How's Your Finning?

[PlatypusMan]

This is a topic that you don't see much discussion on.

Do you consider the way you currently propel yourself through the water as being the best? Most graceful? Most efficient?

Did anyone show you different methods that had you slapping yourself exclaiming "Wow! Why wasn't I doing it that way before?"

[tc_rain]

I hate to say it but I consider my kicking rather weak. When I started out diving I used paddle fins and woudl start getting cramps in my legs during my third dive. I switched to split fins and that seemed to take care of it. I also learned several other finning techniques, such as the frog kick, afterI was certified. I believe finning should be addressed more in the O/W classes and then even more so in the AOW classes.

[Dive-aholic]

I use the modified frog kick and I wish someone had taught it to me when I first got certified. It's definitely the best for me!

[57ChevyGreg]

Originally Posted by tc_rain

I also learned several other finning techniques, such as the frog kick, afterI was certified. I believe finning should be addressed more in the O/W classes and then even more so in the AOW classes.

<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Great point. I think the more kicks you know and can use effectivly can make you a better diver. I think there are different kicks that you can use given the type of dive you are making and the conditions. </DIV>

[Vercingetorix]

I'd like to learn the backwards kick that allows you to back-up. Handy, when you're inches from a reef (photographing)and you don't want to use your hands to back-up. I've heard it's a reversed frog kick. I've tried that with no success.

[TommyB]

I'm going to have to say "weak"..
Was going to hook up with txhockeyguy Sat/sun 21st/2nd at CSSP, but Dr. told me no diving / flying until after the 27th or so. Due to inner ear injury I received at CSSP weekend of 14/15th.

Was really looking forward to learning from someone more experinced with the Frog Kicks, Reverses , etc.

Oh well, always another day I guess...

[fire diver]

I would classify my finning as OK. I typically use a modified flutter or frog. I'm sure an instructor would gag at my frog kick. I can feel that sometimes it really good, but other times I'm off becuase it's more work than reward.
<DIV>I have tried to do a back-kick several times, while solo diving, and embarrased myself. I think the fish were laughing at me.</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>FD</DIV>

[Skinsfan1311]

I would consider mineweak.
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Last fall, afterdivingthe Cenotes, we stopped for lunch at a local watering hole. While we ate, we watcheda video of the dive. (The photographer hooked up his vide0-camera to a big LCD TV in the bar)</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>I was concentrating on my food, (&amp; beer), when all of a sudden the Mexicans broke out into laughter and were pointing at the screen. I looked up, to see what was so funny.</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>It was me on the screen,frogkicking. It was not a pretty sight.</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>I'w working on it though!</DIV>

[3rdEye]

my frog kick is pretty weak....but I'd say my flutter kick is ok, and I like doing a dolphin kick a lot of times as well....which is really more of a full body undulation....at least i think that's what a dolphin kick is.

[eric4435]

Depends on your fins I guess. Split fins are magical when you quickly flutter kick them. Standard blade fins work well with long slow kicks (for me.) I think think that the whole body undulation thing works better with large/long fins. Just my opinion, dont take what I say for fact, im no expert