DevonDiver
N/A
Frog kick is ridiculously easy in FF. I thought the only assumed issue was with back-kick, due to the shape of FF.
Back-kick is probably more commonly utilised by open-water technical divers... at least, those who apply team diving and deco /ascent formations. A good back-kick is crucial for holding a controlled position relative to others, eliminating the need for endless 'pat-a-cake', or really annoying spiralling.
I use frog kick near-exclusively. I can't even remember the last time I used a flutter kick. My frog kick technique comes pretty much just from ankle rotation - it's tight, it works effectively in very confined spaces, and it enables a very efficient kick-glide momentum over distance.
My last student was a GUE Tech1 diver... and that's typical of the level of divers I routinely train. I doubt I'd get any students if my basic techniques ever 'failed'.
It's easy to blame equipment for skills deficit issues. Any diver with a modicum of decent propulsion / control skill can apply the full range of techniques in any fin.
The fins that do least to make fine control techniques more efficient (than barefoot) are of longer length and low rigidity.
Force Fins are short and relatively stiff... especially the 'Pro' and 'Tan Delta' versions.
It's fine to question the efficiency and function of certain kit. But why not consider that question answered, when given performance testimony by an experienced user who dives the kit frequently on a very high volume of advanced dives?
FF are my choice of fins for the dives I undertake...demanding sidemount technical wreck dives and teaching/demonstrating high quality overhead/tech fundamentals ... and I've been happy with them for over 15 years.
There's a huge difference between saying they're the best for me... rather than silly claims that they're the best period. So, please, don't over-think what I'm saying.
If FF didn't function impressively for fine control maneuvering, or offer sufficient power, I'd have changed to another brand/model thousands of dives ago...
At the same time, I fully appreciate that fin selection is a matter of individual preference and unique diving needs. I am privileged to be in a position where I get to test and trial all sorts of equipment, including fins.
There's many good fins on the market (and many not so good)...and I understand when experienced divers are enthusiastic about their personal choices.
Whilst bearing in mind a diver's relative experience and expertise, I'm usually inclined to believe the feedback they give on the kit they use.
At the same time, I've seen many instances of less expert divers suffering poor performance and either misaligning the cause of those issues on kit... or the opposite... blaming themselves for kit triggered performance issues.
Aotus - I don't really understand your angst on this issue. I'm not forcing you to change fins, or even critiquing your choice of fins. Merely correcting your assumptions on a fin that you, admittedly, have little-no experience with.
I'm not in the habit of lying or making things up... and I have no ulterior incentives to favor or recommend one fin over another.
As I said, I'll try to find time soon to take some video of FF in use for a variety of propulsion techniques. I don't get much opportunity to do cute 'demo' videos as I've got a hectic teaching schedule.
Back-kick is probably more commonly utilised by open-water technical divers... at least, those who apply team diving and deco /ascent formations. A good back-kick is crucial for holding a controlled position relative to others, eliminating the need for endless 'pat-a-cake', or really annoying spiralling.
I use frog kick near-exclusively. I can't even remember the last time I used a flutter kick. My frog kick technique comes pretty much just from ankle rotation - it's tight, it works effectively in very confined spaces, and it enables a very efficient kick-glide momentum over distance.
My last student was a GUE Tech1 diver... and that's typical of the level of divers I routinely train. I doubt I'd get any students if my basic techniques ever 'failed'.
It's easy to blame equipment for skills deficit issues. Any diver with a modicum of decent propulsion / control skill can apply the full range of techniques in any fin.
The fins that do least to make fine control techniques more efficient (than barefoot) are of longer length and low rigidity.
Force Fins are short and relatively stiff... especially the 'Pro' and 'Tan Delta' versions.
It's fine to question the efficiency and function of certain kit. But why not consider that question answered, when given performance testimony by an experienced user who dives the kit frequently on a very high volume of advanced dives?
FF are my choice of fins for the dives I undertake...demanding sidemount technical wreck dives and teaching/demonstrating high quality overhead/tech fundamentals ... and I've been happy with them for over 15 years.
There's a huge difference between saying they're the best for me... rather than silly claims that they're the best period. So, please, don't over-think what I'm saying.
If FF didn't function impressively for fine control maneuvering, or offer sufficient power, I'd have changed to another brand/model thousands of dives ago...
At the same time, I fully appreciate that fin selection is a matter of individual preference and unique diving needs. I am privileged to be in a position where I get to test and trial all sorts of equipment, including fins.
There's many good fins on the market (and many not so good)...and I understand when experienced divers are enthusiastic about their personal choices.
Whilst bearing in mind a diver's relative experience and expertise, I'm usually inclined to believe the feedback they give on the kit they use.
At the same time, I've seen many instances of less expert divers suffering poor performance and either misaligning the cause of those issues on kit... or the opposite... blaming themselves for kit triggered performance issues.
Aotus - I don't really understand your angst on this issue. I'm not forcing you to change fins, or even critiquing your choice of fins. Merely correcting your assumptions on a fin that you, admittedly, have little-no experience with.
I'm not in the habit of lying or making things up... and I have no ulterior incentives to favor or recommend one fin over another.
As I said, I'll try to find time soon to take some video of FF in use for a variety of propulsion techniques. I don't get much opportunity to do cute 'demo' videos as I've got a hectic teaching schedule.
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