There are many different types of fins including long, short, open heeled or closed and they are a very popular aid for many swimmers as they can make swimming a lot easier. When used effectively fins can help to improve your body position by driving the hips up and adding propulsion. Because fins add resistance they can also increase leg strength.

When using fins you should:

Keep the fins just under the surface and avoid ‘flapping’ on top (your heels should just be breaking the surface)

Use for learning butterfly kicking and swimming

Use for fast speed sets to get ‘up on top’ of the water.

Much like the pull buoy, fins can become a crutch for swimmers who become reliant on them. For less confident kickers, they’re often a go-to for every kick set. When using fins you should avoid bending the knees as an effective kick always starts at the hips.