Never understood why they use monofins. The movement is unnatural and maneuverability is reduced, I guess they want to look like flipper or a mermaid. Maybe someone has a better explanation?
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backdraft (Dixie Normous: Image specialist)
Monofins:
Pros: -great for going in a straight line. -very efficient once you learn the proper technique. -most of the top freedivers these days all use monos for the deepest constant weight dives and almost the longest dynamics. -spread lactic acid over a larger range of muscle groups as almost the entire body is used while undulating for propulsion. -can reach great speed with proper technique.
Cons: -depending on the kind of footpocket (i.e.- open heel or bi-fin pocket like OMER), the open heel pockets can be uncomfortable when worn for an extended period time. -more inconvenient to use a mono for recreational all day diving compared to bi-fins. -usually more expensive than bi-fins (about the same when you get into carbon fiber / exotics though). -harder to learn proper form.
Bi-Fins:
Pros: -great for learning how to freedive and for recreational use-although many compete and set records with bi-fins as well. -perfect for spearfishing. -easier to learn generally, more natural. -usually less expensive and easier to acquire than monofins. -lots of different models and footpockets out there - easy to shop around.
Cons: -not as efficient or fast as a mono which may ultimately limit your max depth -i.e. - constant weight. -easy to develop wrong kicking technique if starting out without coaching - i.e. - bicycle kick, excessive knee bend.
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bradlox (Long Spike)
they really are quite powerful to use, the dolphin kick style of swimming feels very natural .
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daftcunt (Old Spike)
I tried the "dolphin style" quite a few times when I was still scuba diving (I used to be a PADI staff instructor but quit as I didn't like the way you have to run your business) and it did not feel natural at all to me, I even felt pain in my spine, but this tbh may have been caused by my arthrosis. I always wore the full gear, though, which may have influenced the feel too.
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bradlox (Long Spike)
I was never trained in free diving , did an intro one time (where I tried the monofin) .
I would freedive with my regular/long closed heel fins and mostly kick normally but found id break in to a dolphin kick sometimes .
Comments
(Old Spike)
Never understood why they use monofins. The movement is unnatural and maneuverability is reduced, I guess they want to look like flipper or a mermaid. Maybe someone has a better explanation?
(Dixie Normous: Image specialist)
Monofins:
Pros:
-great for going in a straight line.
-very efficient once you learn the proper technique.
-most of the top freedivers these days all use monos for the deepest constant weight dives and almost the longest dynamics.
-spread lactic acid over a larger range of muscle groups as almost the entire body is used while undulating for propulsion.
-can reach great speed with proper technique.
Cons:
-depending on the kind of footpocket (i.e.- open heel or bi-fin pocket like OMER), the open heel pockets can be uncomfortable when worn for an extended period time.
-more inconvenient to use a mono for recreational all day diving compared to
bi-fins.
-usually more expensive than bi-fins (about the same when you get into carbon fiber / exotics though).
-harder to learn proper form.
Bi-Fins:
Pros:
-great for learning how to freedive and for recreational use-although many compete and set records with bi-fins as well.
-perfect for spearfishing.
-easier to learn generally, more natural.
-usually less expensive and easier to acquire than monofins.
-lots of different models and footpockets out there - easy to shop around.
Cons:
-not as efficient or fast as a mono which may ultimately limit your max depth -i.e. - constant weight.
-easy to develop wrong kicking technique if starting out without coaching - i.e. - bicycle kick, excessive knee bend.
(Long Spike)
they really are quite powerful to use, the dolphin kick style of swimming feels very natural .
(Old Spike)
I tried the "dolphin style" quite a few times when I was still scuba diving (I used to be a PADI staff instructor but quit as I didn't like the way you have to run your business) and it did not feel natural at all to me, I even felt pain in my spine, but this tbh may have been caused by my arthrosis. I always wore the full gear, though, which may have influenced the feel too.
(Long Spike)
I was never trained in free diving , did an intro one time (where I tried the monofin) .
I would freedive with my regular/long closed heel fins and mostly kick normally but found id break in to a dolphin kick sometimes .
I miss the med !