Backwards Kick

[BlueTrin]

Same thing, though. V, 90, Power, Reset. I find Steve's 'mental notes' easier to remember. Just me, YMMV.

What I did get from the first vid was the unconscious tendency to drop one's head while thinking about the back kick. I do that! That tip was the last piece of the puzzle for me.

One thing really useful I was taught during my last class is that you can use the tilt of your head to change the direction you will back kick either more upwards or downwards.

 

[Zef]

I found the aspect that had the most profound impact on my backwards kick was the notion of relaxing and ensuring I was fairly horizontal between kicks as a means to setup for the next kick...it is something that was presented in the first video I posted above.

The 2nd aspect that helped was the recommendation to position the fins together in a "V" before extending the legs...that helped me immensely.

-Z

 

[Marie13]

I found the aspect that had the most profound impact on my backwards kick was the notion of relaxing and ensuring I was fairly horizontal between kicks as a means to setup for the next kick...it is something that was presented in the first video I posted above.

The 2nd aspect that helped was the recommendation to position the fins together in a "V" before extending the legs...that helped me immensely.

-Z

Yes, Steve had us do the V. And you must be horizontal for back kick to work. Period.

 

[lowviz]

The 2nd aspect that helped was the recommendation to position the fins together in a "V" before extending the legs...that helped me immensely.

Yeah, and get the knees back where they belong, reset your fins, chill, and check if you are bending at the waist before you "V" and take the next stroke. I like Steve's "reset" step.

 

[Ayisha]

I also love them, not "UTD" but identical brother from the same Taiwanese mold. I also have Power Fins, Jets, and Hollis F1s. The Jets are too "blocky", and the F1s are too flippy-floppy. I can't find one of my Power fins, but the UTD/Poseiden/HOG/etc. ones are, by far, the easiest to manipulate and feel where they are in the water. I prefer the Power-Fins with bulky fleece in winter.

Yes, I think the Deep 6 Eddy fins are similar also.
I hated my ill-fitting Jetfins and Mares Avanti Quattros, which both gave me shin pain and leg fatigue.
I got the UTD Precision Neutral fins 6 years ago and my search was over. AG cut the spring straps shorter for my small feet before shipping them and they fit perfectly and maneuver so easily in the water.

A lot of these newer fins are better fitting, more ergonomic, and more conducive to precise movements than Jetfins.

 

[Marie13]

Yes, I think the Deep 6 Eddy fins are similar also.
I hated my ill-fitting Jetfins and Mares Avanti Quattros, which both gave me shin pain and leg fatigue.
I got the UTD Precision Neutral fins 6 years ago and my search was over. AG cut the spring straps shorter for my small feet before shipping them and they fit perfectly and maneuver so easily in the water.

A lot of these newer fins are better fitting, more ergonomic, and more conducive to precise movements than Jetfins.

I just got a pair of Jetfins. Holy crap the spring straps are so freaking stiff that I didn’t have the hand strength to get them onto my heels. Buddy had to do it. I’ll have to stretch them over the winter. Had wanted something heavier for my doubles, but dang. Back to my Deep6 fins.

 

[lowviz]

A lot of these newer fins are better fitting, more ergonomic, and more conducive to precise movements than Jetfins.

I agree.

Have you tried / what is your impression of the new neutral Dive Rite fins? I find that they come closest to a great compromise. And that includes a decent back kick.

 

[Marie13]

I agree.

Have you tried / what is your impression of the new neutral Dive Rite fins? I find that they come closest to a great compromise. And that includes a decent back kick.

What new ones? Or do you just mean the most recent model? Their website says nothing about a new fin.

 

[Ayisha]

I agree.

Have you tried / what is your impression of the new neutral Dive Rite fins? I find that they come closest to a great compromise. And that includes a decent back kick.

I have not tried the Dive Rite updated XT fins (or the old Slipstreams), so I can't say for sure, but the length is probably too long and there isn't much of a sidewall. Both of those make a less efficient fin, especially for backfinning.

You'd probably be better off with any of the well recommended fins above.

Wait, what is the compromise?

 

[Ayisha]

I just got a pair of Jetfins. Holy crap the spring straps are so freaking stiff that I didn’t have the hand strength to get them onto my heels. Buddy had to do it. I’ll have to stretch them over the winter. Had wanted something heavier for my doubles, but dang. Back to my Deep6 fins.

Yeah, the spring straps will stretch a little fairly quickly probably, then settle.
Still, a heavier version of a more ergonomic fin might be a better choice.
The UTD Precision *Negative* fins are the same size, shape and weight as the Jetfin but with a deeper, more comfortable foot pocket.