Best Fins for Strong Currents (2026) | Public Safety Diver’s Top Picks

Written by our lead diver at Scuba Space, a PADI Master Scuba Diver and Law Enforcement Public Safety Diver with 12+ years of professional underwater operations experience.

If you’re hunting for the best fins for strong currents to level up your diving experience, you’ve landed in the right spot.

Fins are an important piece of equipment in your setup and picking the right one can completely change your diving experience.

Whether you’re a vacation diver or an aspiring future instructor, we’ve got the details on our top picks that you can check out today.

So, let’s not waste anymore time and get into it!

Check out our scuba fin guide if you don’t know where to start.

*Scuba Space is a participant of affiliate programs and earns from qualified purchases*

Quick Comparison

Before we get into the depths, here’s a quick look at how our top picks stack up. Peek at the table below to see if any catch your attention, then dive into the full reviews for all the spicy details. Click those links if you see something you like!

Image	Product	Details	Links
	Mares Avanti Quattro +	Channel Blade TPR / Tecralene Bungee Heel Strap 15" Blade (R) 2.0 lbs (R)	AmazonDRIS
	SCUBAPRO Seawing Nova Gorilla	Hinge Blade Monoprene Bungee Heel Strap 23.82" Length (M) 1.9 lbs (M)	AmazonDRIS
	Apeks RK3 HD	Vented Blade TPR Spring Heel Strap 19.3" Length (M) 2.4 lbs (M)	AmazonDRIS
	Fourth Element Rec Fin	Channel Blade Recycled PP & TRP Adjustable Heel Strap	AmazonDRIS
	SCUBAPRO Seawing Supernova	Hinge Blade Monprene Bungee Heel Strap 22.7" Length (M) 1.9 lbs (M)	AmazonDRIS

Mares Avanti Quattro +

4.7

• Unique four-rib structure creates an arched shape during each stroke, converting muscle energy into efficient thrust and enhancing propulsion for improved underwater performance
• Unique Channel Thrust inserts on these versatile open-heel fins enhance water flow, pushing more water with each kick.
• Constructed with a soft thermoplastic rubber foot pocket and a durable Tecralene blade deliver comfort and longevity

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The Mares Avanti Quattro + are the most sold diving fins in the world and combine cutting-edge materials, increased performance, and a stylish design. Mares used countless computer simulations and field tests to perfect these fins.

The fin uses a four-channel design to arch during the fin stroke. This arching motion allows muscle power to efficiently be transformed into propulsive thrust that enhances overall performance. Mares calls this Channel Thrust technology. They focused on how water channeling could be improved and how “dead angles” of a fin stroke could be minimized.

The Avanti Quattro + blades are made from Tecralene technopolymer and the foot pockets are made from thermoplastic. The foot pockets also feature perforations to prevent the “parachute effect” that’s often experienced with other fins. Your foot is held securely in place using a bungee strap. These straps have large grasp-loops for easy donning and doffing.

You’ll also find stabilizing trim tabs on the blades. These tabs were designed to improve stability and eliminate the ankle twisting phenomena.

Editor’s Notes: I bought these fins when I started my Open Water course back in 2014. These things worked amazing in the ocean, but I had to move away from them when I joined the dive team at my agency. They were too long and I kept getting caught on random logs/trees in our lakes.

Color options include:

• Black
• Lemon
• Reflex Yellow
• White
• Olive
• Aqua
• Reflex Blue
• Orange

SCUBAPRO Seawing Nova Gorilla

4.5

• Identical in appearance to the Seawing Nova, features a Monprene elastomer with special additive to enhance the blade's stiffness and increase feedback.
• Ideal for technical divers and dive instructors, excels in both high-speed and low-speed maneuvering for improved handling when making small directional adjustments.
• Proprietary G4 (4th generation) articulated hinge enables the entire wing-shaped blade to pivot and generate thrust.

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The SCUBAPRO Seawing Nova Gorilla are virtually identical in appearance to the regular Seawing Novas but use a special additive in its compound to provide more stiffness and snapto the blade.

These guys combine classic SCUBAPRO fin technology with the latest innovations in hydrodynamic design. The unique articulated hinge design lets the entire wing-shaped blade to pivot and generate thrust, Delivering the power, acceleration, and maneuverability of a blade fin with the kicking comfort and efficiency of a split fin.

The Seawing Nova Gorilla fins are built with a space-age Monprene elastomer that is virtually indestructible and have wing-shaped blades that create a near-perfect balance of stiffness and flex. The blades use Variable Blade Geometry wing tips that arch upwards for more power and stability. You’ll be able to cruise efficiently underwater with the airplane-inspired blade.

The proprietary G4 articulated joint lets the entire blade to pivot and generate thrust. SCUBAPRO calls this Pivot Control Technology. It was designed to make sure that the most efficient 45º angle of attack is maintained, no matter how easy or hard you kick. You can say goodbye to ankle and leg strains.

The foot pockets have a re-engineered footplate with co-molded Grip Pads that provide an improved, non-skid grip on wet surfaces. The Seawing Nova Gorilla fins come with marine-grade bungee strap that are self-adjusting, comfortable, extremely durable. This makes easy work of donning and doffing the fin.

Editor’s Note: I went on a three-day training public safety diver training course on a boat and 90% of the divers were using this fin. One of the divers was an instructor, who’s fin did snap at the hinge. He noted he had many years of use out of this fin before the hinge gave out. None of the other divers had any problems with this fin.

Color options include:

• Army Green
• Orange

Apeks RK3 HD

5

• Vented blade design efficiently channels water, reducing drag and increasing thrust for powerful and efficient underwater movement in varying conditions.
• The ergonomic foot pocket is made from Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR), providing a secure and comfortable fit, minimizing chafing during long dives.
• Adjustable straps with robust buckles ensure a snug and secure fit, accommodating a range of foot sizes and boot styles for personalized comfort.

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The Apeks RK3 HD is the latest model in the RK3 range. It’s made from a higher density than the standard RK3, which makes the fin stiffer and negatively bouyant, which makes them great for wetsuit diving.

The rugged fins have an over-sized foot pocket. The environment that an RK3 HD is used in will dictate the size of fin that you’ll need. Do you dive in a warm environment wearing wetsuit boots, or are you walking across pebbled beaches wearing rigid dry boots? Both forms of footwear may be the same size number, but will take up different amounts of space in the fin foot pocket.

The rugged thermoplastic fin uses a vented blade design to reduce resistance on the upstroke and enhance thrust on the downstroke. The vents eliminate vortexes that can occur along the back of the blade. The short and wide blade gives you maximum forward thrust while maintaining great manueverability. No wonder why the fin has been standard issue for military, special ops, and public safety divers for decades.

There are two large grommet holes on each end of the RK3 HD fin that were designed to fit most carabiners for easy storage of the fins while accessing dive sites. Spring straps come standard and are held in the optimum position by custom-designed buckles. A simple push pin design allows for replacement of the springs when needed.

Color options include:

• Dark Grey
• Orange
• Black

Fourth Element Rec Fin

5

• The blade and foot pocket are made from 100% recycled plastic (recycled polypropylene and recycled thermoplastic rubber)
• Fins come packaged in zero plastic
• Adjustable silicone heel strap provides 6 points of adjustment

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The Fourth Element Rec Fins are the first scuba diving fins to be made from recycled, post-consumer plastic waste. The blade and the foot pocket are made from 100% recycled polypropylene and recycled thermoplastic rubber. The fins also come packaged in zero plastic, if you wanna be extra eco-friendly.

The classic four channel design generates thrust on both the upstroke and downstroke of your kick. There are stiffened ribs that give you excellent control. These Rec Fins are the perfect combination of efficiency and eco-consciousness.

The foot pocket is soft. You secure your foot in the pocket with an adjustable, silicone heel strap that gives you six points of adjustment. Be sure to always check that the straps are properly fitted and free from damage before each dive.

Fourth Element recommends washing these guys in fresh water after each use. You can either lay them out flat to dry or hang from the heel straps for storage.

Color options include:

• Aqua / White
• Black / Grey

SCUBAPRO Seawing Supernova

4.5

• Blade’s central panel membrane auto-adjusts the angle of attack based on kicking strength, providing easier kicking when cruising and maximum power when needed.
• Innovative blade shape produces more power, more speed and better maneuverability.
• Central panel Hydra-loop channels water flow rearwards for increased efficiency and thrust.

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The SCUBAPRO Seawing Supernova represent the next generation of powerful SCUBAPRO fins. They’re a step up from their predecessor, the Seawing Nova, and are the winner of the prestigious, internationally-recognized Red Dot Award for product design.

The fin blade’s central panel membrane auto-adjusts the angle of attack based on kicking strength and it uses Pivot Control Technology to make sure that the most efficient 40º to 50º range of angle of attack is maintained. Its innovative Seawing Supernova blade shape produces more power, more speed, and better maneuverability, while twin-tip winglets improve control and are excellent frog and alternate kicks.

The entire fin is made from premium Monprene for long-lasting durability. Blade and foot pocket are molded separately with a durable Socket-Lock Connecting System that allows for easy assembly and disassembly. Because of this, the parts are interchangeable and there’s even a Modular Fin System Full Foot Pocket you can swap to for warm water use. On top of that, there are multiple SCUBAPRO Seawing Supernova Blade colors you can choose from.

This two-piece design is excellent for breaking down and packing in your luggage for travel.

Editor’s Notes: These are the fins I personally use when traveling. They are totally awesome and worth bringing with you. They’ve served me well in places like Fiji and Cancun. I’ve tried both foot pockets. Never get stuck with flimsy, unknown rental fins again!

Color options include:

• Black
• White
• Turquoise (Blade)
• Yellow (Blade)
• Pink (Blade)
• Blue (Blade)

Wrapping Up

There you have it. Five of the best fins for strong currents, each with its own perks.

Whether you’re fresh out of your PADI class, a seasoned diver, or just want something sleek for your setup, there’s something here for you.

• Mares Avanti Quattro +: The best selling fins on this list.
• SCUBAPRO Seawing Nova Gorilla: A stiffer version of a popular hinged option.
• Apeks RK3 HD: A stiffer version of a popular vented option.
• Fourth Element Rec Fin: For those that are eco-conscious.
• SCUBAPRO Seawing Supernova: A superb performer that packs for travel easily.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out those links, snag your favorite, and get ready to dive in style!

Why Are These Fins Good for Strong Currents?

Effective Performance: These fins are designed to provide efficient propulsion. They allow divers to move through the water with minimal effort, conserving energy and air, which is the ultimate goal of any dive.

Rigid Construction: The use of special materials and plastics significantly enhances the stiffness of these fins. This gives you maximum thrust to fight back against the toughest currents.

Durability: These fins are built to withstand the rigors of being packed and transported frequently, with materials that resist breaking, delamination, and tearing.

Optimized Surface Area: These fins incorporate channels, vents, or other technology to efficiently direct the flow of water down the blade, reducing drag and increasing the thrust generated from each kick. This helps convert leg power into forward propulsion more effectively.

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