Introduction to Fin Swimming and Its History
- Faiz Suhaimi
- Oct 23
- 4 min read
What is Finswimming?
Finswimming is a high-speed aquatic sport that combines the art of swimming with the science of underwater propulsion. Often referred to as the “Formula 1 of Swimming”, it emphasises speed, efficiency, and streamlined movement through the water using fins or monofins.
In finswimming, athletes use specialised equipment - such as fins, snorkels, and sometimes air tanks - to propel themselves faster than traditional swimming allows. The sport demands not only physical strength and endurance but also refined technique, precise breathing control, and strong underwater awareness.
There are four main disciplines in finswimming, each with its own techniques and equipment:
Surface (SF)
Athletes use monofin and a snorkel while swimming on the surface of the water. They must remain on the surface throughout the race, with their face submerged and snorkel above water.
Bi-fin (BF)
Swimmers wear a pair of smaller fins - one on each foot - and use a snorkel while staying on the surface. This category resembles freestyle swimming but with greater speed and leg-driven propulsion.
Apnea (AP)
A short-distance underwater event, typically 50 metres, where swimmers race in a single breath-hold without surfacing. It’s a pure sprint requiring power, control, and lung capacity.
Immersion (IM)
Swimmers use a monofin and a small air tank to race fully underwater for distances such as 100m, 400m, or 800m. It combines elements of diving and sprinting, demanding both speed and precision.
Finswimming competitions are held both in swimming pools and in open water. Pool races range from 50m to 1500m, while open water events can extend up to 20km or more.
A Brief History of Finswimming
The Early Years (1940s-1950s)
The roots of finswimming can be traced back to post-World War II Europe, when divers and underwater explorers began experimenting with fins, masks, and snorkels for improved mobility underwater. These early enthusiasts - mainly in Italy, France, and the Soviet Union - soon began organising informal speed competitions to test who could swim the fastest underwater.
Formation of CMAS (1959)
In 1959, legendary explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau and a group of international diving pioneers founded the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS), or the World Underwater Federation. This organisation unified underwater sports globally, establishing official rules, safety standards, and competitive frameworks for activities such as finswimming, underwater hockey and diving.
The First Competitions (1960s-1970s)
The first official finswimming competitions under CMAS were held in the early 1960s, with growing participation across Europe. The first CMAS World Finswimming Championships took place in Hanover, Germany, in 1976, marking the sport’s international debut. During this period, fins and equipment evolved rapidly - from simple rubber designs to larger, more efficient blades.
Technological Growth and Global Expansion (1980s-2000s)
The introduction of fibreglass and later carbon-fibre monofins revolutionised finswimming. Athletes could now achieve higher speeds with greater efficiency, and new world records were set regularly. Eastern European nations, particularly Russia, Ukraine, Hungary, and Italy, rose to prominence, dominating world competitions. During this era, finswimming also began spreading beyond Europe to Asia, South America, and Africa, with national federations and clubs forming across continents.
Modern Era (2010s-Present)
Today, finswimming is practiced in more than 130 countries and is governed by CMAS through regular World Championships, Continental Championships, and inclusion in major multi-sport events such as the World Games, Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, and various regional games.
Re-emergence of FInswimming in Singapore (2019-Present)
Finswimming in Singapore experienced a re-emergence in 2019 after several years of dormancy. This revival marked a new chapter for the sport locally, as Singaporean finswimmers made their return to international competition at the CMAS Asian Finswimming Championship held in Yantai, China. The milestone reignited national interest in the sport and laid the groundwork for renewed development, training opportunities, and greater participation within the community. Building on this momentum, Hoverfly Finswimming was established in 2023 to further advance the sport’s growth in Singapore by providing structured training, promoting awareness, and developing the next generation of competitive finswimmers.
Although finswimming has yet to be featured in the Olympic Games, there is growing recognition of its athletic and technical merit. Advances in underwater filming and social media have also helped the sport gain visibility among younger generations.
The Spirit and Significance of Finswimming
Beyond competition, finswimming represents the pursuit of human efficiency in water - combining athletic performance, technology, and respect for the aquatic environment. It builds on principles of hydrodynamics and biomechanics, pushing athletes to master balance, rhythm, and mental focus.
Many finswimmers come from diving or swimming backgrounds, finding in the sport a unique blend of speed, grace, and connection with the underwater world. It also promotes water safety, environmental awareness, and community, uniting athletes globally through a shared passion for the ocean.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings among divers experimenting with fins in the 1940s to the high-speed, high-tech sport it is today, finswimming has evolved into one of the most dynamic and visually stunning aquatic disciplines. With continued innovation and growing participation worldwide, finswimming stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the unending fascination with moving faster, deeper, and more efficiently beneath the surface.
About This Blog
This blog serves as a platform to promote the sport of finswimming and the wider world of underwater sports. Its purpose is to inform, inspire, and to connect readers - from curious newcomers to experienced athletes - by sharing insights, stories, and developments within the finswimming community. Through education articles, historical features, and updates on training and events, the blog aims to raise awareness, celebrate achievements, and support the growth of finswimming both in Singapore and internationally.
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Media Contact:
Hoverfly Finswimming Singapore
📍 Singapore
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