Fins
When it comes to fins, I have one absolute favourite model: DMC Elite Fins.
DMC Elite Fins fins are unique. They offer a gradient on both the upper and lower sides of the foot. This gradient gives the kick an even feel, encouraging the leg to extend and move from the quads. The fins tend to lose power and feel if the leg is too bendy. These fins are also great for performance training, making it much easier to tumble, turn, increase speed, or swim slow when practising drills.
Fins, such as speedo fins, with a flat sole, encourage the leg to bend, which is poor technique. A poor kick loses stability and causes further problems throughout the stroke.
For those who use fins in the open water or surf, the DMC Elite Fins are perfect.
If you cannot get hold of the DMC Elite fins, I have included standard fins, which will do the job.
Elite DMC Fins
Elite DMC have two main models. The stifer classic fin and their softer Elite II fin. Both are great fins. I have highlighted below my personal favorite.
DMC Elite
The DMC Elite is the classic pool training fins designed by DMC. These are my go-to fins. They are stiffer and best for encouraging good technique from the legs when kicking. I refer to these fins often in my online courses and classes.
I have a set of their bright yellow fluoro-coloured fins. The fluoro colour is easy to find in the worst-case scenario, and they fall off into the sea.
DMC Elite II
DMC Elite II is a softer version of the classic Elite model, with more surface available to move water. This model is comfier but has less rigidity in the fin. These fins are just good but best recommended for swimmers who struggle to find fins that feel comfortable.
Arena Powerfin Pro
The Arena, POWERFIN PRO is another great piece of equipment. Favoured more by professional swimmers, the POWERFIN PRO is a stiffer fin applying slightly more load to the leg. This fin has a gradient on both the upper and lower side of the fin, encouraging the leg to extend during the kick, much like the DMC fins.
For a more versatile fin, I would recommend the DMC Range. However, if you are an experienced or high-performance swimmer, the Arena, POWERFIN PRO might be for you.
TYR Hydroblade Fins
The TYR Hydroblade Fins are similar to the Arena and DMC fins, offering a gradient on both sides of the foot and aiding swimmers with agility and kick form. I have not worked with any swimmers who have used the TYR model. If you have used the TYR model before, feel free to leave a comment on our blog. We would love your feedback.
Standard Fins
There are many other expensive brands of fins, but standard fins are the next best thing if you can't get hold of Elite DMC fins.
If you use standard fins, ensure you apply extra effort to maintain good kick technique. Check out our quick youtube video to learn freestyle kick fundamentals.
SPEEDO
The Speedo Long Blade Fin are Speedo's own brand of standard fins. Many of clients use this Speedo fin and find them comfortable and more durable than most standard fins.
Like all standard fins, ensure you apply extra effort to maintain good kick technique when using speedo fins. Avoid purchasing the speedo "Training" or "Biofuse" fins. Both these flat sole fins encourage poor kick technique.
repoller short grip
Hydro fins are the original v-rail fin, developed over 24 years ago. Originally a stiff rubber fin, the hydro v-rail fin was a favourite among surfers. The Hydro Tech 2 design is very similar to the DMC range Elite range, offering the same training benefits in performance and technique.
I haven't worked with swimmers using the Hydro Tech range, but from my research, the Hydro Tech and Arena Powerful are the next best thing if you can't get hold of the Elite DMC range.
Hydro Tech
Hydro fins are the original v-rail fin, developed over 24 years ago. Originally a stiff rubber fin, the hydro v-rail fin was a favourite among surfers. The Hydro Tech 2 design is very similar to the DMC range Elite range, offering the same training benefits in performance and technique.
I haven't worked with swimmers using the Hydro Tech range, but from my research, the Hydro Tech and Arena Powerful are the next best thing if you can't get hold of the Elite DMC range.
