SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/scuba-fin-kick-technique

What is the first fin kick most new scuba divers learn?

The flutter kick, one leg at a time.

Start playing free

  1. Frog kick
  2. Flutter kick ✔
  3. Helicopter turn

Why: In a flutter kick you move each leg back and forth, one at a time. Avoid a bicycle kick with your knees bending a lot; it wastes energy.

Huh, didn't know that: Many experienced divers switch to the frog kick because it uses less energy.

The dad joke
Why did the fins go to the gym? To work on their kick.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Flutter kick. In a flutter kick you move each leg back and forth, one at a time. Avoid a bicycle kick with your knees bending a lot; it wastes energy.

  1. SSI: The 6 Best Finning Techniques for Divers www.divessi.com/en/blog/caves_and_wrecks/finning-techniques-for-divers-9089.html
    The flutter kick is the first kick we learn for scuba diving
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. SSI: The 6 Best Finning Techniques for Divers www.divessi.com/en/blog/caves_and_wrecks/finning-techniques-for-divers-9089.html
    Bicycle kicking is not efficient and wastes a lot of energy.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessWhat is the first rule of scuba diving?Sports & FitnessWhat can happen if a diver holds their breath while ascending?Sports & FitnessAfter breathing from a tank, how shallow can a breath-hold ascent still hurt your lungs?

That's stuff everyone should know.