• Booties with zippers that come up over your ankle. The zipper should have a backing to prevent water from entering directly through the zipper and to keep the zipper from rubbing your skin. The bootie should fit snugly but comfortably on your foot. If it is too large for your foot, you will have a lot of water transfer in and out of your bootie during a dive and your foot will get cold. The excess room might also prevent your fin from fitting properly or make it loose enough to come off. Fins Fins provide your means of propulsion or way to move yourself through the water. Once you have all your scuba gear on, it is difficult and awkward to use your hands and arms to move through the water. With fins, you can use the larger muscles in your legs for swimming and have your hands free for other uses. There are two basic types of fins: full-foot fins and heel-strap fins (figure 2-7). Full-foot fins are typically used for snorkeling and in warm water. Your entire foot is enclosed in the foot pocket of the fin. Heel-strap fins also have a foot pocket, but the back of the pocket is open and an adjustable strap goes across the opening. You must wear booties with heel-strap fins to protect your feet from blisters. You can use heel-strap fins for diving in any temperature water. Fins come in a range of sizes from small to extralarge. The size of the fin determines the size of the foot-pocket and the blade length and width. The blade of the fin is the flat portion that extends away from the foot pocket. You must choose a fin that fits snugly to your foot without cramping your toes or pinching your feet (figure 2-8). If your fin is too large, it will be too hard to kick, can cause cramps, and can easily be lost. You must pick the fin that is right for you and your level of physical conditioning. You must be able to kick comfortably with your fins for long periods. Fins that are too large and stiff for your leg muscles can cause your legs to cramp and will not be comfortable. You might be more comfortable with a shorter, more flexible fin. Fins come in many different materials and styles depending on the manufacturer. The fin must withstand exposure to sun, salt, and sand, so you should purchase a good quality fin that can withstand hard use. Some fins come with a plastic insert in each foot NAUI Scuba Diver 18 Diving Equipment FIGURE 2-7. FINS COME IN BOTH FULL-FOOT AND HEEL- STRAP STYLES. FIGURE 2-8. IF YOU ARE WEARING BOOTIES WITH YOUR FINS, BE SURE TO TRY THEM ON AT THE SAME TIME SO YOU CHOOSE A FIN THAT IS THE RIGHT SIZE.
19116TC
To see the actual publication please follow the link above