LEARNINGCURVE
Other kicking techniques
The back kick is from the ‘ toolbox ’ of more precise kicks that will be familiar to technical and cave divers . Along with good buoyancy and trim , these allow a diver to position themselves anywhere in the water column very accurately , something that can be useful to all divers . The other kicks that form part of the technical divers ’ repertoire are :
Frog Kick
This is the most common kick , and tech divers will use it for a high percentage of their dive . It is a very energy efficient kick because it pushes the water backwards , with no wasted ‘ up and down ’ motion . It is important to remember that the frog kick has a glide phase – for maximum efficiency do not start the next kick until you have stopped moving .
Proper Flutter Kick
This kick has no ‘ glide ’ phase and because it involves constant forward motion it is useful when swimming into current . It should not be confused with the ‘ recreational ’ flutter that comes from the hips . The proper flutter involves minimal movement of the thighs , with the power coming from the lower part of the leg . You should feel the pressure of the water on the top of the fin as you kick , and the legs should not be fully extended so the propulsive force goes up and back . It uses much more energy than the frog kick , so is usually used in short bursts .
Shuffle kick and modified frog kick
These are used in fragile or silty environments such as the inside of a wreck . The shuffle kick involves keeping the upper and lower leg still with the knees in line with the hips , and flexing the ankles up and down , much like alternately pressing the accelerator and brake of a car . The modified frog kick also has minimal involvement from the legs , but involves more of a sideways , sculling motion from the ankles .
Helicopter turn
This kick allows a diver to rotate very accurately over a single point , without any forward or backwards motion . It is useful when turning to face a buddy , or changing direction in a confined space . One fin performs a gentle back kick , whilst the other performs a modified frog kick . This kick is not to be confused with swimming in very small circles – a common error .
Divefest Mexico 2021
The author , Lanny Vogel , is owner-manager of Underworld Tulum , Mexico ’ s only BSAC Centre , and is trying to make 2021 a more positive one for divers with a unique event .
Divefest Mexico takes place from 7-17 July 2021 , and is a great opportunity for BSAC divers to enjoy some of the world ’ s best diving in caverns , sinkholes and the second biggest reef on earth .
Divefest is open to all levels of diver and events include socials , presentations and workshops to learn more about scooters , rebreathers and sidemount diving . “ Our event will bring BSAC divers together to experience some extraordinary diving , enjoy the beautiful and historic Riviera Maya , meet like-minded divers and develop some different diving skills ,” Lanny says .
Cave and technical courses are also available during the event . Cost is £ 999 for divers , or £ 599 for non-diving partners , which includes :
• Self-catering accommodation in a purpose-built divers ’ apartment ( two sharing )
• Return Airport Transfers from Cancun to Tulum
• Two fully catered social events
• Evening presentations
• Two ocean diving days
• Four guided cavern diving days
• Workshops , including CCR , DPV and sidemount .
Getting these precision kicks right does take a bit of time and application , and this is especially true of the back kick . The nice thing is that kicks can be practised on all dives , whether finning around on a club night in the pool or trying to back away from the shot line on a wreck dive . Once you can back kick , you will wonder how you ever managed without it ! For more in-depth coaching in this or other advanced finning techniques , get in contact with a BSAC technical instructor .
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