Bargain Scuba Gear

Choosing a fin is a surprisingly complicated business for such an apparently simple device. But the seeming simplicity of fins is deceptive.

If you pop into your local scuba diving shop these days you will be amazed at the sheer variety of fins there are to choose from

There’s a lot that goes into engineering a great fin. Here are some guidelines for novice divers to help make it easier to choose.

Like shoes, fins have to fit well in order to be comfortable and function properly. Unlike shoes, you don’t generally wear socks to help adjust the fit and you aren’t usually somewhere you can change to another pair if yours aren’t right.

Do your best to get it right otherwise you’ll be looking at another purchase.

Wash your feet and don’t be put off trying several pairs, making sure there’s no sand or dirt on your feet during the trial.

Sit on the bench and flip the fins up and down. The air won’t offer the same resistance as water, but moving your leg and ankle around will give you an initial impression.