Moving Under Water

Achieving neutral buoyancy as a diver is just the first step in being able to move around freely, comfortably and efficiently. The other two factors involved in moving under water is Trim, which is the posture of a diver moving throughout the water and finning, which is the kicking action used to propel oneself.

Different environments call for different methods of both but most the time a divers ideal trim is with the body angled so the neck is slightly upward. This positioning avoids craning of the neck whilst having a good view that extends forward and below. For some environments such as tropical reef, having the body on less of an angle and face down will open your view of the entire seabed below and stop you from damaging sea life (such as reef) with your kicks.

Finning

Fins worn by divers provide a large surface, which with the power of legs that move in wide sweeping motions, propel water. Knowing different methods of finning is not only useful for different environments\situations but for a change of movement when a diver is tiring or cramping.

The basic method of finning is the swimmers kick whereby the legs are straight and ankles firm. Care should be taken so that knees are not too bent.

The Flutter Kick

The flutter kick is another common kick employed. Propulsion via the flutter kick is not achieved from the legs being kicked far down so it is more appropriate for situations such as when diving low to reef or above fine substrate. In these situations the swimmers kick can very easily damage reef or other aquatic life while disturbing fine substrate, reducing visibility. The flutter kick is shorter then the swimmers kick, the knees are bent and the stroke ends with the legs straightened.

Frog Kick

The frog kick is another move that can be utilized in situations much the same as the flutter kick, leg movements occurring in a sideways manner.

The Dolphin Kick

The dolphin kick is good kick for mixing things up and especially useful if you happen to lose a fin. During the kick both legs and feet are grasped together so one fin is adequate. The body movement is much like a dolphin and is learnt best by imitation. With the body relatively straight to start, the shoulders are moved forwards and feet pulled backward. Shoulders are then moved upward, your hips are thrust forward with power while your flippers are pulled down following suit.

The scissors Kick

The scissors is a good resting kick that takes up less energy then most. One leg is extended forward and the other backward, then both legs are pulled together quickly.