How to choose the best freediving fins for you is an investment decision and usually a big step in your freediving journey. I remember it as when my commitment to the sport finally took shape. I was already in love with freediving and was waiting to reach 60m with plastic fins before treating myself with carbon fins! It was not the smartest choice, but it was more of a personal challenge. If I had to do it again, I would have invested in carbon fins sooner.
"I remember it as the moment my commitment to the sport finally took shape."
The use of carbon freediving fins is not only a question of performance but also of comfort and enjoyment in your freediving. Most plastic fins are stiff. The finning technique is not the same as plastic fins, and its stiffness can slow down the progression of the dive and can even lead to possible ankle injuries if you have fragile ankles.
I advise investing in quality carbon freediving fins as soon as you are sure you want to keep going with freediving. I recommend going straight to the good ones if you can afford them. It is an investment, but one that will last.
Brands that offer quality carbon freediving fins will give you a warranty for several years, and in the end, if you compare this investment with equipment for other sports, it is not incredibly expensive. In any sport, as soon as you start getting into it and use your gear often, you realize the value of having high-standard equipment. Besides the performance, it makes your training or fun sessions way more enjoyable.
What you should look for before buying your first-ever carbon freediving fins:
- I would start with nice and soft blades. Since bifins became an official discipline, athletes and freedivers generally have been putting way more thought into the finning technique. It is commonly agreed that softer freediving fins will allow you to have a smaller amplitude and higher frequency, creating less drag in the water and minimizing your effort. Only a few years ago, when I started freediving, it was commonly said that the deeper you wanted to go, the stiffer your blades should be. This time is over. I used medium stiff blades for years and even went 110m with them. Despite years of running (ultra trails, triathlon) and squats, my legs were killing me on the way up. Since I switched to softer fins, these deep dives are much more accessible.
- The size of the blade will also depend on your use. Some brands have a short version of their carbon fins, ideal for fun dives, photography, and safety diving. The shorter blade makes it more reactive, and you can get great acceleration. It is also easier to maneuver in places with limited space (in the middle of corals, for example. Be mindful with your freediving fins so that you don’t destroy them!) or in a wreck.
- The quality of the blades varies as well between brands. Any brand advertising good quality carbon blades should feel confident about giving you a warranty.
- The foot pockets are also essential. What is the point of having great blades if you are not comfy and if the power is not well transmitted to the blade? I would recommend trying the fins before buying them. There are many different foot pockets, and you will find one that fits you. Don’t compromise; there are enough for you to find.
- Finally, I would be lying if I said that the design and beauty of the fins don’t matter to me. I prefer beautiful, shiny freediving fins with excellent color and a straightforward and pure design.
If you are like me and consider carbon fins as a token of commitment to freediving, then consider soft and durable blades, comfy and efficient foot pockets, and aesthetically appealing. It will help you improve your sport if it feels and fits well.
Are you ready to gear up and commit to Freediving? Dive deeper, and check out our training packages.
