It’s one of the most remarkable natural phenomenon’s on our planet and ensures the future of our coral reefs. Only a small number of people have witnessed coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef which has been described as a spectacular, coordinated frenzy. And this year is even more special with a ‘spilt-spawning’ occurring at inshore reefs at Geoffrey Bay, Magnetic Island.

What is coral spawning?
Every year corals simultaneously reproduce by releasing millions of tiny egg and sperm bundles into the water. The egg or sperm bundles rise to the surface and must come into contact with the same species in order to fertilise and reproduce. Fertilised eggs develop into larvae which, once matured, settles on the ocean floor and grows into coral. By mass spawning it increases the likelihood of successful fertilisation between eggs and sperm of the same species. Not all coral larvae survives because it is eaten by other marine animals like fish and plankton or washed out to sea.

DID YOU KNOW?
This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the discovery of coral spawning. It was at Geoffrey Bay on Magnetic Island where Professor Peter Harrison witnessed the mass spawning, and from that moment forward it transformed scientist’s understanding of sexual reproduction of corals. The first records of multiple species spawning together dates back to October 18 – 21, 1981.

Image credit: Coral Sea Foundation

When does it happen?
Coral spawning relates to the cycle of the full moon, the tides and temperature of the water. It usually happens 2 – 5 days after the full moon in November, however, because the full moon is late in November 2021 and the shallow water close to the coast is already warmer than the waters offshore, the inshore coral reefs on Magnetic Island will spawn twice – this is what is called a ‘split-spawning’. They spawned in October (Saturday 23) and will spawn again in November, after the full moon (Friday 19). Coral spawning only happens at night and generally lasts a few days. According to the CSIRO multiple coral spawning could increase recovery and resilience of the Reef due to there being a more consistent supply of coral larvae in the water. 

Image credit: Coral Sea Foundation

Why is coral spawning important?
Coral spawning is incredibly important to the overall survival of reef ecosystems. It helps coral populations regenerate and secures the future of our coral reefs. Without spawning, corals would cease to exist, and because corals are immobile this process allows new individual corals to spread and grow in otherwise uninhabited areas of the ocean. In years where there are ‘spilt-spawning’ events (like this year off the coast of Townsville) it’s incredible news for future coral populations in the region because there’s more chance of reproduction and larvae maturing to the stage where it can grow on the ocean floor.

Want to witness coral spawning?
This awe-inspiring act of nature usually only happens once a year, so if you’re interested in witnessing it for yourself, join our 2022 coral spawning list and we’ll keep you updated on trips and how to book, as it gets closer. Email info@adrenalindive.com.au to register your interest for 2022 trips.

The post Coral spawning season is here! appeared first on Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive.

Read More Trips, Uncategorized Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive

Locals enticed to explore their own backyard with exclusive deal

We are all guilty of getting sucked into the monotony of everyday life. But with so many wonderful experiences to enjoy it is time we become tourists in our own town. In the spirit of helping North Queenslanders discover something different, we at Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive are offering locals $50 off all dive and snorkel trips – including tours to the world’s first underwater museum.

If there’s one thing we’re great at, it is welcoming people from near and far… Being a local means everyone in the northern half of our beautiful state – from Mackay to the Cape and west to Mount Isa! We’re encouraging North Queenslanders to dive into this unmissable deal.

What can you experience?

Coral Greenhouse – Museum of Underwater Art

Just 2 hours off the coast of Townsville is the Southern Hemisphere’s first underwater museum – the Coral Greenhouse, part of the Museum of Underwater Art project. We are one of only a handful of commercial operators who have exclusive access to the site. The Coral Greenhouse at John Brewer reef was installed just over 12 months ago, so the marine life has well and truly moved in. The site is on the fringe of expansive shallow coral reef, so once you’ve checked out the Museum of Underwater Art – with a dive, snorkel or introductory dive, there is a spectacular example of the Great Barrier Reef a mere 30m paddle away. The 160 tonne structure can be seen by snorkelling the site, but if you would prefer to explore its intricacies, we recommend a scuba dive to have a closer look – even with an introductory dive.

Not a diver? No problem!

All reef tours are available to snorkellers or introductory divers! If you don’t have your certification but have a keen interest in what goes on under the surface of the big blue, why not consider a dive training course? We offer courses for beginners to advanced open water training that will get you on your way to dive deeper.

SS Yongala shipwreck

One of the world’s best wreck dives is just off Cape Bowling Green, east of Townsville. The SS Yongala sunk during a tropical cyclone more than 100 years ago! It’s the largest and intact historic shipwreck in Australia and is home to turtles, sea snakes, giant trevally, Queensland gropers, eagle rays, manta rays, thousands of tropical fish species – and in the cooler months, even whales! Exploring this beauty is reserved for certified divers and if you’re a local diver, you can save $50 off guided trips.

Grab your partner or a group of friends and book a trip today and make memories to last a lifetime. Locals from the Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, North Western regions out to Mount Isa and everywhere in between can book using the code ‘LOCAL50’ at the time of booking. Proof of postcode will be required when boarding. T&Cs apply, you can read them here.

You can find all our day trips here. And all our courses here.

The post Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive ‘Locals Offer’ launches appeared first on Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive.

Read More Trips, Uncategorized Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive

The Museum of Underwater Art ‘Coral Greenhouse’ on John Brewer Reef has been thrown into the international spotlight again, with PADI’s own Scuba Diving Magazine writing a feature article on Jason deCaires Taylor’s work around the globe. And of course his Australian project the ‘Coral Greenhouse’ which can be found off the coast of Townsville received a special shout out.

Where can I find the article?

PADI’s Scuba Diving Magazine can easily be found online. It highlights insightful tips when it comes to everything scuba diving, including new gear, training for beginners and experts, stunning photos and videos, and must visit dive locations – that’s where we come in!

One of their contributors did a deep dive into Jason deCaires Taylor’s work and how he is transforming coral reefs around the world for the better, like John Brewer Reef where the ‘Coral Greenhouse’ proudly stands.

You can read the article here.

Experience it for yourself

The ‘Coral Greenhouse’ is a world of it’s own, dive below the surface and experience the Southern Hemisphere’s only Museum of Underwater Art, we run 3 trips a week.

And if you’ve already been to the site… it’s changing everyday, with fish species finding a home amongst the Coral Greenhouse, so it’s guaranteed to have evolved and changed since your last visit.

You can book a trip to the Museum of Underwater Art with Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. We take snorkelling and scuba diving groups out for the whole day. Book your next trip here.

The post Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive featured in international magazine appeared first on Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive.

Read More Trips, Uncategorized Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive

Catch a glimpse of Humpback Whales on Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive’s new Whale watching tours in Townsville.

COMING SOON!

During the cooler months (June-September), North Queensland’s Eastern coastline comes alive with the spectacular acrobatic display of humpbacks whales. After filling their tummies all summer in the Antarctic waters, these charismatic animals migrate north up the coast to the tropical waters of North Queensland to mate and give birth.

At an astounding maximum length of 16 metres, the humpback is not the largest whale found in Australian waters but definitely the most iconic! These playful creatures seem to enjoy putting on a show, with pectoral fin waves, tail slapping and even full breaching! WOW!

This humpback highway is the perfect opportunity to watch these majestic creatures pass by. Forget the squinting as you try to get a glimpse of these gentle giants from land. Head out with Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive for the best natural vantage points and have the ultimate whale watching experience!

Whale Watching from Townsville and Magnetic Island:

Cruise past Magnetic Island’s beautiful coastline scattered with large granite boulders and towering native hoop pines.

Keep an eye out for the abundance of marine life such as turtles, dolphins, and the secretive dugongs. Don’t forget to stretch that neck and discover the world above us with the resident Brahminy and whistling kites, and the ever-majestic white breasted sea eagles! All while you watch enough whales to leave your whale-loving heart a flutter!

Orpheus Island – Whales, fish, sand, snorkeling and sunsets

 Located in the Palm Island Group, Orpheus Island is an incredibleGreat Barrier Reef island that offers picturesque coastlines and a truly memorable escape. Watching whales in paradise? Sign me up! While it’s a bit further away than Magnetic Island, this ocean wonderland earned itself a spot on the list with its’ fringing coral reefs, making it a haven for snorkelling. Manta rays often glide along the western side of the island.

 The trip, which includes a cruise, lunch, and a swim lasts for about 7 hours and is limited on numbers. Once the whales have been spotted, you’ll have the possibility of truly get up close and personal – and it’s all on the whale’s terms (no touching!).

After a full day of exploring, discovering and whale watching opportunities a-plenty. Do you want to know the best part? It all leaves from the amazing city of Townsville North Queensland.

Tours to be released soon!

Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know!

The post New Whale Watching Tours in Townsville appeared first on Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive.

Read More Trips, Whale Watching Townsville, new tours, orpheus island, whale tours, whale watching tours townsville, whales, whales townsville Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive

Why does the majestic Humpback whale travel thousands of kilometres and visit the warm waters of the Townsville, North Queensland coast each year?

Most whales migrate to eat and breed. For example, baleen whales feed mostly on krill, which is abundant in very cold waters. However, these cold waters are not a suitable environment in which to give birth – newborn calves are born without a protective blubber layer under their skin and would quickly freeze to death. So whales meet their need for food and suitable calving areas by travelling long distances from cold feeding areas, to warm, shallower waters for calving and mating.

Migratory patterns

Most large whales migrate, but migratory patterns vary from species to species and also vary within and between populations. For example, in right whale populations, migration seems to be undertaken mostly by pregnant females heading to warm waters to give birth, while both male and female humpback and gray whales seem to undertake seasonal migrations.

Whales in Australian waters

At least 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises can be found in Australian waters. Humpbacks and southern right whales are the most commonly seen whales along Australia’s coastline, but some other cetaceans that you may see include:

• Minke whales
• Orcas
• Pygmy sperm whales
• Bryde’s whales
• Bottlenose dolphins
• Common dolphins

Humpback whale migrations

Humpbacks have a wide geographic range and are found in all the world’s oceans. During summer months, populations in the southern hemisphere spend their time in Antarctica feeding. In late autumn they begin an annual migratory route to their winter breeding and calving grounds in the warmer tropical waters of the Pacific. They return south in spring.

Humpback whales migrate around 5000km on average, one of the longest migratory journeys of any mammal on Earth. WOW!

Take your chance to see some of theses gentle giants on their way to warmer waters this winter with a trip out with Scenic Whale Watching with Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive!

The post Whale Migration Townsville, North Queensland appeared first on Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive.

Read More Uncategorized Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive

Reef, Wrecks and Whales? Whale watchers rejoice at the opportunity to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants and experience the breathtaking beauty of the world’s largest coral reef. Whale watching Townsville, think Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive.

During the cooler months (June-September), Townsville North Queensland marks a pit stop on the annual migration route of the Humpback Highway. Around 7000 humpback whales choose to rest and play with their new calves in the crystal blue waters off the coast of Townsville, North Queensland.

On your trip out to Australia’s largest living icon – the Great Barrier Reef, you could bear witness to our favourite yearly voyagers who enjoy putting on a show. Tail slapping, pectoral fin waves and sometimes – full breaching is all just an added bonus when coming on a trip whale watching in Townsville with Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive during whale season.

Grab your binoculars or zoom lens and discover not just another tour but an experience with the naturally curious humpback whales we all know and love. With a water level viewing deck, you can truly feel like you’re up close and personal with these ultimate ocean creatures – all on the whale’s terms of course!

After you’ve had your fill of enough whales to leave your whale-watching heart a flutter, don’t forget the real reason for your trip – The Great Barrier Reef.

Stretching over 400,000 square kilometers the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system composed of over 2.900 individual reefs and 900 islands located in the coral sea.

The central section of the Great barrier Reef has some of the most well-preserved reefs in the region. The central section is a little further away from the Queensland coast which means there is less human activity and more room for you to snorkel, dive and play in this underwater playground!

Clownfish, parrotfish and angelfish are some of the among hundreds of tropical marine life you could come face to face with. Swim among the colourful coral walls and take in the natural kaleidoscope of colours or dive deep and discover the sandy bottom and see the rays, turtles and reef sharks that reside there.

In your search of the ultimate chance to see the largest animals on earth? You could be lucky enough to spot these gentle giants from beneath the surface with frequent sightings of the elusive humpback whale from one of the top 10 dive sites in the world – the SS Yongala Wreck. Check out some diver interactions from previous years here!

The post Whale Watching in Townsville – The Ultimate Experience! appeared first on Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive.

Read More Uncategorized, Whale Watching Townsville, Whale Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive

Content originally from https://bit.ly/3eFQiO6

Immerse yourself in one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders and discover a pristine underwater wonderland.

The central section of the Great Barrier Reef has less boating traffic and impact from human activity, giving snorkelers and divers a truly breathtaking experience. Follow schools of marine life weaving through the vibrant coloured corals which fill the ocean floor, find nemo hiding amongst anemones and cruise alongside rays and turtles.

Throughout the experience you’ll discover how the reef is managed, what makes it such an incredible place and all about creatures which call it home. Take away lifetime memories and discover this majestic world that offers a guaranteed wow factor.

Day trips often visit Lodestone Reef, home to a variety of habitats from shallow areas with white sandy sea floor and large coral bommies (outcrops), to steep slopes with deep crevasses, hosting a great diversity of fish life, including small damsels and butterfly fish to larger animals like the giant trevally and occasional reef shark.

The multi day trips do most of the travelling at night to maximise the dive time on the reef and visit a variety of locations. These locations could include Wheeler Reef, with its white sandy cay and many pelagic species; Davies Reef with pinnacles rising from 30 metres and shallower bommies riddled with swim throughs and caves ; Barra Bommie at Little Broadhurst Reef, where you can spot an octopus and Australia’s best dive, the SS Yongala Wreck.

4 WAYS TO DISCOVER THE GREAT BARRIER REEF 

Get up close and personal

It’s the stuff of bucket lists! Take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef and explore first hand the magic and beauty of this natural wonder. Check out Adrenalin Dive to start planning your dive or snorkel adventure.

Have a whale of a time!

In June – August is a special time of the year when the migration of humpback whales begins to the warm waters of North Queensland. They travel up the east coast to feed, mate and give birth before returning south with their calves. ⁠

Some travelers are lucky enough to spot them most days when traveling to the Great Barrier Reef and SS Yongala Wreck from the boat. ⁠
⁠
These charismatic whales enjoy putting on a show, with pectoral fin waves, tail slapping and even full breaching! Its all just an added bonus when you come out on a trip with Adrenalin during whale season! ⁠

Wake up on the Great Barrier Reef

Stumped on what to do on the weekend? Do something different and getaway with a live aboard on the Great Barrier Reef. Wake up to a Saturday sunrise over Australia’s largest living icon! With activities such as fishing, snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving there is plenty to occupy the kids with an experience they will never forget. Did we say food was included? Tempting….

Big, Big, BIG!!

Then let us introduce you to the S.S. Yongala Wreck! Situated in the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, it is the only large reef structure in the region, drawing a huge variety of marine life earning infamy as Australia’s BEST dive site (top 10 in the world!). Everything on this wreck is big – Big Fish, Big Schools, BIG ADRENALIN!!

he 110m S.S. Yongala sank during a cyclone on March 23rd 1911, with the loss of all 122 people aboard. It was not until 1958 that the wreck was first dived and due to its remote location it has remained mostly untouched. The wreck begins 15m below the surface and extends to 29m. Protected under the Historic Shipwreck Act (1976), the artifacts, marine life and variety of corals that cover the wreck are second to none, Red Bull names it the best wreck for sea life.

Often seen are Turtles, Sea Snakes, Giant Trevally, Queensland Gropers, Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Sharks, thousands of Tropical fish and in the cooler months, even Humpback Whales. Diving the Yongala is a bucket list trip no scuba diver should miss!

The post Explore the Great Barrier Reef in Townsville North Queensland appeared first on Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive.

Read More Uncategorized Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive

Original blog posted from Divers Alert Network

As we settle in to our new normal — staying home, practicing social distancing and foregoing travel and diving — many of us are finding ourselves with some extra time on our hands and craving stimulation. Know that DAN is still here for you in these uncertain times. And here are a few ideas for staying focused and energized until you can get back in the water. 

Our Experts Are Standing By
Although most people are not diving right now, DAN medics are still available 24/7 to help any diver in need of emergency medical assistance. If you experience an incident, contact local emergency services and then call the DAN Emergency Hotline at +1 (919) 684-9111.

DAN encourages divers and dive operators to comply with federal and state social distancing orders and to stay up to date on the recommendations of the CDC, WHO and your local health department. We acknowledge that some people will continue to dive, and we recommend that they take steps to lower the risk of disease transmission and minimize their risk of injury to avoid further stressing hospitals and emergency medical services.

Refresh Your Knowledge or Learn Something New
If you’re relatively new to diving or could use a knowledge refresher, check out Prepared Diver. This free video course not only prepares you to avoid some of the most common causes of dive accidents, it gives you the knowledge you need to stay safe and show others that you know what you’re doing. Prepared Diver, along with many other free and engaging courses, is now available at DAN.DiverELearning.com. Log in or create your e-learning account today.

If you want to go the extra mile, begin a DAN first aid course. Contact your local DAN instructor about enrolling in a course (visit our instructor locator to find one near you). DAN first aid courses were designed with divers in mind but can prepare you to save lives anywhere. Whether you’re planning on getting certified soon or have been certifying divers for years, DAN has a first aid course that will prepare you to respond to emergencies in almost any setting, diving or otherwise. The best part is, each course can be completed almost entirely online through DAN’s e-learning platform. After completing the knowledge-based portion from the comfort and safety of your own home, you can complete the skills-based portion in short order when you meet with your instructor after things get back to normal. Then, when you’re able to go out diving again, you’ll have a set of skills under your belt that will make you an asset on any dive trip.

Increase Your Fitness to Dive
Gym closures and extra time indoors can make sticking to a fitness routine difficult, but regular exercise is vital to maintaining your health and your fitness to dive. To make sure you’re in peak physical condition once it’s time to start diving again, check out some of the Dive Fitness articles we’ve published in Alert Diver magazine over the years. Exercise physiologist Jessica B. Adams, Ph.D., crafted these workouts specifically for increasing your fitness to dive and making you stronger and more comfortable in the water. Most of these workouts can be done on your own, at home and without any specialized equipment.  

If your new dive fitness routine inspires you to focus even more on your health, check out DAN’s free online Health and Diving Guides. These guides provide in-depth information about how diving affects the body. Just a few minutes of reading can give you useful knowledge of conditions you might not have considered before and teach you how to mitigate their effects. No matter how many dives you’ve done, the information in DAN’s Health and Diving Guides can help make all your future dives safer and more comfortable. It can also equip you to help other divers around you, which is especially important if you’re a dive professional who teaches students or leads divers.

If you have specific questions or were unable to find what you were looking for in our Health and Diving Guides, contact our medics. The DAN Medical Information Line is still operating during its normal hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 8:00pm ET. If you have a dive medical question, call the information line at +1 (919) 684-2948, or email us at Medic@DAN.org.

Stay Covered
DAN membership benefits you whether you’re diving or not. It’s important to keep your membership up to date so you are ready to dive as soon as restrictions are lifted. And know that your membership dues and insurance premiums are reinvested in the organization, allowing DAN to continue providing live-saving assistance, medical services and research for the benefit of all. If you need to renew your coverage, you can do so in just a few minutes, either online or by phone.  And if you have questions about your coverage, our representatives are standing by Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm ET at +1 (919) 684-2948, Option 3, and Member@DAN.org.

Take a deep breath and know that DAN is still here for you.

The post Keep Calm, Stay Covered and Prepare for Your Next Dives appeared first on Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive.

Read More Uncategorized Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive

As government restrictions continue to ease, we all find ourselves asking “What can we do these school holidays in Townsville?” Well, look no further, Adrenalin Snorkel & dive has a range of activities for you and the kidlets to enjoy! Water babies rejoice; there’s snorkelling and diving galore to be enjoyed here for those who prefer any exploration to take place under the sea.

Let them discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef – Australia’s largest living icon. Snorkel and enjoy the beautiful corals and vast marine life all while social distancing of course!

Here are our top 5 things to do these school holidays in Townsville North Queensland!

Spot a NEMO!

That’s right! Spot your very own “Nemo” at the Great Barrier Reef. With day trips every Thursday and Saturday you would be a clown-fish not to take up the opportunity to get close and personal with the famous flipper.

Learn about the Great Barrier Reef

We know it’s school holidays but that doesn’t mean the learning stops there! What better place to learn then the Great Barrier Reef educational hub of Australia? Townsville North Queensland hosts the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), The National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef as well as the headquarters for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Experience and learn about Australia’s largest living icon as you float over the coral gardens and enjoy the kaleidoscope of colours as they glisten in the sunlight! Can you say COOLEST CLASSROOM EVER?

Did someone say Chocolate Chips?

Well actually we said chocolate dips… The chocolate dips chromis are just some among many of the hundreds of tropical fish that you will come across on the reef. Swim among colourful coral walls and come face to face with the likes of the chocolate dips, as well as clown fish, parrot fish and angel fish! Don’t forget to take a breath and dive deep to the sandy bottom and see the rays and turtles that reside there.

Have the reef on your doorstop

Stumped on what to do on the weekend? Do something different and getaway to the Great Barrier Reef. With activities such as fishing, snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving there is plenty to occupy the kids with an experience they will never forget. Did we say food was included? Tempting….

From our family to yours….

With over 30 years of experience, we know the reef and we enjoy sharing our knowledge and love of the reef with you. Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive is the first dive company in Townsville and Magnetic Island region to be recognized by the ECO Tourism Australia and achieve High Standard Operator with GBRMPA (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority).

Overcrowded? Not here. Our trips are limited to small numbers to ensure plenty of personal attention for you and your little ones. Our commitment is to provide you with unforgettable trips that will last you and your family a life time!

The post 5 ways to “Holi-stay” these school holidays in Townsville appeared first on Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive.

Read More Uncategorized, Blog Post, townsville Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive

Explaining the
differences in fins

In our previous article we touched on wetsuits and explained the differences between the different thickness of wetsuits. In this article we will touch on the different types of fins, some of the different features and how to select the right fins to fit you.

Types of fins

The first thing to consider is the style of fins that suits
you. Fins can almost always be classified into two different styles: full-foot
fins or open-heel fins. As you can tell from their names, the two different styles
of fins are quite self-explanatory.

Full-foot fins have soft, flexible foot pockets which completely
warp around your feet including your heels. Full-foot fins are worn without
dive booties and are usually worn barefoot although some divers may prefer to
wear neoprene socks with these fins for a little bit of extra protection. Pros
of full-foot fins include: cheaper to buy, less bulky which means they are
travel friendly and they allow the energy from a divers feet to transfer
directly onto the fins. Cons include: no flexibility in size, either they fit
or they don’t, not being able to wear booties with them, and they are harder to
put on and take off.

Open-heel fins have foot pockets that cover most of your
feet but leave the heels exposed. In place of a foot pocket there are straps
that secure your foot in place to the fins. Open-heel fins have rigid foot
pockets and are designed to be worn with dive booties. These fins are also
bigger than full-foot fins in order to accommodate the extra bulk of the
booties. Pros of open-heel fins include: flexibility, ease of wearing and
taking off, the added benefit of wearing dive booties which provide additional
thermal protection and protection against other hazards. Cons of open-heel fins
include: they usually cost more plus the cost of buying dive booties to wear
with them, they are large and bulky.

Styles of the blades

Scuba diving fins work by propelling you through the
water using blades. There are many different styles of blades available for
scuba diving fins and they all have their pros and cons. There five main blade
styles that we will talk about today: paddle, vented, channel, split and hinged.

Paddle fins are standard fins with a flat blade and are the simplest in design. They work like an oar and propel you forward with every kick.

Vented fins are a step up from paddle fins with vents at the base of the foot pocket which allow water to pass through on the recovery stroke of the kick cycle and prevent water from passing during the power stroke. The vents make vented fins more efficient than your standard paddle fins.

Channel fins utilize different materials throughout the blade to allow it to flex when used in the water. When the blade flexes it forms a “U” shape channel that captures and contains the water, creating a jet of water that increases propulsion.

Split fins have a split down the middle of the blade and work similar to the wings of a plane. Instead of moving you forward by pushing water backwards, split fins propel you through the water using “lift” created by water moving through the splits. This makes it extremely easy to kick with split fins. However, divers might find that these fins don’t provide much manoeuvrability when changing directions or when trying to stop abruptly.

Hinged fins have a pivoting blade that will angle itself when you kick to optimise the efficiency of your kick cycle. The hinged design is achieved using bungee bands or flexing bars along narrow sections of the blade.

Fitting your fins

After all that, how do you know what fins suit you? If you are buying your first pair of fins you should go for a paddle fin or vented fin. These fins have a standard design and are very affordable. Using a standard fin will also allow you to determine your kick-style. If you have strong legs and a powerful kick then paddle and channel fins will offer you more control underwater. If you don’t have a powerful kick then opting for the split fins will allow you to move better underwater whilst expending less energy.

It is important that you make sure your fins fit just
right because an ill-fitting fin may cause blisters or cramps during use. The
best way to make sure your fins fit is to try them on. If you are buying open-heel
fins, bring along your dive booties to try on with your fins. There is no
standardisation in sizes between the different manufacturers, so you cannot
assume that a size of one brand of fins is the same as another brand’s. Some
manufacturers may even have different sizes across different models.

The post The Different Styles of Scuba Diving Fins appeared first on Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive.

Read More Uncategorized Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive