This fin caused a sensation in our editorial offices. We all love trying new gear, and we were lining up to take the new SCUBAPRO SeaWing Nova fins into the water to see how this innovative (and cool-looking) shape translated into real-world diving. Now, I'm normally a split-fin fanatic. Sports-beaten joints have steered me away from the paddle fins for several years now. But I might be a convert to this hybrid shape. The unique articulated joint between the foot pocket and blade gave these fins the gentle and effortless feel of split fins in the water, but I had a little more acceleration for my efforts. And since I spend most of my time in the water with my camera, I need fins that are maneuverable in any number of positions and with all the funky kick styles I use to position myself just right. The short answer to those questions is that after a few minutes, I quit thinking about the fins and was able to focus on the diving. Which, of course, means that the SeaWing Novas were performing throughout my varied dive cycle. And as a request, I wish all fins had this kind of bungee-style heel strap.