Freediving flippers are different from scuba diving flippers because they are designed to take into account the weights and equipment worn by scuba divers, while freediving flippers are designed for closed-air divers - designed to reduce the energy consumption of freedivers, so that every bit of energy you use can be easily converted into forward momentum. can be easily converted into forward momentum.

Freediving flippers are different from scuba diving flippers because they are designed to take into account the weights and equipment worn by scuba divers, while freediving flippers are designed for closed-air divers - designed to reduce the energy consumption of freedivers, so that every bit of energy you use can be easily converted into forward momentum. can be easily converted into forward momentum.

One of the most significant differences between the two is the length and flexibility of the flippers, which you can almost instantly recognize by their shape, but of course there are other imperceptible considerations, from the foot cover to the material and more: the

Length

Freediving flippers are typically about 31-38 inches (79-97 cm) in length. This extra length provides more surface area to cut through more water and provides more "pop" with each bend - meaning more power with each stroke.

Flexibility

Stiffer flippers can be more powerful, but only if you have the skills and muscle strength needed to dominate them. A good rule of thumb is that you can start out with softer flippers and then consider using harder flippers as your technique and leg strength develop.

Materials

There are three main types of material to choose from:

- Plastic flippers are cheaper and highly durable, but will warp over time. Although it has the lowest power efficiency (weaker rebound per kick), it is a good choice for beginners.

- The fiberglass flipper is moderate in all aspects. It is more efficient than plastic flippers, more durable than carbon fiber flippers, and moderately priced.

- Carbon fibre flippers are extremely light weight, and the rebound speed and power efficiency of the flippers is optimal, making them the choice of professionals and freedivers at great depths. However, they are very expensive and fragile, so be careful when traveling with them or wearing them for freediving in shallow rocky areas.

Footgear

When worn, the foot cover should fit your foot well, leaving no gaps and no looseness to ensure maximum energy transfer to the flippers with each kick. For this reason, you should choose a full wrap-around foot cover - not the open heel style worn for scuba diving. If your habit is to freedive without socks, then soft rubber is better.

Always check to make sure the right size fits, as some size charts may presume you'll be wearing scuba socks. And if the rubber socks are too small, they risk rubbing your feet and possibly causing cramps; if the socks are too big, you'll lose forward momentum (or worse, lose your flippers!)