Let’s talk about one of the most misunderstood and hilariously mis-executed aspects of scuba diving, scuba finning techniques. If you’ve ever found yourself in the splash zone of a newbie diver who thinks finning is a competitive martial art, then friend, this post is for you.
We’re diving (gracefully, unlike some of my students) into the whys, whats, and how-the-hecks of proper scuba finning techniques. From the dreaded “eggbeater of death” to the wildly popular “reverse bicycle”, let’s break down how not to fin, and then teach you how to fin like a buoyant ballet master.
Finning Fail #1: The Eggbeater of Death
Also known as “How I Lost My Mask and My Will to Live in 30 Seconds.”
Imagine a diver suspended horizontally. Now imagine that diver flailing their legs like they’re auditioning for an underwater Riverdance-meets-threshing-machine crossover. That, my friends, is the Eggbeater of Death. This finning abomination causes:
- Clouded visibility from silt kicked up from the bottom.
- Startled marine life (and startled instructors).
- Loss of control and massive energy burn.
- Dive buddies filing emotional damage claims.
The Fix: Enter the classic flutter kick, the bread and butter of all scuba finning techniques. Legs straight, movement from the hips, minimal knee bend. Think “lazy dolphin” not “angry toddler in a swimming pool.”
Finning Fail #2: The Reverse Bicycle Kick
You may think you’re progressing forward, but the only thing you’re advancing is the instructor’s blood pressure.
This unfortunate move involves curling the legs under the body and pedaling backward like a 1930s villain trying to escape on a tricycle. Bonus points if it’s done upside-down or sideways.
Why it happens: Poor training, lack of awareness, and perhaps unresolved childhood trauma involving tricycles.
The Solution: The frog kick. Picture a frog pushing off gently from a lily pad, now slow that down and do it underwater. Wide leg movements with a glide phase. You’ll conserve air, move efficiently, and look like you know what you’re doing (which is half the battle in diving).
Finning Fail #3: The Helicopter Spin (the Fin-Fu Tornado)
This is a student favorite when trying to adjust direction. One minute they’re attempting a slight turn, and the next they’re spinning like a haunted office chair on a caffeine high.
Caused by: Uneven fin pressure, panic-turning, and, let’s be honest, sometimes pure panic.
The Move to Master: The helicopter turn, ironically. Done correctly, it involves controlled, opposing fin movements to pivot slowly. It’s the ballerina pirouette of scuba finning techniques, elegant and effective.
Why Proper Finning Techniques Matter
Beyond the comedy gold of watching someone try to breakdance underwater, bad finning technique has real consequences:
- Wrecking visibility – One good eggbeater and everyone’s diving in a fog of shame.
- Damaging marine life – Coral, sand, and even slow-moving critters take a beating.
- Wasting air and energy – Bad technique = more effort = faster air consumption = shorter dives.
- Team frustration – Your buddy shouldn’t have to dodge your fins like a ninja.
How to Teach Good Scuba Finning Techniques
From Flail to Fin-Fu Mastery, One Kick at a Time
So, you’ve got a student who moves like a blender underwater. Don’t panic, this is where you earn your instructor stripes (and maybe a side hustle in interpretive fin ballet). Here’s how to coach them into a creature of aquatic grace using practical, proven, and slightly ridiculous techniques that actually work.
1. Start With Buoyancy Basics (Because Fins Don’t Fix Sinking Stones)
Before you dive into fancy kicks, fix the float. Buoyancy is the holy grail of all good scuba movement. If a diver is corking to the surface or nose-diving into the sand, their finning will always be reactive, frantic, and possibly violent.
Teaching Tips:
- Use a visual reference (line, hula hoop, or suspended object) and have them hover at a set depth.
- Practice in shallow water where it’s easy to make quick adjustments and review trim.
- Correct weighting and trim setup before even thinking about the fins. A well-trimmed diver with good buoyancy practically begs for proper finning technique.
Analogy That Works:
“Imagine trying to dance with bricks tied to your shoes and helium balloons strapped to your arms. That’s bad buoyancy.”
2. Dry-Land Fin Techiques Demo (The Gracefully Embarrassing Air Flail)
Students often think they’re moving like mermaids underwater, when in reality, they’re executing a frantic frog seizure. Dry-land demos are gold.
What To Do:
- Have students lie face-down on a bench, mat, or even picnic table.
- Demonstrate proper flutter and frog kicks, emphasizing:
- Movement from the hips (not knees!)
- Controlled amplitude (no bicycle pedals, please)
- Pointed toes for reduced drag
- Make them slow it down. Most new divers overkick like they’re trying to win a fin-powered regatta.
Why It Works:
Dry practice builds muscle memory without the resistance and sensory chaos of water. It also makes everyone laugh, which builds confidence and camaraderie.
3. Use Visual Feedback (Because the Camera Never Lies)
Have you ever thought you nailed a skill only to watch the footage and realize you looked like a drunk duck? Same goes for students.
Options:
- Use a GoPro or underwater camera to film kicks during skill circuits.
- Review clips immediately post-dive or during surface interval debriefs.
- Use laminated photos or diagrams underwater to show proper positioning.
Bonus Method:
Underwater mirrors (yes, they exist!) allow real-time correction. They’re not just for mermaids anymore.
4. Kick Drills With a Purpose (And a Slightly Sadistic Edge)
If practice makes perfect, focused drills make legends. And no, “just swim to that rock” isn’t focused.
Suggested Kick Drills:
Hover and Flutter Drill
- Hover at 1-meter depth
- Flutter forward for 10 meters
- Pause. Repeat. Bonus points for straight trim.
Frog Kick and Glide Drill
- Slow frog kick, then stop and glide.
- Focus on minimizing effort for max movement.
- Count how many kicks it takes to cross a set distance. Then try to do fewer.
Helicopter Turn Station
- Place a marker (e.g., a dive slate or sponge) on the bottom.
- Have students rotate 360° using helicopter turns without drifting off target.
- Make it competitive. Add prizes or pride.
Back Kick Challenge
- Using a wall or buddy for reference, practice subtle backward movement.
- Goal: move 2 meters backward without flailing like a reverse sea cow.
- Optional: play the Mission Impossible theme while they try to back-kick into a “hover zone.”
Why It Works:
Each drill isolates and hones a specific technique, turning what feels awkward into second nature. Plus, structured drills = measurable progress = happy students = glowing reviews on your website = SEO greatness. You see where I’m going with this.
5. Reinforce With Repetition and Ridiculous Praise
Don’t expect mastery on Day 1. Finning finesse takes time. Be ready to repeat instructions, celebrate micro-wins (“You didn’t kick anyone today!”), and give nicknames to good habits (“Look at you, Glidey McFinster!”).
Positive Reinforcement Ideas:
- Fin Fu Belt Levels (give stickers, badges, or underwater signals)
- “Most Improved Flipper” Award at end of the course
- Personalized feedback in their logbooks or dive cards
Above all: Laugh with them, not at them. Okay, maybe a little at them, but only with permission.
When to Introduce Advanced Finning Techniques
Once students can manage basic kicks without causing a marine incident, it’s time to level up. Advanced scuba finning techniques include:
- Back kick – Great for small space control and impressing the dive group.
- Modified frog kick – Good for tight areas like wrecks and caves.
- Sculling – Subtle movements for micro-adjustments in position.
Make it fun. Call them “Black Belt Finning Moves” or “Secret Dive Dojo Skills.” Throw in a ninja headband if needed. Whatever works.
Gear Talk: Fins That Help You Fin Better
Even a kung-fu fish will struggle with the wrong gear. Make sure your students are using fins appropriate for their skill level and leg strength.
- Stiff, long fins have great power but require strong legs and solid technique.
- Short, flexible fins are easier for beginners, better control, less calf cramping.
- Split fins are like driving an automatic, easy but not built for power kicks like frog or back kicks.
If your new diver is planning tropical adventures or wants easy-to-pack gear with solid performance, the GO Sport fins are a fin-tastic choice, I strongly recommend them. They are a bit on the higher end price wise but a solid investment. For die hard cold water beasts, technical divers or budget-conscious bubble blowers, there may be better fits. I personally love them for travelling, lots of great colours and features, light and compact. There is a great selection on the Scuba.com website. Yes, I affiliate with them, been buying from them for years (even when they were Leisure Pro) and I absolutely love their customer service!
Bonus Tip: Make sure those fins fit properly. If they’re flapping more than kicking, the diver’s going nowhere fast.
The Takeaway: Master the Art of the Kick
Proper scuba finning techniques turn a diver from clumsy caterpillar to glorious sea butterfly. It’s not just about looking good (though you will). It’s about:
- Efficiency
- Safety
- Environmental responsibility
- Group harmony (and fewer bruised buddies)
Whether you’re a student still battling the eggbeater or an instructor dealing with daily Fin-Fu Fiascos, keep calm and kick on…with purpose.
Final Thought: Embrace the Learning Curve (and Maybe Wear a Helmet)
Everyone starts somewhere. Sometimes that “somewhere” involves a frantic student trying to jet-ski their way through a coral swim-through using only calf spasms.
But with patience, practice, and a few underwater rodeo lessons, any diver can become a finning ninja.
Just remember: no one masters the scuba finning techniques in one dive. But everyone remembers the time they accidentally back-kicked their instructor in the regulator.
Want more underwater mishaps, instructor insight, and a good dose of dive-school comedy? Check out the rest of the Teaching Tales series on AngryOctopusDiving.com and witness how scuba students keep me humble—and mildly concussed.
Until next tide, Stay buoyant, stay wet, and for Neptune’s sake, point your toes
Angry Octopus Out!
