Surface finswimming
Surface swimming (also known by its acronym, SF) is swimming on the surface of water using goggles or mask, snorkel and monofins. SF races are held for distances of 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, 4 × 100 relay and 4 × 200 relay (metres) in swimming pools and over various long distances in the open water environment. Swimmers must remain on the surface of the water at all times for the duration of the race except when starting or make a turns at the end of a swimming pool where an immersion over a distance of 15m is permitted. Long distance surface swimming include races in open water, such as 6000m and 4×3000 relay.
Apnoea finswimming
Apnoea finswimming (also known by its acronym, AP, and as apnoea or apnea) is underwater swimming in a swimming pool using goggles or mask, monofin and holding one’s breath. AP races are held for the distance of 50m. A swimmer’s face must be immersed for the duration of the race or risk disqualification. AP races are not conducted in open water for ‘safety and security reasons’.
Immersion finswimming with breathing apparatus
Immersion swimming 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 400m. A swimmer’s face must be immersed for the duration of the race or risk disqualification.
Bi-fins
Bi-fins (also known by its acronym, BF or as ‘stereo-fins’) is swimming on the surface of water with mask, snorkel and a pair of fins using a crawling style. BF races are held for distances of 50, 100 and 200 m in swimming pools and over various long distances in the openwater environment such as 4 km and 6 km. It is reported that BF was introduced in 2006 to provide the opportunity for competition by swimmers who cannot afford to purchase a set of monofins. Swimmers must remain on the surface of the water at all times for the duration of the race except when starting or make a turns at the end of a swimming pool where an immersion of a distance of 15m is permitted.