Benefits of Kickboards

When you were a child, you probably remember using a kickboard in the pool because it was fun. You used it to float on and/or tried holding it underneath the water with your feet like a surfboard. What you may not have realized was that kickboards serve a purpose for swimmers. Kickboards are typically used as floatation devices to isolate desired movements.

Improve Kick

Many athletes use a kickboard to improve the speed and strength of their kick. By holding the kickboard with your hands, you will just need to focus on your leg movements. Swimming is a full body workout and you can’t perfect your form when everything is working at once. Using a kickboard for buoyancy, your arms, shoulders, and chest are resting which allows you to concentrate on your kick.

Improve Arm Strokes

By placing a kickboard between your thighs, you can focus on improving your arm strokes. The buoyancy of the kickboard will keep your lower body afloat, while you use your arms to keep your upper body floating. Similar to using it to improve your kick, the board allows some of your body to rest so you can focus on a targeted area. Although your arms will be doing all of the work, try to keep your momentum up. Try not to splash much water, entering your hands one at a time at an angle. 

Breathing Technique

Start by stretching your arms out straight over your head, hold the kickboard so it’s resting on your forearms.  By grabbing the kickboard at the bottom, it allows you to put your face into the water, turning it to the left or right whenever you need to breathe. This also helps with floating ability.

If you are having some trouble with your form or your breathing, pick up a kickboard! This inexpensive item could give you a competitive advantage against your rivals. They come in many different styles, shapes, and colors to suit your needs.