Moving while diving is primarily achieved using your fins, and it is important not to move your arms.
Essential Diving Movement
Based on the provided reference, the core method for propulsion and control while scuba diving involves using your fins.
Finning Techniques
Your fins are your primary tool for navigating underwater. Different techniques can be employed to move efficiently and effectively.
- Fins as the main propulsion: Unlike swimming on the surface, arm movements are generally avoided as they can disturb your body position and the surrounding environment.
- Avoiding arm movement: The reference explicitly states, "Not move your arms when scuba diving." Moving your arms can negatively impact your buoyancy and trim.
- Specific technique mentioned: A common technique referenced is the "cut the water with your fins technique." This highlights that the way you use your fins is crucial for smooth and controlled movement.
Why Avoid Arm Movement?
While arms are used for balance or minor adjustments by some experienced divers, relying on them for propulsion is generally discouraged in scuba diving for several reasons:
- They are less efficient than fins for moving your entire body and equipment.
- They can stir up sediment, reducing visibility.
- Uncontrolled arm movements can affect your buoyancy and trim, potentially disturbing your dive.
In essence, controlled movement while diving focuses on mastering various finning techniques to move forward, backward, turn, and maintain position underwater, while keeping your body streamlined and arms still or used only for minor adjustments like signaling or managing equipment.
