Apollo Sports: Dive Gear: Split Fins: Bio-Fin Features in Detail

Bio-Fin Features in Detail

General

Increased Bottom Time
Improved Ability To Swim Against Strong Currents
Increased Comfort And Enjoyment
Improved Performance And Comfort On The Surface
Increased Maximum Speeds
Improved Cruise Speeds
Improved Safety

Specific Uses

Improved Efficiency For Free Divers
Improved Performance For Underwater Photographers
Improved Efficiency For Cave And Wreck Divers
Improved Accessibility And Efficiency For Student Divers
Improved Accessibility To Injured And Disabled Divers

These benefits have been identified by over a year of controlled objective and subjective testing.

Increased Bottom Time

These tests were conducted with men and women ranging widely in age, physical condition, and experience.
Improvement in efficiency is achieved by dramatically reducing the single greatest source of energy use during diving: the energy used to propel the diver through the water.
Divers report that they can feel a noticeable reduction in their tendency to inhale quickly or "gulp air". This confirms that reductions in breathing rates are large enough to be noticeable. It also indicates a noticeable reduction in CO2 retention.
Divers also report noticeably longer dives before reaching reserve air.
Because breathing through a regulator is also a major source of energy use, the reduced breathing rates provided by the technology used on the Bio-Fin permits flow rates to be reduced through the regulator causing significant reductions in work of breathing. This provides further energy conservation and also makes the regulator feel more efficient.
The technology used on the Bio-Fin provides exceptional propulsion with a small flutter or ankle kick. This reduces the overall range of muscle movement therefore reducing air consumption. This lessens the use of the larger thigh and hamstring muscles during each kick cycle. Instead, the smaller muscles in the calves and ankles can do the work with greater relaxation and efficiency.
This smaller kick also permits the diver to be more hydrodynamic in the water so the range of kicking is within or near the thickness of the diver's body. Therefore the legs do not have to extend as far above or below the slip stream of the diver's body as with paddle fins. Because this significantly reduces drag, forward momentum is easier to maintain and propulsion is more consistent and efficient. As conventional paddle type fins do not work well with a small kick or ankle kick, they must be used with a large sweeping kick that extends the legs significantly above and below the slip stream of the diver's body. When this occurs, the legs create increased frontage and drag which slows the diver between each stroke. As a result, part of the momentum created by the additional energy to regain this lost momentum. This drag dominated type of movement increases exertion, fatigue and breathing rates. Years of research on vessel design has concluded that constant speed is more energy efficient than variations in speed.

Improved Ability To Swim Against Strong Currents

IMPORTANT: A small kicking radius,within the slip stream of the body,and a rapid kick cycle, will provide the best results when swimming against currents. DO NOT USE A WIDE, SCISSORS TYPE, KICK. The diver who has spent years using "paddle style" fins will, sometimes, revert to the wider kick out of long habit.
This new technology substantially increases the ability to swim against strong currents for longer periods of time.
Reduced exertion produces lower breathing rates when swimming against currents.
Divers also report that while using the technology used on the Bio-Fin, they can maintain steady progress against strong currents that they would have been unable to swim against using ordinary paddle type fins.

Increased Comfort And Enjoyment

The technology used on the Bio-Fin significantly reduces the stress and exertion of diving.
Reduced breathing rates significantly increase relaxation and ease while diving.
Many divers have stated that even if this new technology only offered the same performance while merely decreasing fatigue, they would still buy it because it takes much of the work out of diving.
Less work means more fun. After all, diving is a recreational activity.
Divers often report that the feeling of more relaxed leg muscles with decreased effort greatly enhances the dive experience. Once they experience this, many divers state that the increased exertion and strain of paddle type fins now distracts from the dive experience, especially when swimming against a current.
The low resistance of the technology used on the Bio-Fin dramatically reduces strain to the ankles and calves. The high resistance of paddle type fins can cause the ankles to pivot beyond their natural range of motion. This creates significant strain to the ankles and calves that can result in cramps.
The technology used on the Bio-Fin produces less possibility of stirring up silt since the blades slice through the water more like knives or prop blades and therefore produce less turbulence.
Divers have found that they can approach marine animals more easily and get closer since the reduced turbulence creates fewer vibrations while swimming. The ability to use a small ankle kick also improves approachability since it creates significantly less visual commotion than the large sweeping kick used with paddle type fins.
Divers report that a small flutter kick or ankle kick feels more natural and relaxing. Once they have become acclimated to this easy kick, the larger more strenuous strokes of paddle type fins are no longer as enjoyable or comfortable.
The technology used on the Bio-Fin offers easier propulsion which provides a feeling of underwater flight that is more pleasurable.
Evaluators have also reported that some of their most relaxing dives have occurred while using the technology used on the Bio-Fin. Some divers have stated that at times the relaxation level has been comparable to meditation.
Increased relaxation and reduced stress has also been found to greatly increase comfort and ease during deep dives. Evaluators report that the usual increased levels of stress and exertion that typically occur during deep divers are greatly reduced. After swimming on deep dives ranging from 100 feet (39 meters) to over 200 feet (60 meters), divers state that diving with the technology used on the Bio-Fin reduces breathing rates and increases relaxation.

Improved Performance And Comfort On The Surface

If the fin blades lift out of the water while swimming face down on the surface the technology used on the Bio-Fin reduces the occurrence of blade slapping. This is because the blades twist open and slice through the surface like knives while still providing propulsion. In contrast, paddle type fins slap the surface upon reentering the water creating ankle strain and reduced propulsion.
The improved performance of technology used on the Bio-Fin greatly reduces the strain and exertion of surface swims to and from dive sites. While swimming along the surface, improved performance is noticeable either face down or on the back.

Increased Maximum Speeds

Extensive testing has shown that all testers were able to reach and sustain significantly higher speeds when using the technology used on the Bio-Fin than they could achieve on conventional paddle type fins.
After speed runs, the divers were asked to score the fins subjectively in several categories. The divers reported the technology used on the Bio-Fin created significantly less muscle strain, easier kicking, greater relaxation of muscles, greater ability to reach top speed and greater ability to sustain top speed than conventional paddle type fins. The technology used on the Bio-Fin received better scores in every speed category including top speeds than paddle type fins received.
Because of the low resistance and reduced fatigue levels of the technology used on the Bio-Fin, divers are able to reach higher speeds and maintain these speeds for significantly longer times. In contrast divers trying to reach high speeds on paddle type fins are not able to swim as fast or as long since they become "maxed-out" much earlier from excessive fatigue. Because drag increases with the square of the fin's speed through the water, paddle fins that have high resistance through the water (high drag) during a slow kick, will have unsustainable levels of resistance during a fast kick.
The technology used on the Bio-Fin perform as well using a small flutter kick to reach high speeds. This enables the diver to penetrate the water with greater hydrodynamic efficiency and less drag so higher speeds can be achieved and sustained.
The smaller kick range reduces the travel distance of the fins so the diver can deliver more propulsive kicks per minute for greater acceleration and top speed. Because the travel distance of the legs has been significantly reduced from a giant kick down to a small flutter kick, more kicks can be delivered with less overall energy consumption.
Evaluators also state that it is much easier to increase speed and adjust speed (faster or slower) when diving with the technology used on the Bio-Fin by simply changing the frequency of the kick.
The responsiveness of the technology used on the Bio-Fin combined with the smaller kick range provides increased ability to fine tune the angle or trim of the diver in the water. This further improves the ability to reduce drag and maximize efficiency.

Improved Cruise Speeds

Divers state that when swimming with underwater speedometers or on timed runs along a measured underwater course in full scuba gear, that the fins are so efficient that it is difficult to swim slower that 0.75 MPH (1.21 km/H) even when only an ankle kick is used. Many report that they can easily swim all day without fatigue or muscle strain at 1.00 to 1.25 MPH (1.61 to 2.01 km/H). it is a dramatic achievement since the maximum sustained speeds of Navy divers on paddle type fins is about 1 knot (1.85 KM/H) over a 1000 yard course (914.4 meters).
For speeds below 1 MPH (1.61 KM/H), divers can reduce their kick to a mere ankle kick or even a light toe kick with extremely little leg motion for optimum energy conservation.
Improved cruise speeds combined with reduced effort and decreased air consumption greatly increase the distances that can be covered during a dive. Many divers have stated that some of the longest distances they have ever covered in a dive occurred with little effort while using the technology used on the Bio-Fin. Even after covering great distances, many divers find they still have enough air to cover significantly more distance.

Improved Safety

Reduced air consumption offers the diver more reserve air in case of emergency.
Better swimming speeds and endurance greatly increase safety in strong currents.
Increased acceleration, speeds and endurance enhance ability to escape dangerous or difficult situations.
Reduced exertion and stress improves safety for divers who are in poor physical condition.
Increased ease of surface swimming improves safety for divers who surface a great distance from the boat or exit point.
Increased speed and endurance combined with decreased fatigue substantially improves the ability to reach a diver in need of rescue. Critical time is saved, and the reduced exertion gives the rescue diver additional energy reserves once the troubled diver is reached. Improved efficiency and reduced exertion on the surface further assists in returning the diver to safety.
By significantly reducing the stress and exertion of diving, the technology used on the Bio-Fin greatly enhances the diver's mental state, enabling the diver to be more relaxed, confidant and at ease underwater. This is a great benefit as many dive accidents are attributed to diver panic.
The reduced exertion of the technology used on the Bio-Fin has been found to noticeably reduce stress and increase calmness therefore potentially reducing nitrogen narcosis during deep dives.
Since exertion levels are known to be related to CO2 retention and the technology used on the Bio-Fin has demonstrated reductions in breathing rates and exertion by well over 20%, it can be concluded that the technology used on the Bio-Fin can also reduce CO2 levels significantly. This is a great benefit as increased CO2 retention can cause increased breathing rates, fatigue, stress, headaches and other maladies.
Medical research indicates that the risk of decompression sickness is related to exertion. Because the technology used on the Bio-Fin has been shown to reduce breathing rates and exertion by well over 20%, it also can be concluded that this technology can reduce the risk of DCS. Reduced breathing rates at depth can also decrease the rate of nitrogen absorption by reducing the number of molecules of nitrogen exchanged within the lungs.

Improved Efficiency For Free Divers

The reduced exertion levels and less muscle strain lower oxygen use for noticeably increased bottom time when free diving.
Decreased CO2 absorption can lead to longer under water times before the need to swim to the surface.
Decreased CO2 absorption reduces recovery time between descents.
Reduced fatigue improves endurance for longer time in the water with more descents possible.
Improved speed and reduced exertion increases descent rates, potential travel distance at depth and ascent rates.
The increased approachability of fish from reduced fin turbulence, reduced size of kick, increased speed and bottom time can improve success while spear fishing or animal watching.
The reduction of exertion greatly improves the enjoyment of free diving.
Elimination of blade slapping and reduction in exertion improves efficiency and enjoyment of snorkeling on the surface.

Improved Performance For Underwater Photographers

Improved ability to approach marine animals offers improved photographic opportunities.
Improved cruise speeds and high-end speeds increase the ability to swim with marine animals.
Reduced exertion improves comfort, endurance and bottom time while pursuing marine life.
Increased bottom time substantially improves the chances of finding more subjects.
Improved ability to make fine tuned adjustments in body orientation improves the ability to optimize the camera angle.

Improved Efficiency For Cave And Wreck Divers

The technology used on the Bio-Fin reduces silt-up and breathing rates for cave and wreck divers by providing a small ankle kick rather than a large frog kick. Because the technology used on the Bio-Fin permits the use of small fin and leg movements with reduced fin generated turbulence, this fin technology produces exceptionally low levels of silt-up. When paddle type fins are used with the frog kick, large movements of the fin and leg create strong tornado-like vortices that can swirl at high speeds for extended periods and eventually reach the floor, ceiling or walls of the cave or wreck to create varying degrees of silt-up.
With the technology used on the Bio-Fin, the diver's legs extend for little or no distance beyond the slip stream of the diver's body. The small ankle or toe kick permits the diver to maintain constant speed and momentum with reduced exertion, reduced air consumption, increased average speed and bottom time. In addition, the smaller kick minimizes muscle group participation and leg movements for optimum energy conservation. The frog kick that is used with paddle fins involves large leg movements and major muscle groups that increase air consumption and fatigue. The momentum gained during the power stroke is quickly lost as the legs spread apart and create drag while preparing for the next stroke. Because the initial momentum is lost during the recovery stroke, the diver has to work harder to regain the lost momentum. This creates unsteady propulsion with a stop and start type of movement that is less efficient than constant propulsion.
When paddle fins are used with a frog kick, the diver's legs create drag as they extend outside the slip stream of the body. As a result, it is almost impossible to sustain an average speed of 1 MPH using a frog kick. Furthermore, such hard strokes create high levels of turbulence with increased risk of silt-up. Because of the inefficiency of the frog kick, the technology used on the Bio-Fin is not designed or intended for this stroke and instead is designed for a small flutter, ankle or toe kick.
A small ankle or toe kick is easy for a beginner to learn to use in cave or wreck divers, and is also efficient for swimming through small passageways. The wide kicking rage of the frog kick is difficult to learn and it is cumbersome to use when swimming through small passageways.
Such small kicks also permit improved fine tune adjustment of the diver's body alignment in the water. This provides more directional control in confined environments and more accurate trim control for swimming through narrow passageways.
Improved relaxation heightens enjoyment and reduces stress of being in confined environment.

Improved Accessibility And Efficiency For Student Divers

Reduced muscle strain and fatigue decreases stress for beginner divers who have not yet developed strong leg muscles.
Because beginning divers naturally use a small flutter kick, they do not have to be taught the large stiff leg kick as this smaller kick is highly efficient with the technology used on the Bio-Fin. this can reduce the learning time for students and enable them to feel more natural while diving.
Since beginning divers tend to use air more quickly, the improved breathing rates offered by the technology used on the Bio-Fin can offer increased bottom time and better use of the reserve air supply.
Certification divers often include long surface swims; therefore the improved surface efficiency can assist students by reducing fatigue and cramping on the way to and from the dive site, when swimming against currents and surge during the dive.
Because the reduced work greatly increases pleasure and confidence, the technology used on the Bio-Fin can improve the student's chances of completing the course, staying in diving, purchasing dive equipment and becoming an active diver. In contrast, the chances for staying with diving and becoming a committed diver are less likely when a student has an unpleasant dive experience due to fatigue, muscle cramps, discomfort and short bottom times.
The increased comfort and ease provided by the technology used on the Bio-Fin can also provide increased accessibility to diving by women and children.
Dive instructors also benefit since the reduced exertion can allow them to dive all day with significantly reduced fatigue.

Improved Accessibility To Injured And Disabled Divers

Evaluators who had sore muscles or joints from a previous day of exercise on land reported that they could dive easily and comfortably with the technology used on the Bio-Fin while paddle type fins created significant discomfort and pain.
One tester suffered a significant injury when his hip joint popped out of its socket during a non-diving activity. This strained his muscles causing most of his leg to turn black and blue. He stated that the technology used on the Bio-Fin enabled him to continue with his schedule of commercial dives through multiple weeks of healing. This would have been impossible to do with the more strenuous paddle type fins, since the increased exertion and strain would have been intolerable. He also said the ability of the technology used on the Bio-Fin to work well with a small flutter kick allowed him to not kick from the hip or tighten his leg muscles.
The reduced exertion and the ability to efficiently use a small flutter or ankle kick can make diving more accessible and enjoyable to divers having recent injuries, old injuries and disabilities.
The reduced fatigue can also significantly extend the diving career of older divers.
Because smaller kicking strokes can be used with completely loose and relaxed leg muscles, this technology can actually assist with the healing of injuries either during dives or in swimming pools.

licensed by

NATURE'S WING and PROPELLER-FIN are trademarks of NATURE'S WING FIN DESIGN, LLC--Newport Beach, CA USA


	Bio-Fin Features in Detail General Increased Bottom Time Improved Ability To Swim Against Strong Currents Increased Comfort And Enjoyment Improved Performance And Comfort On The Surface Increased Maximum Speeds Improved Cruise Speeds Improved Safety Specific Uses Improved Efficiency For Free Divers Improved Performance For Underwater Photographers Improved Efficiency For Cave And Wreck Divers Improved Accessibility And Efficiency For Student Divers Improved Accessibility To Injured And Disabled Divers These benefits have been identified by over a year of controlled objective and subjective testing. Increased Bottom Time These tests were conducted with men and women ranging widely in age, physical condition, and experience. Improvement in efficiency is achieved by dramatically reducing the single greatest source of energy use during diving: the energy used to propel the diver through the water. Divers report that they can feel a noticeable reduction in their tendency to inhale quickly or "gulp air". This confirms that reductions in breathing rates are large enough to be noticeable. It also indicates a noticeable reduction in CO2 retention. Divers also report noticeably longer dives before reaching reserve air. Because breathing through a regulator is also a major source of energy use, the reduced breathing rates provided by the technology used on the Bio-Fin permits flow rates to be reduced through the regulator causing significant reductions in work of breathing. This provides further energy conservation and also makes the regulator feel more efficient. The technology used on the Bio-Fin provides exceptional propulsion with a small flutter or ankle kick. This reduces the overall range of muscle movement therefore reducing air consumption. This lessens the use of the larger thigh and hamstring muscles during each kick cycle. Instead, the smaller muscles in the calves and ankles can do the work with greater relaxation and efficiency. This smaller kick also permits the diver to be more hydrodynamic in the water so the range of kicking is within or near the thickness of the diver's body. Therefore the legs do not have to extend as far above or below the slip stream of the diver's body as with paddle fins. Because this significantly reduces drag, forward momentum is easier to maintain and propulsion is more consistent and efficient. As conventional paddle type fins do not work well with a small kick or ankle kick, they must be used with a large sweeping kick that extends the legs significantly above and below the slip stream of the diver's body. When this occurs, the legs create increased frontage and drag which slows the diver between each stroke. As a result, part of the momentum created by the additional energy to regain this lost momentum. This drag dominated type of movement increases exertion, fatigue and breathing rates. Years of research on vessel design has concluded that constant speed is more energy efficient than variations in speed. Improved Ability To Swim Against Strong Currents IMPORTANT: A small kicking radius,within the slip stream of the body,and a rapid kick cycle, will provide the best results when swimming against currents. DO NOT USE A WIDE, SCISSORS TYPE, KICK. The diver who has spent years using "paddle style" fins will, sometimes, revert to the wider kick out of long habit. This new technology substantially increases the ability to swim against strong currents for longer periods of time. Reduced exertion produces lower breathing rates when swimming against currents. Divers also report that while using the technology used on the Bio-Fin, they can maintain steady progress against strong currents that they would have been unable to swim against using ordinary paddle type fins. Increased Comfort And Enjoyment The technology used on the Bio-Fin significantly reduces the stress and exertion of diving. Reduced breathing rates significantly increase relaxation and ease while diving. Many divers have stated that even if this new technology only offered the same performance while merely decreasing fatigue, they would still buy it because it takes much of the work out of diving. Less work means more fun. After all, diving is a recreational activity. Divers often report that the feeling of more relaxed leg muscles with decreased effort greatly enhances the dive experience. Once they experience this, many divers state that the increased exertion and strain of paddle type fins now distracts from the dive experience, especially when swimming against a current. The low resistance of the technology used on the Bio-Fin dramatically reduces strain to the ankles and calves. The high resistance of paddle type fins can cause the ankles to pivot beyond their natural range of motion. This creates significant strain to the ankles and calves that can result in cramps. The technology used on the Bio-Fin produces less possibility of stirring up silt since the blades slice through the water more like knives or prop blades and therefore produce less turbulence. Divers have found that they can approach marine animals more easily and get closer since the reduced turbulence creates fewer vibrations while swimming. The ability to use a small ankle kick also improves approachability since it creates significantly less visual commotion than the large sweeping kick used with paddle type fins. Divers report that a small flutter kick or ankle kick feels more natural and relaxing. Once they have become acclimated to this easy kick, the larger more strenuous strokes of paddle type fins are no longer as enjoyable or comfortable. The technology used on the Bio-Fin offers easier propulsion which provides a feeling of underwater flight that is more pleasurable. Evaluators have also reported that some of their most relaxing dives have occurred while using the technology used on the Bio-Fin. Some divers have stated that at times the relaxation level has been comparable to meditation. Increased relaxation and reduced stress has also been found to greatly increase comfort and ease during deep dives. Evaluators report that the usual increased levels of stress and exertion that typically occur during deep divers are greatly reduced. After swimming on deep dives ranging from 100 feet (39 meters) to over 200 feet (60 meters), divers state that diving with the technology used on the Bio-Fin reduces breathing rates and increases relaxation. Improved Performance And Comfort On The Surface If the fin blades lift out of the water while swimming face down on the surface the technology used on the Bio-Fin reduces the occurrence of blade slapping. This is because the blades twist open and slice through the surface like knives while still providing propulsion. In contrast, paddle type fins slap the surface upon reentering the water creating ankle strain and reduced propulsion. The improved performance of technology used on the Bio-Fin greatly reduces the strain and exertion of surface swims to and from dive sites. While swimming along the surface, improved performance is noticeable either face down or on the back. Increased Maximum Speeds Extensive testing has shown that all testers were able to reach and sustain significantly higher speeds when using the technology used on the Bio-Fin than they could achieve on conventional paddle type fins. After speed runs, the divers were asked to score the fins subjectively in several categories. The divers reported the technology used on the Bio-Fin created significantly less muscle strain, easier kicking, greater relaxation of muscles, greater ability to reach top speed and greater ability to sustain top speed than conventional paddle type fins. The technology used on the Bio-Fin received better scores in every speed category including top speeds than paddle type fins received. Because of the low resistance and reduced fatigue levels of the technology used on the Bio-Fin, divers are able to reach higher speeds and maintain these speeds for significantly longer times. In contrast divers trying to reach high speeds on paddle type fins are not able to swim as fast or as long since they become "maxed-out" much earlier from excessive fatigue. Because drag increases with the square of the fin's speed through the water, paddle fins that have high resistance through the water (high drag) during a slow kick, will have unsustainable levels of resistance during a fast kick. The technology used on the Bio-Fin perform as well using a small flutter kick to reach high speeds. This enables the diver to penetrate the water with greater hydrodynamic efficiency and less drag so higher speeds can be achieved and sustained. The smaller kick range reduces the travel distance of the fins so the diver can deliver more propulsive kicks per minute for greater acceleration and top speed. Because the travel distance of the legs has been significantly reduced from a giant kick down to a small flutter kick, more kicks can be delivered with less overall energy consumption. Evaluators also state that it is much easier to increase speed and adjust speed (faster or slower) when diving with the technology used on the Bio-Fin by simply changing the frequency of the kick. The responsiveness of the technology used on the Bio-Fin combined with the smaller kick range provides increased ability to fine tune the angle or trim of the diver in the water. This further improves the ability to reduce drag and maximize efficiency. Improved Cruise Speeds Divers state that when swimming with underwater speedometers or on timed runs along a measured underwater course in full scuba gear, that the fins are so efficient that it is difficult to swim slower that 0.75 MPH (1.21 km/H) even when only an ankle kick is used. Many report that they can easily swim all day without fatigue or muscle strain at 1.00 to 1.25 MPH (1.61 to 2.01 km/H). it is a dramatic achievement since the maximum sustained speeds of Navy divers on paddle type fins is about 1 knot (1.85 KM/H) over a 1000 yard course (914.4 meters). For speeds below 1 MPH (1.61 KM/H), divers can reduce their kick to a mere ankle kick or even a light toe kick with extremely little leg motion for optimum energy conservation. Improved cruise speeds combined with reduced effort and decreased air consumption greatly increase the distances that can be covered during a dive. Many divers have stated that some of the longest distances they have ever covered in a dive occurred with little effort while using the technology used on the Bio-Fin. Even after covering great distances, many divers find they still have enough air to cover significantly more distance. Improved Safety Reduced air consumption offers the diver more reserve air in case of emergency. Better swimming speeds and endurance greatly increase safety in strong currents. Increased acceleration, speeds and endurance enhance ability to escape dangerous or difficult situations. Reduced exertion and stress improves safety for divers who are in poor physical condition. Increased ease of surface swimming improves safety for divers who surface a great distance from the boat or exit point. Increased speed and endurance combined with decreased fatigue substantially improves the ability to reach a diver in need of rescue. Critical time is saved, and the reduced exertion gives the rescue diver additional energy reserves once the troubled diver is reached. Improved efficiency and reduced exertion on the surface further assists in returning the diver to safety. By significantly reducing the stress and exertion of diving, the technology used on the Bio-Fin greatly enhances the diver's mental state, enabling the diver to be more relaxed, confidant and at ease underwater. This is a great benefit as many dive accidents are attributed to diver panic. The reduced exertion of the technology used on the Bio-Fin has been found to noticeably reduce stress and increase calmness therefore potentially reducing nitrogen narcosis during deep dives. Since exertion levels are known to be related to CO2 retention and the technology used on the Bio-Fin has demonstrated reductions in breathing rates and exertion by well over 20%, it can be concluded that the technology used on the Bio-Fin can also reduce CO2 levels significantly. This is a great benefit as increased CO2 retention can cause increased breathing rates, fatigue, stress, headaches and other maladies. Medical research indicates that the risk of decompression sickness is related to exertion. Because the technology used on the Bio-Fin has been shown to reduce breathing rates and exertion by well over 20%, it also can be concluded that this technology can reduce the risk of DCS. Reduced breathing rates at depth can also decrease the rate of nitrogen absorption by reducing the number of molecules of nitrogen exchanged within the lungs. Improved Efficiency For Free Divers The reduced exertion levels and less muscle strain lower oxygen use for noticeably increased bottom time when free diving. Decreased CO2 absorption can lead to longer under water times before the need to swim to the surface. Decreased CO2 absorption reduces recovery time between descents. Reduced fatigue improves endurance for longer time in the water with more descents possible. Improved speed and reduced exertion increases descent rates, potential travel distance at depth and ascent rates. The increased approachability of fish from reduced fin turbulence, reduced size of kick, increased speed and bottom time can improve success while spear fishing or animal watching. The reduction of exertion greatly improves the enjoyment of free diving. Elimination of blade slapping and reduction in exertion improves efficiency and enjoyment of snorkeling on the surface. Improved Performance For Underwater Photographers Improved ability to approach marine animals offers improved photographic opportunities. Improved cruise speeds and high-end speeds increase the ability to swim with marine animals. Reduced exertion improves comfort, endurance and bottom time while pursuing marine life. Increased bottom time substantially improves the chances of finding more subjects. Improved ability to make fine tuned adjustments in body orientation improves the ability to optimize the camera angle. Improved Efficiency For Cave And Wreck Divers The technology used on the Bio-Fin reduces silt-up and breathing rates for cave and wreck divers by providing a small ankle kick rather than a large frog kick. Because the technology used on the Bio-Fin permits the use of small fin and leg movements with reduced fin generated turbulence, this fin technology produces exceptionally low levels of silt-up. When paddle type fins are used with the frog kick, large movements of the fin and leg create strong tornado-like vortices that can swirl at high speeds for extended periods and eventually reach the floor, ceiling or walls of the cave or wreck to create varying degrees of silt-up. With the technology used on the Bio-Fin, the diver's legs extend for little or no distance beyond the slip stream of the diver's body. The small ankle or toe kick permits the diver to maintain constant speed and momentum with reduced exertion, reduced air consumption, increased average speed and bottom time. In addition, the smaller kick minimizes muscle group participation and leg movements for optimum energy conservation. The frog kick that is used with paddle fins involves large leg movements and major muscle groups that increase air consumption and fatigue. The momentum gained during the power stroke is quickly lost as the legs spread apart and create drag while preparing for the next stroke. Because the initial momentum is lost during the recovery stroke, the diver has to work harder to regain the lost momentum. This creates unsteady propulsion with a stop and start type of movement that is less efficient than constant propulsion. When paddle fins are used with a frog kick, the diver's legs create drag as they extend outside the slip stream of the body. As a result, it is almost impossible to sustain an average speed of 1 MPH using a frog kick. Furthermore, such hard strokes create high levels of turbulence with increased risk of silt-up. Because of the inefficiency of the frog kick, the technology used on the Bio-Fin is not designed or intended for this stroke and instead is designed for a small flutter, ankle or toe kick. A small ankle or toe kick is easy for a beginner to learn to use in cave or wreck divers, and is also efficient for swimming through small passageways. The wide kicking rage of the frog kick is difficult to learn and it is cumbersome to use when swimming through small passageways. Such small kicks also permit improved fine tune adjustment of the diver's body alignment in the water. This provides more directional control in confined environments and more accurate trim control for swimming through narrow passageways. Improved relaxation heightens enjoyment and reduces stress of being in confined environment. Improved Accessibility And Efficiency For Student Divers Reduced muscle strain and fatigue decreases stress for beginner divers who have not yet developed strong leg muscles. Because beginning divers naturally use a small flutter kick, they do not have to be taught the large stiff leg kick as this smaller kick is highly efficient with the technology used on the Bio-Fin. this can reduce the learning time for students and enable them to feel more natural while diving. Since beginning divers tend to use air more quickly, the improved breathing rates offered by the technology used on the Bio-Fin can offer increased bottom time and better use of the reserve air supply. Certification divers often include long surface swims; therefore the improved surface efficiency can assist students by reducing fatigue and cramping on the way to and from the dive site, when swimming against currents and surge during the dive. Because the reduced work greatly increases pleasure and confidence, the technology used on the Bio-Fin can improve the student's chances of completing the course, staying in diving, purchasing dive equipment and becoming an active diver. In contrast, the chances for staying with diving and becoming a committed diver are less likely when a student has an unpleasant dive experience due to fatigue, muscle cramps, discomfort and short bottom times. The increased comfort and ease provided by the technology used on the Bio-Fin can also provide increased accessibility to diving by women and children. Dive instructors also benefit since the reduced exertion can allow them to dive all day with significantly reduced fatigue. Improved Accessibility To Injured And Disabled Divers Evaluators who had sore muscles or joints from a previous day of exercise on land reported that they could dive easily and comfortably with the technology used on the Bio-Fin while paddle type fins created significant discomfort and pain. One tester suffered a significant injury when his hip joint popped out of its socket during a non-diving activity. This strained his muscles causing most of his leg to turn black and blue. He stated that the technology used on the Bio-Fin enabled him to continue with his schedule of commercial dives through multiple weeks of healing. This would have been impossible to do with the more strenuous paddle type fins, since the increased exertion and strain would have been intolerable. He also said the ability of the technology used on the Bio-Fin to work well with a small flutter kick allowed him to not kick from the hip or tighten his leg muscles. The reduced exertion and the ability to efficiently use a small flutter or ankle kick can make diving more accessible and enjoyable to divers having recent injuries, old injuries and disabilities. The reduced fatigue can also significantly extend the diving career of older divers. Because smaller kicking strokes can be used with completely loose and relaxed leg muscles, this technology can actually assist with the healing of injuries either during dives or in swimming pools. licensed by NATURE'S WING and PROPELLER-FIN are trademarks of NATURE'S WING FIN DESIGN, LLC--Newport Beach, CA USA