Not to be confused with Snorkeling fins, Swim Training Fins are a great addition to a swim workout. Use of training fins increases the percentage of propulsion you receive from your legs, and at the same time can increase the cardiovascular load by increasing resistance. Because of the added resistance swim fins create, the leg is strengthened.

How Training Fins Work

We have found that in teaching swimming, fins cause the swimmer to improve their kicking motion by slowing down and exaggerating the kick. New swimmers can tend to flutter the feet very rapidly and not use the larger leg muscles. Fins force a slowdown and extension of the ankle when kicking. At the Aqua Gear Swim School we have found sessions with Swim Fins have helped both children and adults with improving their kick. Increased flexibility is gained by the extended motion the fin creates, which over time stretches the ankle.

Use as a Training Aid

Another use for Training Fins is to provide additional leg thrust when teaching new swimmers proper breathing technique. As the kick should not be consistent like a metronome, but rather fill in between arm strokes, Swim Fins can provide additional propulsion while the student is learning the proper arm and body movements needed to roll and breathe. Then as the overall stroke improves, swimming without the fins becomes more comfortable.

Fins Strap Types

In recent years innovative designs have been introduced. Some are strap based like the Zura and Hydro Finz, and some have a foot pocket like the Z2 and Zoomers. Fins are manufactured in a variety of materials from very soft EVA foam like the Zura fin to more traditional plastics like the Zoomers and Z2 Fins. Some fins are silicone based such as the Speedo Biofuse Swim Fins and the Hydro Finz Hydro Tech II Swim Fins.

Mono Fins

A non-traditional fin is the Finis Monofin, which is a single fin that the swimmer puts both feet into. Some fins come in youth sizes as well as adult sizes.