Swim fins
Foot blades that increase propulsion when swimming, snorkelling or diving.
Overview
Swim fins, also called flippers, are worn on the feet and use a broad blade to push more water with each kick, giving the swimmer greater propulsion. They turn small leg movements into stronger forward motion.
Short fins are common for pool training, while longer fins suit snorkelling and diving where efficient movement over distance matters.
Good to know
- Also known as flippers.
- The blade pushes more water for stronger propulsion.
- Short fins suit training; longer fins suit diving.
Where it’s used
Sports that use swim fins:
Snorkeling
A relaxed way to observe underwater life while floating at the surface with a mask and breathing tube.
Scuba Diving
An underwater sport using breathing equipment to explore beneath the surface, always learned through qualified training.
Swimming
A full-body, low-impact endurance sport suitable for almost every age and ability.
Related equipment
Swimming goggles
Sealed eyewear that lets swimmers see clearly and keep water out of the eyes.
Wetsuit
A close-fitting neoprene suit that keeps the wearer warm in cold water.
Sports bag
A roomy bag for carrying kit, footwear and gear to and from training, usually with a separate compartment for wet or muddy items.
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Disciplines
- FreestyleFreestyle is the fastest swimming stroke, swum face-down with an alternating arm pull and flutter kick — the stroke most people picture when they think of swimming.
- BackstrokeBackstroke is swum face-up with an alternating arm pull and flutter kick — the one competitive stroke where you breathe freely because your face stays out of the water.
- ButterflyButterfly is swum with a simultaneous over-water arm recovery and an undulating dolphin kick — the most physically demanding stroke, built on rhythm and core-driven body movement.
- Individual medleyThe individual medley (IM) combines all four strokes in a set order — butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, then freestyle — testing all-round swimming across a single event.
- Long Distance (Ironman)Long distance triathlon, popularly known as Ironman, covers a 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike, and a 42.2 km marathon run.
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How this page is maintained
- Content type
- Equipment
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-09-12
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