What is finswimming?

The sport

Finswimming is an aquatic sport in which athletes race through the water using specialised equipment: goggles or a mask, fins (a monofin or bi-fins) and a snorkel or breathing apparatus.

It has a dual appeal. It offers intense competition for those who want to test their speed and power, and a recreational side for those who simply enjoy moving fast through the water. Finswimming is governed internationally by CMAS, the World Underwater Federation.

The four disciplines

Surface finswimming

Athletes wear goggles or a mask, a snorkel and a monofin and stay on the surface for the whole race. Pool events range from 50 to 1500 metres, with 4×100 and 4×200 metre relays including mixed teams. Races are also held in open water.

Bi-fins

Athletes swim on the surface with goggles or a mask, a snorkel and two fins. Pool races range from 50 to 400 metres; open-water races are held over longer distances. Relays play an important part in the competition programme.

Immersion

Swimmers use a monofin and a breathing apparatus and compete underwater in the pool, over 100, 200 and 400 metres. Athletes must keep their face submerged for the whole race, and the apparatus must not be exchanged or discarded.

Apnoea

A 50-metre underwater sprint with a monofin on a single breath. Swimmers must stay submerged for the whole length. For safety reasons, apnoea is not held in open water.

Health benefits

• Low impact: easy on the joints, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
• Breath control: improves respiratory efficiency, useful in every sport.
• Full-body workout: engages legs, core, back and arms together.
• Cardiovascular fitness: an excellent aerobic and anaerobic workout.
• Fun: the feeling of speed underwater is hard to beat.

Links with other activities

• Competitive swimming: fin and snorkel work builds kick power, core strength and technique.
• Mermaiding and snorkelling: the recreational and aesthetic side of moving underwater.
• Lifesaving: fin techniques are part of water rescue training.
• Rehabilitation and adaptive sport: fin swimming is used in rehabilitation and in programmes for people with disabilities.
• Scuba and freediving: a natural bridge to exploring the underwater world.
• Underwater hockey and rugby: other team sports built on the same skills.