
Apnea Fins
Apnea Fins
Unlike conventional scuba diving fins, the snorkeling fins are specifically designed to optimize propulsion and effort savings during breath retention. They are generally longer and are distinguished by their échausson and the wing. This guide will help you choose the ideal pair for your dives and freediving.


UP BLACK C4 Soft fins

Palmes WOLVERINE black

SEAC fins freediving TALENT

BEUCHAT mundial One-50 fins
1. Understanding freediving fins: Principles and types
Welcome to the world of free-diving fins, an essential equipment that extends your body and becomes your engine under water. Whether you are a fan of static apnea, dynamic apnea, constant weight apnea, or spearfishing.
1.1. The Difference Between Freediving Fins and Scuba Fins
Freediving fins are fundamentally different from scuba diving fins. The key difference lies in their design:
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Full-Foot Fins: Specifically designed for freediving, they feature a soft foot pocket that fits snugly around the bare foot, providing excellent power transfer and glide sensation. They are ideal for warm water and pool use.
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Adjustable Strap Fins: More common in scuba diving, these fins come with an adjustable heel strap and are worn with neoprene booties. They tend to be stiffer and more powerful but are less suited for the precise kicking technique required in freediving.
Freediving fins are easily recognizable by their longer blades, averaging around 70 cm or more, for optimal propulsion. In short: "each activity requires its own specific fin."
1.2. Monofins vs. Bi-Fins: Which to Choose for Your Practice?
Freediving offers two main categories of fins:
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Bi-fins: These are the traditional two-fin setup, one for each foot. They are versatile and suitable for most freediving disciplines, including spearfishing and dynamic apnea. They allow for a more natural kicking motion and are often recommended for training and learning proper technique.
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Monofins: Made of a single large blade where both feet are inserted side-by-side, monofins enable a dolphin-like undulating movement. They are especially effective for dynamic apnea and for maximizing speed and glide, particularly in competition.
Your choice will depend on your goals: bi-fins offer versatility and are ideal for spearfishing, while monofins deliver pure performance and maximum fluid motion.
2. Freediving Fin Materials: Impact on Performance and Durability
The blade material is a key factor affecting the performance, price, and durability of your fins.
2.1. Plastic (Polymer) Fins
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Features: Affordable, durable, and difficult to break.
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Performance: Lower efficiency; heavier and less responsive than other materials. Kicking requires more effort.
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Best for: Beginners and spearfishing in depths up to 20 meters. A great starting point for learning technique.
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Durability: Very robust, but may lose flexibility over time and are more prone to deformation or breakage with regular use.
2.2. Fiberglass Fins
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Features: Offer a good balance between cost and performance. More flexible and lighter than plastic.
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Performance: Provide up to 30–40% better efficiency than plastic and are more responsive. Reduce fatigue and cramping during long dives.
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Best for: Intermediate freedivers working on technique and spearfishing up to 25 meters. Known for their natural feel and reliability.
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Durability: Extremely durable—some last over 30 years with regular use. Less fragile than carbon when it comes to impacts.
2.3. Carbon Fiber Fins
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Features: The high-performance choice. Lightest and most responsive.
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Performance: Offer the highest efficiency—10–20% better than fiberglass. Easier kicking and optimal power transfer. Ideal for serious freedivers and competition.
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Best for: Experienced freedivers and deep spearfishing beyond 25 meters.
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Durability: More delicate and prone to damage from shocks or blocked movements. But with proper care, they retain performance and appearance for many years.
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Price: The most expensive option on the market.
3. Key Selection Criteria: Foot Pocket, Blade, and Stiffness
Choosing your freediving fins should be a thoughtful decision based on several key factors to ensure optimal performance and comfort.
3.1. Foot Pocket: Comfort and Power Transfer
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Comfort: A soft foot pocket reduces friction and helps prevent blisters. It should fit snugly—not too tight or too loose.
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Power Transfer: A stiffer foot pocket enhances energy transmission to the blade. Brands like C4 Carbon are known for designing foot pockets that maximize this transfer.
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Sizing Tip: Consider going up one size, especially if you wear neoprene socks (1.5–5 mm). Always try fins on if possible.
3.2. Blade: Length, Stiffness, and Angle
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Length: Freediving fins are longer than scuba fins. Longer blades increase propulsion and glide, while shorter blades allow faster kick rates.
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Stiffness: Must match your skill level and leg strength.
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Soft: Ideal for beginners, less athletic divers, or long sessions (e.g. spearfishing). Easier to learn proper kicking technique.
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Medium: A balanced choice for intermediate divers.
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Hard: For experienced freedivers and athletes doing deep dives. Requires strong legs; improper technique may cause discomfort.
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Blade Angle: Typically between 29–32°, designed to optimize power transfer and hydrodynamics.
4. Care and Maintenance for Your Freediving Fins
Proper maintenance is essential to preserve the lifespan and performance of your fins.
4.1. Routine Care
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Rinse: After each use, rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt, chlorine, sand, and debris.
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Dry: Let fins air-dry completely, away from direct sunlight, as heat and UV can damage foot pockets.
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Store: Store fins flat to prevent warping. Avoid hanging by the straps or folding them. Use included inserts to maintain shape during long storage.
4.2. Usage Precautions
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Avoid Impact: Fiberglass and carbon fins are vulnerable to shock and abrasion. Don’t push off pool edges or jump into the water with blades parallel to the surface.
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Chemicals: Do not use petroleum jelly on rubber foot pockets—it can cause rapid deterioration.
5. Choosing Your Fins: Popular Models and Recommended Brands
The freediving fin market is full of options from trusted manufacturers, with something for every level and practice.
5.1. Top Brands and Models
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Cressi: Known for modular fins like Gara Modular (Sprint, Turbo) in plastic and carbon—popular for comfort and flexibility.
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Beuchat: Models like Mundial Elite offer solid all-around performance and durability.
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Mares: Offers a wide range, including X-Wing Apnea (fiberglass) and X-Wing C-Evo (carbon), plus Razor Pro (plastic).
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C4 Carbon: Specializes in high-performance carbon fins with ergonomic foot pockets and stiff blades (e.g. Umberto Pelizzari, Dessault by C4, Storm).
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Subea (Decathlon): Affordable options for all levels, from basic plastic fins to advanced fiber and carbon models.
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Leaderfins: Well-known for customizable options and durable construction.
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Breier Sports: Offers fiberglass and carbon fins for dynamic and constant weight freediving, with various lengths and stiffness levels.
5.2. Cost vs. Performance: Finding the Right Balance
Freediving fins range from €30 to over €600, especially for high-end carbon models.
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Plastic: Budget-friendly—perfect for beginners.
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Fiberglass: Best value for money—significant performance upgrade without a massive cost increase.
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Carbon: Top performance, lightest feel—worth the investment for serious or competitive freedivers.
Keep in mind: a higher price doesn’t always mean better for you. A fin that’s too stiff or advanced for your level could hinder progress or cause discomfort.
6. Freediving Fins FAQ
Q: How do I choose the right fin stiffness?
A: Match stiffness to your leg strength and experience. Beginners should choose soft blades for better technique and comfort. Advanced divers with strong legs can go for stiff blades for maximum propulsion.
Q: Should I heat-mold the foot pockets?
A: It’s generally not recommended to thermoform rubber foot pockets—it can weaken the material and cause cracking. Let the pocket naturally conform to your foot over time.
Q: Are carbon fins really better than fiberglass?
A: Yes, carbon fins typically deliver 10–20% better efficiency, and they’re lighter and more responsive. However, high-quality fiberglass can offer excellent comfort and durability for repetitive long dives.
Q: How do I prevent blisters with my fins?
A: Make sure the foot pocket fits correctly—neither too tight nor too loose. Wearing thin neoprene socks can also help prevent rubbing and improve thermal comfort.
Q: Can I use my freediving fins for scuba diving?
A: It’s not recommended. Freediving fins are long and soft, which makes them cumbersome and inefficient for the specific movement styles of scuba diving.
Q: How can I extend the life of my fins?
A: Rinse thoroughly after each use, dry out of the sun, store flat, and avoid impacts—especially for fiberglass or carbon blades.
Delivery and customer service: Your purchase made easy
Delivery is offered to you for any order over 90 €. Your items are shipped and delivered within 48 to 72 hours, depending on stock availability. The stock of each product is updated regularly. Enjoy fast delivery. Our passionate customer service is available 5 days a week to assist you in your choice of wetsuit or other diving accessories.