Quote:
Originally Posted by zoee  In my opinion, someone who is a swimmer (as in have had coaching etc) can use any fin because they actually know how to kick properly. I think those who want to get the best benefits from their fins should take the time to get a swimming coach to correct their stroke (the entire stroke not just kicking).
Knowing how to kick properly enables you to jump between any fin you want and be able to use it. |
That's true, but different fins require slightly different strokes, which I think is what chris is asking about.
As a general rule, the shorter the fin, the faster the cadence and narrower the kick. Also, hard fins require a faster cadence.
A quick look. Remember, I'm talking relatively, not in absolutes:
Quattos: long, medium stiffness. A wide, and slow kick
Fibre fins: Mostly short with hard stiffness. A fast, narrow kick.
Statos: short, medium-soft. A narrow, and medium-fast kick.
As zoee said though, good technique is the first step. Most people kick too much from their knees, using the quads to drive the fins. The correct stroke has the power coming from the hips instead. Most times that you see a small guy with hard fins, this is what's happening.