Walk, Swim, Climb

Appears in Sport Diver Magazine - Test Dive Editorial June 2007

NEWS and REVIEWS of DIVE EQUIPMENT and ACCESSORIES

OMEGA AQUATICS' NEW AMPHIBIAN FLIP FINS LET YOUR FEET DO IT ALL

This was the first time I've ever donned my fins before putting on my BC or weight belt. It's the first time I ever walked straight into the water without stopping to perform the one-legged, fin-donning dance. And it's the first time I walked out of the water with my fins on my heel and not in my hands.

The Amphibian Flip Fin is designed to be half fin, half shoe. The foot pocket and blade are connected with a hinge and spring, and when a short, wide tab at the base of the blade is depressed, the blade flips up and rides gently against the diver's shin. This allows the diver to walk normally, wearing the slightly curved foot pocket like a pair of overshoes. Once you enter the water, a normal kicking motion pushes the blades back down and locks them in place so they can be used like conventional fins.

At the start of my dive, the Amphibians performed as advertised. The textured soles of the foot pockets gave me plenty of traction while navigating the cracked blacktop and slippery concrete stairs that led down to the water. Once submerged, I easily kicked the blades into position.

As I swam, the blade performed solidly . It has stiff rails and a slightly stiffer than normal base but then thins out into a flexible thermoplastic elastomer center. It really shined when used during a strong frog kick; the highly flexible tips seem to release all the energy pushed through the rigid foot pocket and base. After my safety stop, I swam up to the dive platform, sat on the edge and used my heels to push down the release tabs and flip the fins back up.

I think these fins will prove very handy once they become familiar. Getting in and out of the water without dancing the one-legged fin dance is something we can all flip for.

OMEGA AQUATICS AMPHIBIAN FIN IMPRESSIONS

Hinged blade concept really works, letting divers use their fins for both walking on the surface and swimming below. Paddle-style blade performs solidly and responds especially well to the frog kick.

KEY FEATURES

Stainless-steel spring and hinge assembly stands up to saltwater use. Slightly curved foot pocket is easy to walk in, and locking tab holds blade in place while swimming. Elastomer web, side rails and inlays control blade flex.

CONTACT sportdiver.com/omegaaquatics



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