Omega Aquatics' Amphibian fins are a little different than most fins...er, than any fins anywhere. Featuring a molded locking structure, a blade hinge assembly, and military grade anti-corrosive springs, the blade portion of the fin actually folds up to allow divers to walk while wearing their fins. This might make doing the Dive Boat Shuffle a thing of the past.
When you want to swim, simply flip the blade down by kicking naturally in the water. When you want to walk, flip the blade up by pushing on the release lever, which can be accessed by hand or with the opposite heel.
Designed to be strapped on prior to entering the water (cool) and removed after exiting (could climbing a ladder be a problem?), the soles of Amphibian fins sport a soft tread design for slip resistance, and a unique curvature to facilitate natural walking mechanics...well, as natural as you can be wearing 40 pounds of gear on your back.
What's the verdict? Are Amphibians a stroke of genius? Are they too weird-looking to ever hit it big?
[Via Scuba PRWire]
1. I just saw these fins at SCUBA SHOW 2007 at Long Beach Convention Center and got a chance to try them on. They are really comfortable with the fins flipped up. They are spring loaded so when you flip them they stay up, but just kicking in the water in any position produces enough force to lock them into swimming position. GREAT for beach dives I would think.
In response to the blog entry about climbing a ladder, NO I don't think they would be a problem on a ladder because the spring holds them tight to your shins and you have your full sole and toe to use on the ladder without interference.
Posted at 10:20PM on Jun 3rd 2007 by Tadd Seiff