Fin Swimming
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Finswimming is an underwater sport consisting of four techniques involving swimming with the use of fins either on the water's surface using a snorkel with either monofins or bifins; in underwater races is used the monofin either by holding one's breath (Apnea) or using open-circuit scuba diving equipment (Immersion).
Events exist over distances similar to swimming competitions for both swimming pool and open water venues. Competition at world and continental level is organized by the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS).
The sport's first world championship was held in 1976. It also has been featured at the World Games as a trend sport since 1981 and was demonstrated at the 2015 European Games in June 2015.
Techniques
Surface finswimming is swimming on the surface of the water using mask, snorkel, and monofins. SF races are held for distances of 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, 4 × 50 mix relays (2 men's, 2 women's), 4 × 100 relays and 4 × 200 relays (meters) in swimming pools and over various long distances in the open water environment.
Apnoea finswimming (also known by its acronym, AP, and as apnoea or apnea) is underwater swimming in a swimming pool using a mask, monofin and holding one's breath. AP races are held for the distance of 50m.
Immersion finswimming with breathing apparatus (also known by its acronym, IM, and as immersion) is underwater swimming using mask, monofin and underwater breathing apparatus conducted in a swimming pool. While there are no requirements on how a breathing apparatus is carried, it cannot be exchanged or abandoned during a race. IM races are held for distances of 100 and 400 m.
Bi-fins (also known by its acronym, BF or as 'stereo-fins') is swimming on the surface of the water with mask, snorkel and a pair of fins using a crawl style. BF races are held for distances of 50, 100, 200, 400 and 4 × 100 mix relays (2 men's, 2 women's) in swimming pools and over various long distances in the open water environment such as 4 km and 6 km.
