and side rails
- Power vents
- Oversized blade
- Streamlined foot pocket
Specification:
- Brand: Oceanic
- Color: yellow
- Size: X-small
- Dimensions: 23.5 × 8 × 4 in
- Package Weight: 2.91 lbs.
Pros
- The open heel design is easily adjustable for a good fit
- The hydrodynamic materials give you ultimate comfort while increasing the fin’s performance and efficiency.
- The flexible power thrust channel directs water off the blade’s tip to increase efficiency and power
- The side rails and engineered channels also direct water flow from the fin’s tip without allowing water to spill from the blade’s sides. Hence, they preserve efficiency and power
- The power vents reduce stress and also accelerate water over the blade
- The blade is oversized to increase thrust and propulsion
- The foot pocket is streamlined and generous enough to fit a wide range of boots while reducing drag significantly
- The Oceanic viper fin is ideal for all snorkeling skill levels
Cons
- None
2
Aqua Lung Express Full Foot Diving Fin
The Aqua Lung fin is a full-foot snorkeling fin that fits over your feet like a sock. The fin features slingshot technology and innovative materials for high performance and comfort. With this fin, the blade is not directly attached to the front of the foot pocket. Instead, the fin has a patented Armadillo membrane made from super-elastic rubber that bridges the blade and foot pocket gap. The membrane accumulates elastic energy with each kick in the water and gives it back at the end of the kick, ensuring a complete connection between the foot pocket and the blade. Also, the membrane eliminates any hydrodynamic gap water can move through.
Furthermore, there is a fulcrum at the patented mid-foot location, also known as the mid-foot flex joint. The mid-foot flex joint takes the strain away from the toes and ankle, using the entire foot for incredible comfort.
The Aqua Lung diving fin also has an ergonomic foot pocket with different thickness zones, improving power transmission from the leg to the fin. In addition, the power integration belt present keeps the foot pocket from stretching on each stroke. Also, the large side ribs are large enough to channel water flow, preventing water from spilling over the edges, thus minimizing wasted energy.
The fin’s low profile eliminates drag and turbulence. Also, the blade is made from customized techno-polymer alloy to give a high spring effect and flexibility for excellent acceleration and responsiveness. Furthermore, anti-slip rubber pads at the foot pocket’s bottom provide traction for moving around on boat decks.
Key Features:
- Full foot fin
- Slingshot technology
- Midfoot flex joint
- Armadillo membrane
- Ergonomic foot pocket
- Integrated power transmission belt
- Low profile
- Large rubber side ribs
- Customized techno-polymer alloy blade
- Anti-slip rubber pads
Specification:
- Brand: Aqua Lung
- Color: Black/blue
- Size: Small 5 – 6
- Dimensions: 24 × 8 × 8 in
- Package Weight: 2.55 lbs.
Pros
- The fin is a full-foot design, and it has slingshot technology alongside innovative materials to give you high performance and comfort.
- The midfoot flex joints take the strain off the toes and ankle and allow the entire foot to be used to give you incredible comfort.
- The armadillo membrane bridges the gap between the blade and the foot pocket. The membrane is made from super elastic rubber, and it ensures a complete connection between the foot pocket and the blade.
- The membrane also eliminates any hydrodynamic gap that water can pass through.
- The fin has an ergonomic foot pocket with different thickness zones, improving power transmission from your leg to the fin.
- The integrated power transmission belt keeps the pockets from stretching on each stroke.
- The fin has a low profile that eliminates drag and turbulence.
- The rubber side ribs are large and high enough to channel water flow, preventing water from spilling over the ages. It also minimizes wasted energy.
- The customized techno-polymer alloy blade gives the fin a high spring effect for flexibility, enhancing responsiveness and acceleration.
- The anti-slip rubber pads at the bottom of the foot pocket give the fin traction.
- The fin is available in six colors and six sizes to suit your preferences.
Cons
- Sizes run big
3
Cressi Palau Snorkeling Adjustable Fins
The Cressi Palau fins are open-heeled with innovative and excellent design. The foot pocket is adjustable and can easily adapt to at least three or four foot sizes. The fins give extreme comfort, and they are an easy fit even when worn barefoot. Furthermore, the fin features an open-air foot pocket design which is ideal for snorkeling, and you can wear it with thin neoprene or synthetic socks.
The material of this fin’s blade is lightweight and responsive, ensuring fluid, effortless kicks. Furthermore, the blade extends from the top of the foot pocket to give a maximum surface area. Also, the fin has a ribbed insole for improved fit and to provide a more efficient fin stroke.
The Cressi Palau fin has a channel thrust technology for optimal water channeling. Another feature of this fin is its quick-release strap buckles for easy adjustment. Also, there is an adjustable binding system fin buckle that allows one-finger release. With a strong pull trap ring, the fins strap enables quick reversal for easy donning and doffing. Also, the full-length side rails help the fin track naturally in water.
Key Features:
- Long adjustable fin
- Adjustable foot pocket
- Extraordinarily practical
- Open heel design
- Soft elastomer material
- Lightweight and responsive blade material
- Ribbed insole
- Channel thrust technology
- Quick-release strap buckle
- Adjustable binding system
- Side rails
Specification:
- Brand: Cressi
- Color: Black/yellow
- Size: XS/S
- Dimensions: 14 × 5 × 3 in
- Package Weight: 2.36 lbs.
Pros
- The Cressi Palau snorkeling fin has an innovative and excellent design
- The fin is long and adjustable
- The foot pocket is easily adjustable to suit three to four foot sizes
- The Cressi Palau snorkeling fin provides extreme comfort and an easy fit even if you wear it barefoot
- The fin has an extraordinarily practical design; it can adapt to any foot size, allowing a quick fitting in any situation
- The fin has an open heel foot pocket, making it ideal for snorkeling
- The blade is made from thermoplastic rubber, which is soft, lightweight, and responsive, ensuring fluid effortlessly
- The blade has a maximum surface area that extends from the top of the foot pocket
- The ribbed insole gives the fin an improved fit. It also ensures efficient fin strokes.
- The fin has a channel thrust technology that ensures optimal water channeling.
- You can easily adjust this fin because of its quick-release strap buckles
- Due to the adjustable binding system fin buckles, you can release the fin using one finger.
- With its strong pull tap ring, the buckle’s strap allows quick reversal for easy donning and doffing
- The fin has full-length side rails that help with tracking naturally in water.
- The Cressi Palau fin is ideal for traveling, canoeing, rafting, and so much more surf activities.
- This fin is available in five colors and sizes to suit your preferences.
Cons
- The lock on the strap is not so secure; therefore, they may loosen while in use underwater.
4
Wildhorn Topside Snorkel Fins
The Wildhorn Topside is easy to put on and off. With the Velcro opening, you can easily slip your foot into the fin and tighten the strap to give you the desired fit. Also, you can walk comfortably in the fin because of its walkable rock-safe sole. Furthermore, the walkable sole design allows you to get the most out of the fins because they are available in several sizes for accurate fits.
The Wildhorn Topside also has a wide fin design that increases your propulsion and provides the thrust necessary for snorkeling. Its blade is lightweight and small, making it suitable for surface snorkeling and shorter distance swimming. You can also use the fin for body boarding, paddle boarding, and river boarding sports. In addition, the snorkeling fin fits like a shoe to give you comfort while preventing blisters. The fins closed-toe and heel also prevent cramping and tension in your feet
Additionally, the Wildhorn Topside snorkeling fin is portable and travel-ready; the fin can easily fit in your carry-on and backpack. Furthermore, the fin’s buoyancy lifts your legs in the water to reduce drag on your body.
Another reason to purchase the Wildhorn Topside fin is that it combines the function of a shoe and a fin. With this fin, you can walk comfortably on land without waddling in and out of the water. Also, the fin has a rubber sole that protects your foot.
The Wildhorn Topside is suitable for unisex adults, and it is available in three colors and 11 sizes to suit everyone’s preferences. In addition, purchasing the Wildhorn Topside snorkeling fin gives you a one-year warranty on the product.
Key Features:
- Closed heel design
- Easy on and off
- Velcro opening
- Walkable rock safe sole
- Walkable sole design
- Wide fin design
- Lightweight blade
- Comfortable
- Closed-toe and heel
- Portable
- Buoyant fins
- Versatility
- Rubber soles
- Unisex adult
- One year warranty
Specification:
- Brand: Wildhorn
- Color: Sharkskin
- Size: Women’s 6
- Package Dimensions: 15 × 10 × 5 in
- Package Weight: 2.25 lbs.
Pros
- The fin has a closed heel design, allowing you to use it barefoot
- The Wildhorn Topside fin is easy to take on and off for the best snorkeling experience.
- The fin has a Velcro opening that easily lets you slip your foot in and out of the fin. You can also adjust the fit with the strap
- The walkable rock safe sole features a texted sole that is ultra-comfortable, allowing you to walk comfortably in the fins
- The walkable sole design is available in a variety of sizes to give an accurate fit.
- The fin has a wide design that increases thrust and propulsion when snorkeling
- The fin’s blade is lightweight, small, and soft, allowing you to enjoy surface snorkeling. Due to its size, the blades improve strength while providing thrust during snorkeling.
- The Wildhorn Topside fin is comfortable and fits like a shoe to prevent blisters.
- The fin has a closed toe and heel; this prevents cramping and tension in your feet
- The Wildhorn fin is portable and travel-ready to fit in your backpack or carry-on easily
- The fin is buoyant, lifting your legs in the water. The buoyancy reduces drag on the rest of your body
- The fin is versatile. It combines the function of a shoe and a fin for the best experience. You don’t have to waddle in and out of the water, and you can comfortably walk on land
- The fin’s rubber sole protects your foot
- The Wildhorn Topside is also suitable for sports like bodyboarding, river boarding, and paddleboarding
- The fin is unisex and is suitable for adult snorkelers
- You get a one-year warranty when you purchase the Wildhorn Topside fin
- The Wildhorn Topside fin is available in three sizes to suit your preferences
- Due to the 11 size options, there is a size for everyone.
Cons
- Due to the fin’s shorter blades and compact size, it doesn’t do well underwater. It is more suited to surface snorkeling
Buying Guide Questions
This section discusses frequently asked questions about snorkel fins. Kindly read through for more information.
Are short or long fins better for snorkeling?
Although long snorkel fins generate more thrust, short fins are easier on your leg muscles; you don’t need to apply so much power with each stroke. Furthermore, with short fins, you take short strokes compared to long fins.
How do I choose a snorkel fin?
Snorkeling fins determine how well you enjoy your underwater experience. Therefore, it is best to go for an excellent and non-stiff fit. Always go for snorkel fins that have medium-length blades and are flexible as well.
Also, the foot pocket of your snorkel should be snug. You can also purchase open heel fins that have adjustable straps to fit various shoe sizes.
Are freediving fins good for snorkeling
Snorkeling is a sport that doesn’t require fancy equipment or much experience. Short fins are the best for Snorkelers because they allow you to make small, flexible movements without accidentally damaging a reef.
On the other hand, freediving fins convert every bit of energy into power with as little effort as possible. These fins have a larger surface area to displace more water and offer more power. Also, freediving fins are not suitable for snorkeling because they are long and stiff.
Can I snorkel without fins?
Yes. Although you can snorkel without fins, you may not be able to swim far and fast enough. Snorkel fins improve your snorkeling experience, and they help you stay afloat or swim out of rip tides.
What is the difference between snorkeling fins and scuba fins?
Snorkeling fins are simple in design. They vary in length between 15 and 26 inches. It is important to note that snorkeling fins do not have features to help divers navigate deeper depths.
On the other hand, scuba fins are standard fins that have lengths between 25 and 30 inches. These fins give more room for control and kick efficiency, and they are also suitable for more challenging conditions. Furthermore, scuba fins are thicker and stiffer to provide improved durability and power.
Are short fins better than long fins?
The best use of short fins and long fins depends on the sport. Although long fins require more energy, they help you move farther and faster; hence they are great for sports like freediving. On the other hand, short fins are easier to pack and allow you to change directions in water quickly. Therefore, short fins are great for sports like snorkeling.
Do fins make you swim faster?
Yes. Fins increase your speed, helping you enjoy your underwater experience. Also, fins increase your endurance and build your strength and power.
Why do freedivers use long fins?
Long fins have a large surface area that displaces water faster and gives you more power. Freedivers use long fins to cover more distance in less time, requiring less oxygen and energy.
What are the important things to remember while snorkeling?
Snorkeling is a popular sport you can enjoy, especially during vacations. Fortunately, you don’t need a lot of experience before snorkeling. However, you have to remember a few things, including;
- Purchasing or renting the right equipment such as snorkeling mask, snorkel, and full foot fins are essential. It is best always to test this equipment to ensure they are the right fit.
- Learning how to defog your mask is essential. A fogged mask can prevent you from seeing ocean life while snorkeling, defeating the whole experience. You can buy a defogging gel or use baby shampoo to avoid fogging.
- Ensure you know how to drain your mask. Although using the right mask size prevents water from filling it up, if your mask ever gets filled up, lift your head out of the water and lift your mask to drain. You can also drain your mask underwater by lifting your mask away from your face and blowing your nose. Afterward, quickly adjust your mask to its proper position.
- When snorkeling, avoid swimming too fast because you will tire quickly. All you need to do during snorkeling is focus on floating and letting your fins do all the work.
- Ensure you wear a wet suit to stay warm when in the water. In case you feel cold while snorkeling, pull your arms to your chest for body warmth.
- Always inform someone when you’re about to go snorkeling. Ocean water can pull or push you, causing you to drift away within a short period. Also, it is best always to find a landmark when you start snorkeling and not get too far away.
- Avoid touching sea life like coral and fishes when snorkeling because touching them could harm them.
What are the four types of snorkeling fins?
There are two types of snorkeling fins based on design: open heel and closed heel fins.
What is the difference between fins and flippers?
Flippers are modified limbs while fins are not. Also, fins do not have actual bones or skeletal structures.
Conclusion
Snorkeling is a great experience when you have the right equipment. Although several fins are on the market, you want to ensure that you get the right fit to maximize your underwater experience.
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