Andrew loves the better kick technique that shinfinTM fins give him for more efficient, faster snorkeling. This is because shinfinTM fins encourage him to kick with power from his hips and a smooth, streamlined technique. He found this new shinfinTM kick to be very different to his kick when snorkeling with his old foot fins.
Andrew’s review from Melbourne, Australia
“Loved the fins. Took a while to get used to them but once I was kicking differently they were surprisingly fast. Already they have proven their worth for reef snorkeling. I found I was much more efficient and faster since using the shinfinTM fins and the kicking technique was much better!”
Andrew’s review: Faster snorkeling fins with better kicking technique
“Thanks for the chat just recently. The fins have arrived! I’ll give you a report when I get back from the Cook Islands.”
Reply
I look forward to hearing how you go snorkeling with them. Yes, it was good to chat. As you could probably tell, I’m fascinated by all things to do with human water propulsion.
Andrew
“Loved the fins. Took a while to get used to them but once I was kicking differently they were surprisingly fast. Alas, the water was a bit shallow and the weather a bit cool for proper test, but already they have proven their worth for reef snorkeling.”
Reply
Yes, they can take a little bit of getting used to and it can take a while to build your muscles for a streamlined kick. It is often best to use shinfinTM fins for normal freestyle (arms too) in a pool first. Let the fins guide you into the streamlined kick. You don’t need to think about it too much. Over time, you will feel improvements in your swimming technique and speed, which transfer to your no-fins swimming too. So you will feel your stroke becomes smoother and more streamlined, your kick develops less knee-bend, and power increases in your thighs and torso. I hope this helps. Please let me know how you go. Can I ask a favour please? Would you mind if I put some extracts from your emails on the web site?
We have many happy customers using shinfinTM fins for snorkeling. The fins work well for surface snorkeling, duck diving and swimming underwater. They have a natural feel and don’t kick up as much sand as foot flippers. You can do faster shorter kicks or slower longer kicks, whatever you prefer.
Streamlined kick
They work with a natural streamlined kick like good swimmers use, with your knees fairly straight and power from your thighs, buttocks, stomach and torso. (Foot flippers use a different action with much more knee-bend and more strain in the calf muscles, ankles and feet.) If this swimmer-style streamlined kick is new to you, then it may take a few sessions to build your strength in your upper legs and torso. To turn, twist your body at the waist to angle your legs to press the face of the fins sideways, to the outside of the bend. This gives a smooth streamlined turn through the water, like dolphins and fish turn.
Adjustable
The straps adjust so you can wear shinfinTM fins with a wetsuit and/or water shoes. To minimize drag, water shoes should be streamlined and flexible so you can point your toes, without heavy sole or heel areas. So it is best to use the light, flexible water shoes designed for swimming and beach walking.
Walking
When walking in shallow water, lift your knees higher than normal so the fins slide upwards and forwards through the water. Then place your foot down quickly on the bottom for the next step. The straps should be secure enough so that the fins do not slip around your leg. If there is a current, don’t worry about the fins bending in the direction of the current as they are supposed to do that to reduce the water drag on the fins. It gets easier once you are thigh deep because the water supports you better.
Andrew
“Thanks for the tips, I’ll work on technique the more I use them. Funny thing is, I recently had an unanticipated day off and went snorkeling using “normal” fins. I found I was much more efficient and faster since using the shinfinTM fins and the kicking technique was much better! Feel free to use my email comments.”
Reply
Thank you for your kind permission Andrew. Personal recommendation is very important to help a new product like this along, so I really appreciate it.
Conclusion
You will love the better kick technique that shinfinTM fins give you for more efficient, faster snorkeling. This is because shinfinTM fins encourage a smooth and streamlined technique, with kick power from your hips. You will find this new shinfinTM kick to be very different to your old kick when snorkeling with your old foot fins.
Other reviews show that shinfinTM fins have many additional benefits to make your snorkeling more comfortable. For example, they don’t tire your ankles or chafe your heels, they avoid back strain, they are lighter and walking is easier. Another review shows how competive swimmers also find that shinfinTM fins streamline your body and strengthen your kick. So they have many other uses in addition to snorkeling.