Best Scuba Fins for Beginners (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.
Kicking inefficiently on your first dives leaves your legs burning, your air running low, and the rest of the group grump that the dive ended early.
The right beginner fins make propulsion feel natural and effortless, helping you conserve energy while you master flutter kicks and turns.
We’ve chosen the best scuba fins for beginners that are forgiving, comfortable for long wears, and versatile enough to grow with you as your technique improves.
So, let’s not waste anymore time and get into it!
Not sure which style is right for you? Check out our breakdown:
For a full equipment overview, visit:
*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 |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
| AmazonDRIS | |
 |
| AmazonDRIS | |
 |
| AmazonDRIS | |
 |
| AmazonDRIS | |
 |
| Amazon |
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
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 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 used these fins for years and years. They were the fins that I started with for my Open Water cert. These are excellent fins and they have held up over the years. The only reason I changed fins was because I was sick of getting snagged on stuff at the bottom of lakes during our search missions. You likely won’t run into this issue.
Color options include:
- Black
- Lemon
- Reflex Yellow
- White
- Olive
- Aqua
- Reflex Blue
- Orange
| Size | Length (Blade) | Weight / Fin |
| XS | 13″ | Not Specified |
| S | 14.6″ | Not Specified |
| R | 15″ | 2.0 lbs |
| XL | 15.3″ | Not Specified |
Apeks RK3
4.6
- Based on one of the first vented rubber fins sold in North America and popular among military and professional divers.
- Compact, and ultra-rugged for use in harsh environments.
- Improved foot pocket with spring straps for ease of use with cold hands or thick gloves.
The Apeks RK3 is a rugged fin featuring an over-sized foot pocket. The environment that an RK3 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 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.
The RK3 fins are a go-to for many public safety divers. We like these shorter, heavier fins because we spend a lot of time at the bottom of lakes conducting our searches. The last thing we want is “floaty feet” messing up our searches.
Color options include:
- Black
- Pink
- White
- Yellow
- Dark Grey
| Size | Length | Weight / Fin |
| S | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| M | 19.3″ | 2.2 lbs |
| L | 21.5″ | 2.6 lbs |
| XL | 22.4″ | 2.8 lbs |
Click the link to learn more!
SCUBAPRO Seawing Nova
4.8
- Unparalleled power with the vented articulated mid-point joint, optimizing water flow for efficient and effortless movement.
- Snug and secure fit with the open heel design, crafted from Elastomer Monoprene for lasting comfort during extended dives.
- Robust construction featuring high-quality Elastomer Monoprene materials, ensuring these fins withstand the rigors of frequent use in various diving conditions.
The SCUBAPRO Seawing Nova combines 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 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 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 Notes: I was at a public safety diver training course on a liveaboard and 90% of the divers all these fins. At the time, I was using the Hollis F 2 fins and got left in the dust. The Seawing Novas are some phenomenal fins for ocean diving.
finsColor options include:
- Black
- White
- Blue
- Pink
- Yellow
- Turquoise
| Size | Length | Weight / Fin |
| XS | 21.9″ | 1.7 lbs |
| S | Not Specified | 1.8 lbs |
| M | 23.8″ | 2.1 lbs |
| L | 25.2″ | 2.4 lbs |
| XL | 26.7″ | 2.7 lbs |
Atomic Aquatics SplitFins
4.4
- Split Fins deliver more propulsion with less drag and kick with less effort
- EZ-Lok patented buckle system design for easy, one-handed quick release of the buckle from the fin, Re-attachment is simple and secure
- Internal Power Plate sole plate creates a rigid platform beneath the foot for greater power transfer to the blade
Traditional blade fins work by pushing water backwards. As a blade fin is pushed through the water, much of the water spills over the top surface of the blade and sticks to it, creating drag. Extra kicking effort is required to overcome that drag.
The Atomic Aquatics SplitFin slices through the water with two wing-shaped surfaces, creating lift and forward propulsion more like a propeller. Any water traveling over the top of the blade is funneled into and out of the split between the wings. Drag is reduced, effort is reduced, and efficiency is increased.
The company has also incorporated Propeller-Fin Technology to deliver ultra-high speeds with a small-range, rapid flutter kick. This works in the same manner that increasing the RPM on a boat propeller accelerates a boat to high speeds.
The fins’ signature is their use of exotic materials specifically designed to improve performance. Atomic Aquatics developed multi-composite plastics for the SplitFins to maximize the efficiency of the kick with less fatigue. There are flexible side rails and a stiff foot pocket that are combined with stiff battens in the blade to control the flex pattern for optimum performance.
You secure the fin using the EZ-LOK Buckle System. The patented design features easy, one-handed quick release of the buckle from the fin. Re-attachment is simple and secure.
Split fins are cheat codes for leg cramps. If you’ve never tried one before, this is a great set to pick up. I was totally blown away by how much easier it was to kick with split fins when I tried them for the first time.
Color options include:
- Aqua
- Blue
- Fuchsia
- Pink
- Purple
- Reef Red
- Royal Blue
- Silver
- Smoke
- Yellow
| Size | Length | Weight / Fin |
| S | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| M | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| L | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| XL | Not Specified | Not Specified |
TUSA Solla
4.4
- Proprietary thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compound precisely positioned in an advanced blade and foot pocket structure. ForcElast delivers superior propulsion, efficiency and speed even with moderate power input.
- Quick release buckles allow fins to be quickly and easily adjusted with minimal effort. Adjustment can be made while the fins are worn.
- The fin blade is angled at 20° improving forward propulsion by 10%.
The TUSA Solla is powered by ForcElast technology, which gives you unparalleled performance and efficiency previously unseen in a traditional blade fin. This tech is a proprietary thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compound that’s precisely positioned in the blade and foot pocket structure. ForcElast delivers superior propulsion, efficiency, and speed, even with moderate power input.
The fin has an optimized three channel crescent shaped blade with reinforced side-rails and vents, and uses TUSA’s patented 20° Angled Blade Design (A.B.D.). These features stabilize water flow, enhancing your speed and efficiency in the water.
The fins are held in place using the company’s Anatomic Fin Strap (A.F.S.), which are shaped to significantly reduce heel slippage found in many standard flat fin straps. You can adjust the Solla’s using TUSA’s EZ strap and Buckle System with minimal effort. Adjustment can even be made while the fins are worn.
Color options include:
- Black / Black
- Blue / White / Clear
- Lime / Black
- White / Clear
- White / Black
| Size | Length | Weight / Fin |
| XS | 21.9″ | 1.7 lbs |
| S | 22.7″ | 1.8 lbs |
| M | 23.9″ | 2.0 lbs |
| L | 24.7″ | 2.2 lbs |
| XL | 24.7″ | 2.2 lbs |
Wrapping Up
Editor’s Notes: Many fins have fancy names for all their plastic buckles. They sound nice and all, but just get rid of them and go straight to bungee or spring replacement straps. You’ll thank us later.
There you have it. Five of the best scuba fins for beginners, each with its own perks.
Whether you’re fresh out of your PADI class or just want something sleek for your setup, there’s something here for you.
- Mares Avanti Quattro +: For divers that want the most proven option.
- Apeks RK3: For divers that want to get into tech or dry suits in the near future.
- SCUBAPRO Seawing Nova: For divers that are interested in a hinge design.
- Atomic Aquatics SplitFin: For divers that want split fins.
- TUSA Solla: For divers that want both channeled and vented blade.
Remember, these are just OUR recommendations. The best gear is YOUR gear. A good fit is everything, and the right gear will make you a safer, more comfortable, and more confident diver.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out those links, snag your favorite, and get ready to dive in style!
Oh and don’t forget about the rest of your gear. Here are also some of our recommendations to pair with these fins:
Why Are These Fins Good For Beginners?
Ease of Kicking: The most important factor. These fins are designed with flexible blades and efficient designs that reduce the amount of effort required to move through the water. This helps prevent leg cramps and fatigue, making dives more enjoyable.
Durability: Beginners are more likely to bump their gear on rocks or boats. These fins are built to be robust and durable, capable of withstanding the rigors of frequent use.
Versatility: These fins are suitable for a wide range of diving conditions, from calm tropical waters to light currents. A versatile fin is a good investment that can grow with the diver.
Enjoyed the article? Share it with your fellow divers!
