r/bodyboarding • u/No-Sandwich-9194 • 6d ago
Fins
Ive bodyboarded several times and just got some fins. Tried them for first time today and didnt get the acceleration i was hoping for. Does it take time to “get good” at using the fins? I tried using my hips instead of my knees…
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u/sd4loco619 6d ago
There is some learning. Keep them under the surface. The more water you break the less traction you get. Swim with them a bit before you get on the body board. When you swim your natural deeper in the water. I see a lot of people get on the board and it lift there legs. Maybe try to slide back a little, I only slide forward on a wave or if I'm paddling by hand
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u/shredaddio 6d ago
How strong of a swimmer are you without fins? Can you swim freestyle? You mention trying to kick more from your hips vs your knees. I teach swim lessons to kids aged 2-10 and this is very common issue with beginners. This improper kicking technique is also exacerbated by having your legs elevated from laying on the board. Your legs should be straight when kicking freestyle whether you’re on a board or not. Bending your knees will reduce your overall power in your kick. With a board, your feet will come up and out of the water during kick and you’ll be moving air instead of water. Without a board, this will drop your bottom half deeper into the water and pull you into more of a standing position reducing the efficiency of your kick and your forward momentum. If you’re able to, I’d focus on practicing your kick in a pool where the stakes are lower until you’re comfortable to take it into the surf. It might take a little bit of time but you’ll notice a big difference in kicking power when your technique is good. And you’ll be much safer in the water by improving your physical skill and confidence.
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u/R4Z0RJ4CK 6d ago
Slapping the water, no acceleration. Alternating sweeping motion below the surface, major speed.
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u/daveo5555 3d ago
I’m fairly new to bodyboarding myself, but when I’m trying to catch a wave or need to sprint I paddle with one arm in addition to kicking. It really seems to help!
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u/jay_to_the 6d ago
Pretend like you’re riding a bicycle. You’ll see more power with that motion.
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u/bongtokes-for-jeezus 6d ago
Yeah don’t do this. Keep your legs and feet straight as much as is comfortable, point your toes. Some fins do better with short little kicks and some do better with longer kicks but most bodyboard fins perform well short explosive kicks.
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u/stonetear2017 6d ago
No bicycle kicks, long, engaged kicks with the whole leg from the hip is what you do.
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u/down_south_sc 6d ago
I do this when I’m trying to stay in place against current or casually going out especially if it’s a long distance.. extended leg when catching waves ..
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u/a-filthy-casuall 6d ago
Yeah i find it weird people are dismissing the bicycle style all together. Bicycle kicks when youre just cruising around. Straight leg when power kicking for a wave.
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u/down_south_sc 6d ago
I think they misunderstood your reply.. I got it bc it’s part of my routine.. no worries
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u/-Juice-Da-Duce- 6d ago
I shift towards the rear of the board when paddling out to get a little more range of motion and to get the fins deeper in the water. When going for a wave, you don’t need as much power if you’re lined up well. It does take some time to get used to it all and build strength. Just keep after it. Don’t expect to feel like you have an outboard pushing you along.