How to Work Fins

Fins are used for recreational swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling and maneuvering in a fishing float tube. Working the fins is a simple process that requires a feeling for the power output in each leg. Effectively working the fins is accomplished by practicing and spending time developing a comfortable feeling in the water. The fin swimming technique does not require special skills, but the motion is intense and works the ankle, leg and hip muscles and joints.

Instructions

    • 1

      Test your leg strength and coordination in a swimming pool. Choose a lane and swim freestyle for 10 seconds with your eyes closed. Stop and take note of your position. Swimming a crooked line means you are favoring one leg over the other.

    • 2

      Swim laps with a fluttering kick to develop ankle strength and develop a comfortable rhythm. Use a short and easy kicking motion to swim at a moderate pace. The short kicking motion is used for freestyle swimming on the surface.

    • 3

      Dive below the surface and use a power kicking stroke to gain speed. Bend your knee to a 90-degree angle and kick by flexing your leg muscles and ankle. Make alternating kicks to swim a straight line.

    • 4

      Adjust the power to control the direction. Increase power in the left leg to turn right and increase power in the right leg to turn left.

    • 5

      Work the fins with a short kicking motion for long-distance swimming and a power kicking motion for short sprints.