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.