Helicopter turn (in-place rotation)

A helicopter turn is a method where you rotate around your center of gravity without moving through the water. You stay in one spot while spinning.

Divers use this move to keep their eyes on a small nudibranch or a shark’s eye. It helps because it prevents you from drifting away from a wreck or a reef edge during a slow observation. I used this often in Anilao when looking for macro life at 12 m depths.

Most beginners fail because they use too much fin power. This mistake pushes the diver forward instead of spinning them. You should use small, controlled fin kicks to maintain your position. Keep your buoyancy neutral so you do not sink during the rotation.