What is the Difference Between Snorkeling Fins and Diving Fins?
If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between snorkeling fins and diving fins, you’re not alone. To those unfamiliar with the distinctions, it’s extremely fair to say that the two look extremely similar. They kind of do! Moreover, you might be questioning whether it matters which you use. It might seem easier, if you own snorkeling fins, to use them while SCUBA diving — or vice versa. After all, one pair of fins is more cost-effective than two. Unfortunately, the variations in build between these two types of fins, the somewhat differentiating purposes they serve, and the vastly dissimilar environmental demands of snorkeling and SCUBA diving mean that they are not as interchangeable as they may seem. They are not interchangeable at all.
Even though snorkeling fins and diving fins may appear similar, their subtle differences play major roles in their respective functionalities.
The main differences between snorkeling fins and diving fins are:
1) Snorkeling fins are shorter, lighter, slimmer, and more flexible than diving fins, which are instead long, heavy, bulky, and rigid
2) Snorkeling fins are not built for additional thrust, whereas diving fins are
3) Snorkeling fins are close-heeled, oftentimes with full-footed, supple soles, while diving fins are open-heeled with inflexible, heavier soles
4) Snorkeling fins are not built with insulation in mind — however, diving fins are.
5) Snorkeling fins do not require that swimmers practice maneuvering them in advance while diving ones absolutely do.
To fully understand the differences between these two types of fins, it’s important to first highlight an obvious though the vital distinction between snorkeling and SCUBA diving. Snorkeling requires swimmers to remain near the surface while exploring; alternatively, SCUBA permits swimmers to wander far deeper in the ocean. For this reason, the relevant fins for these activities vary.
Snorkeling Fins
Snorkeling fins, since they are used nearer to the surface and are subject to far less water pressure, tend to be shorter and more flexible than diving fins. Because they are pushing against far less water, they are also prone to less resistance than diving fins, and as a result, don’t need to be nearly as resilient under harsh conditions. On average, the lengths of snorkeling fins range from 20 to 25 inches, or 50.8 to 63.5 centimeters. These fins also tend to be lighter and slimmer overall. This is, in part, because snorkelers don’t wear heavy gear, and therefore don’t need fins that can carry all the extra weight of their equipment.
Moving your feet in these ordinarily requires relatively little effort. If anything, they make swimming that much easier. As we already mentioned before, water resistance isn’t much of a factor when it comes to snorkeling. Therefore, snorkelers don’t require that extra power when it comes to kicking. Moreover, snorkelers needn’t worry as much about intensive thrust (forward propelling) while swimming. Remember that SCUBA divers have water pushing against their bodies from every side, therefore hindering their movement. Conversely, snorkelers do not — at least not to any comparable extent.
Another thing to note is that snorkeling fins are close-heeled, or full-footed. Since snorkelers don’t require any additional footwear for insulation or other protection, the fin is built to fit snugly, safely, and comprehensively. To wear them, all you need to do is slide them onto your bare feet.
Many people prefer to wet them, and likely even their feet, before pulling their fins on, since this makes them more slippery and less prone to creating painful skin friction. Unlike diving fins, the soles of the foot pockets on snorkeling fins also tend to be full-footed, light, and exceptionally flexible. They are created with the intention of being used in warm waters and even warmer weather.
Relatedly, snorkeling fins also don’t require much insulation. In fact, some might argue they don’t require any at all. The water at the surface — assuming you’re snorkeling in suitable climates and under ideal weather conditions — isn’t as cold as it is further below the surface. Therefore, snorkeling fins are not designed with the purpose of preserving heat.
Swimming in them may feel a little strange at first, but most new snorkelers get the hang of them within a few minutes. Practicing ahead of time with them isn’t necessary since snorkelers remain close to the surface and snorkeling fins are fairly easy to maneuver.
Do you need flippers to snorkel? Find out here.
Diving Fins
Diving FinsUnlike snorkeling fins, diving ones are subject to rigorous water pressure. As a result, they tend to be longer and more rigid than the prior. They are, on average, between 25 and 30 inches, or 63.5 and 72.6 centimeters, long. Diving fins are built not merely to endure, but also to carry, the additional weight of SCUBA gear. This makes them more cumbersome than snorkeling fins, but also significantly more effective for movement while swimming in deeper waters.
They are also generally heavier and bulkier. Of course, this means that these types of fins require harder kicking. New SCUBA divers who started with snorkeling should be prepared to work a little harder to swim with these on than they might have had to at the surface with snorkeling fins. This is the physical price of the thrust required to move while deep beneath the water’s surface.
Something else that distinguishes the diving from the snorkeling fin is the fact that it is open-heeled. While this may seem like the opposite of what you might expect for SCUBA divers, the trick is to look a little bit more closely. When you do, you’ll realize that they’re actually wearing dive boots (or booties) underneath their fins, which is why the latter needs to be open-heeled. However, the sole of the foot pocket on diving fins also tends to be far stiffer than that on snorkeling ones. This design makes the fins better able to manage cold, deep waters.
The open-heeled built is also important for SCUBA divers when they are not in the water. Some of the best dive locations can only be accessed by walking on land — often rocky, sharp, or bumpy land — and navigating such terrains in diving fins is generally not a very safe option. Therefore, the dive boots (or booties) protect divers’ feet while their fins are off on land, and keep them from stumbling or getting hurt unnecessarily while walking. Fortunately, due to the open-heeled nature of diving fins and the additional SCUBA footwear, taking them on and off is very easy, and doesn’t present the risk of instigating painful friction against the skin.
The extremely cold temperatures beneath the surface mean divers need insulation for their feet. This is another crucial function of the dive boots (or booties), and the reason why diving fins must always be open-heeled. Without proper insulation, divers are exposed to extreme temperature risk while in the water.
Due to the build, nature, length, and rigidness of diving fins, newer SCUBA divers, or those of any level who are adjusting to a new pair of fins, do need to spend some time practicing in them before embarking on any deep-water adventures. Precision, while necessary to SCUBA diving, isn’t a given the way it might be with new snorkelers. Mastering it takes lots of practice. Failing to spend enough time getting used to a new pair of diving fins before plunging into the depths of the ocean can actually be life-threatening — especially for beginning divers.
Related Questions
1) Are there hybrid fins available that will allow me to both snorkel and dive safely? Not readily. If they do exist, they’re not common and don’t come recommended by the professionals. For those who enjoy both activities, it’s best to keep separate pairs of snorkeling and diving fins handy.
2) How much do snorkeling and diving fins cost? Snorkeling fins, on average, should cost between $50 and $150. Paying less than $50 could mean sacrificing quality while paying more than $150 is unreasonable. The same applies to diving fins, which are generally priced between $75 and $250.
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult a legal expert or medical professional to address your specific needs.