Flippers for swimming are used when moving under water mainly along with a diving suit and scuba diving. However, professional athletes often resort to their use during training in pools. Let's figure out how to choose fins for swimming, determine the main parameters of such devices.
Types
In order to find good fins for swimming, first you need to decide what they are for:
- Long models - the choice of such fins looks appropriate for swimmers who need to develop the highest possible speed.
- Fins for swimming are short - useful to amateur athletes, which need to increase maneuverability. This option is considered ideal for visiting the pool.
- Wide products - used for scuba diving. The specific design makes it possible to swim long distances, almost without feeling tired.
- Fins for swimming in the pool with a closed heel - securely fix the foot. Despite the fact that they are worn on a bare leg, they do not rub the skin at all. They are the best solution for diving from the hills.
- Adjustable fins for swimming - are fixed on the leg by a pressure spring. They differ in the ability to adjust the size. The main disadvantage is the likelihood of unfastening the mounts.
- Long narrow fins for swimming in the pool - allow you to develop impressive speed at short distances. They give the swimmer low maneuverability.
Materials of manufacture
Currently, fins with rubber galoshes and blades in the form of thermoplastic are extremely common. The weighty plane provides a strong stroke, and the plastic form for the foot provides ease of use.
The ideal material for the production of fins is silicone. The latter does not cause allergic manifestations in contact with the skin, does not absorb unpleasant odors.
Experienced athletes prefer flippers made from composite materials. As a rule, products of this category have increased rigidity, which makes it easy to perform complex maneuvers.
The size
To ensure ease of use, fins should be selected according to the size of the foot. It is recommended to stop on those options that do not squeeze the foot, but at the same time do not fall off during active body movements.
It is best to take flippers about a size larger. This approach to selection will create a kind of water layer between the leg and the surface of the material, which will protect the skin from rubbing.
How to choose fins for a child?
When choosing an inventory for a baby, it is important to pay attention to products made from environmentally friendly, high-quality materials. Children who are just learning to swim should get the most flexible rubber fins for swimming. This will save unprepared joints from overload.
As for the form, the most popular today are short rectangular products with a closed heel. Such models fit the foot tightly, securely fix the heel, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of injury.
If flippers are purchased for the longest possible use, preference should be given to products with the ability to change the size of the galoshes, which will allow you to adjust the mount as the baby's foot grows.
How to care for flippers?
What should I look for in order to provide flippers with the longest possible service life? In fact, the rules for leaving here are extremely simple.
Before the next use, you should make sure that the fasteners are in good condition, if any, inspect the product for damage. The use of special chemical cleaning agents will allow to increase the service life.
Do not move in fins overland. After use, rinse them in fresh water and then dry. During storage, it is extremely important to ensure that folds and bends do not form on the blades. For the same reason, do not put heavy objects on flippers.
You need to understand that rubber products do not tolerate contact with hot objects and poorly tolerate prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to dry and especially keep flippers away from heat sources.