How to Fin Like a Fish

The underwater environment changes human movement in two major ways. We lose our gravity-dependent orientation to a flat surface and we encounter vastly increased resistance to movement. These facts force changes in the way we move, requiring that we position our bodies horizontally rather than vertically, and greatly increase the amount of energy we require to move. Here are five ways you can increase your efficiency and decrease your workload.

• Swim completely submerged. Fins perform best when under water. Avoid surface swimming as much as possible. If you do swim on the surface, swim on your back as much as you can to keep fins submerged.
• Swim at a slow and steady pace. Stops and starts decrease efficiency.
• Streamline yourself and your gear. Keep hands and arms close to your sides. Use the smallest, simplest, most streamlined gear appropriate, and keep it close to your body.
• Stay nearly horizontal when moving. Your head should be slightly above horizontal, fins slightly below.
• Be slim. Properly weight yourself so that you can use a minimum amount of air in your BC and still be neutral.