Practice Swimming Fundamentals with the Best Kickboard
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Arena Swimming Training Aid Pool Exercise Kickboard -
Speedo Unisex-Adult Swim Training Kickboard -
Aqua Sphere Kickboard -
FINIS Alignment Swim Training Kickboard -
TYR Junior Kickboard -
Buyer's Guide
Whether you’re teaching your child how to swim or want to perfect your breaststroke, a kickboard is a great piece of equipment for any swimmer to have. Newer kickboards offer streamlined shapes that cut through the water and allow you to build leg strength and develop your technique. There's a wide variety of kickboard designs for a range of skill levels and applications. The type of grip and level of buoyancy are factors to consider depending on your intended use. The size and weight of the kickboard should also be determined based on how much float support you'll want. The best kickboards in 2022 featured on this list were chosen because they're lightweight, made from durable materials, and reduce drag in the water.
The Best Kickboard Models of 2022 in Detail
Arena Swimming Training Aid Pool Exercise Kickboard - Top Pick
The Arena Kickboard Pro is designed with the competitive swimmer’s needs in mind. Made from high-quality EVA foam, this kickboard will not crack, chip or become waterlogged, even after years of exposure to chlorine or sun. Two long grooves provide a comfortable resting place for your arms while using the kickboard for maximum buoyancy.
Two handles in the back half of the kickboard allow the swimmer to be fully submerged in a natural swimming position while perfecting leg technique. The Arena Kickboard is hydrodynamically designed to cut through the water by minimizing drag, making the leg work out the only resistance on the swimmer’s mind.
Speedo Unisex-Adult Swim Training Kickboard - Runner Up
Speedo is known for producing some of the best swimming gear on the market and the Speedo Competition II Kickboard is no exception. The Competition II Kickboard is ideal for competitive swimmers who want to build strength and endurance. This kickboard is designed for maximum buoyancy that is retained through years of use.
Made from highly durable EVA foam, this kickboard will not become porous overtime like some kickboards. The grips in the middle of the kickboard are comfortable and easy to hold while the back half of the Competition II kickboard provides the arm support you’ll need to improve your technique.
Aqua Sphere Kickboard - Honorable Mention
The Aqua Sphere Sprintboard is the ideal kickboard for competitive swimmers who want a simple solution for endurance training or for snorkelers wanting a little bit of support. The arrow-shaped design reduces drag in the water allowing the swimmer to cut though the water naturally and with ease. There are ergonomic grip pads located at both the front and rear sections of this kickboard; these grip locations give the swimmer the ability to alternate amounts of support provided by the kickboard while maintaining a firm grip. Made from durable and long-lasting Eva foam, the Sprintboard stays watertight through years of use. It’s also extremely lightweight for easy carry and storage.
FINIS Alignment Swim Training Kickboard - Consider
The Alignment Kickboard made by FINIS is the one of the best kickboards for training and physical rehabilitation. The kickboards unique design minimizes drag and won’t compromise technique by having the body in an inclined position. Instead, the kickboard floats just below the waterline so the swimmer’s body is in a natural position. This position reduces pressure on the swimmer’s neck and shoulders, making it one of the most comfortable kickboards for endurance drills while a hand strap allows you to maintain control with little to no effort. The Alignment Kickboard is compact and easily stored in a back pack or gym bag.
TYR Junior Kickboard - Best Kickboard
The TYR Streamline Training Kickboard is a no-frills, built to last kickboard. Made from 1/2-inch thick EVA foam, it’s the same foam typically used to make professional body boards, making the Streamline extremely durable. Thanks to its high quality construction, the buoyancy of this kickboard won’t be compromised by water absorption even after years of use.
The lightweight TYR Streamline Training Kickboard provides maximum weight support and although this kickboard doesn’t have a handle, the grips and simple design make it easy to use. Reasonably priced, the Streamline Training Kickboard is the perfect choice for beginning swimmers and general recreational use.
Buyer's Guide
A kickboard is the best equipment that you should have for learning swimming or developing your existing swimming skills. These are shaped as a U-structured board, with little to no depression at the middle of it. The swimming boards will allow you to keep your arms above the water and float easily or propel forwards only via leg motion. In addition, if you are a pro swimmer, these boards will strengthen the leg muscles and make your kicks more powerful and accurate.
However, to do so, you need to have the best flutter board from the market. With so many options readily available, you might feel intimidated while selecting the best product. So, we have crafted a buying guide comprising some key factors you need to consider to get your hands on the best kickboard.
What Are The Major Types Of Kickboards Available For Swimmers?
Traditional Kickboards
These have the basic design, where the top edge has a semi-circular shape with more thickness throughout.
Streamlined And Ergonomic Kickboards
These swimming boards are best for beginners. Their edges are streamlined, with the underside part having a curved design so that you can hold it easily while swimming.
Kickboard-Pull Buoy Boards
The design of these flutter boards can be considered to be a fusion of a foam board forming the central part of two rounded panels on either side. Hence, they can be used both as a kickboard or a pull buoy.
What Factors Do You Need To Consider To Pick The Best Kickboard?
Kickboard Purpose
Your first task will be to understand the different purposes of the swimming boards. For example, a traditional kickboard is best for training non-swimmers. On the contrary, if you want to swim freestyle without putting a lot of pressure on your shoulders and arms, having an ergonomic board will be better. Furthermore, for improving kicks and developing new tricks, you will need a solid and stronger product.
Edge Design
The next thing you need to consider is the edge design of the kickboards. In some products, the edges are normal and thick. Such boards are hard to hold and maintain grip. To solve this problem, several swimming gear manufacturers have introduced flutter boards with underside finger groove designs. This way your fingers will fit in each groove, making it easier for you to hold it properly. If the edges are narrow with a curved underside, you will be able to firmly grip the equipment during training classes.
Material
Next, you have to consider the material using which the kickboard is manufactured. As these boards need to float above the water, the material's density must be less than water's density at 4°C. That's why special polymer mixes are used to manufacture these products. Besides, you should ensure that the swimming board has a scratch-resistant coating which will offer better durability. Also, the coating will help in keeping the paint or any pattern design safe from wear and tear.
Aesthetics And Design
The kickboards are available in different color combinations, both solid and mixed chrome patterns. You can choose a product having a color combination of your choice. For example, you can choose a black body color with trims on the surface of the flutter board, or a sky blue painted board with clouds as the image. For children, you can buy cartoon-shaped or printed boards as a token of encouragement.
Size
When we are talking about choosing a swimming board, you must consider a proper size. The length of the board should be equivalent to your arm's length or greater than that. Similarly, make sure the boards are wide enough to keep your arms separate from your head by a little distance. However, do not choose a product that is so wide that extra strain is applied to the shoulders during swimming.
What Are The Benefits Of Using The Kickboards For Swimmers?
With the help of the kickboards, you can easily learn different swimming techniques and increase your stamina while floating.
The swimming boards are also used to improve leg movements. With a proper grip on the board's edges, you can practice different types of kicks underwater for moving forward.
If you are new and your body is not accustomed to floating above the water surface, using a swimming board is recommended.
Also, with these boards, you can make your arm muscles stronger so that you can swim freestyle easily without having to suffer from sore muscles.
How To Use The Kickboard During Swimming?
There are certain rules you need to follow to use the kickboards properly. They are:
1. Hips should be kept flat, and only slight rolling motion is allowed.
2. Kicks need to be made with the hips only.
3. Knees should be bent slightly under the waterline.
4. Shoulders should be relaxed to avoid strained muscles.
5. While practicing kicks, the feet should be relaxed
6. Legs should be stretched to the maximum limit.
Kickboard FAQ
Q. How can I hold the kickboard correctly?
A. It is very important to hold the kickboards correctly to learn swimming or develop leg movements. The lower edge of the board must reach your elbows at the maximum. This will give you enough room to dip your head into the water. If you have short hands, make sure to hold the board in a way you won’t have to face any problem while dipping your head in the water.
Q. Can I get customized kickboards?
A. Yes, there are some online stores where you can get the customized swimming boards. You can print your name on it in stylish calligraphy. Different images and patterns can also be printed as per your choice. Just make sure that the customized design is just the way you want it to be.
Q. Are kickboards for kids and adults different?
A. Usually, the training processes for kids and adults are different. That’s why most trainers do not suggest the boards for training children. However, teenagers can use the kickboards as their arms will be long enough to hold the board's edges strong, which a child can't.
