A kickboard is part of a swimmer’s essential kit but why? As the swimmer’s gear bag has grown with the addition of snorkels, timers, parachutes and more over the years, the kickboard has lost its dominant position on the wall at the end of the lane. But here’s why you should still use a kickboard!

Balance and Buoyancy

Kickboards are great to give confidence to beginners or fledgling swimmers, both young and old. Many swim instructors use kickboards as a flotation device for their students and to isolate movements. It is often used for the dolphin kick in butterfly or the flutter kick in freestyle.

With the buoyancy of a kickboard, swimmers are able to keep their head out of the water and communicate with their instructor more easily.

Increases Core and Leg Strength

When using a kickboard, you are able to isolate your legs to focus on increasing their strength and practising your kicking technique. By isolating the lower body, swimmers can focus solely on improving their kicking technique without distraction, leading to better coordination and control.

Using a kickboard can help strengthen your core, which can make your legs work harder to move the same amount of body weight. It allows you to have full focus on what your legs are doing without worrying about your arms.

Focus on breathing and posture

Holding onto a kickboard encourages proper body positioning, with the upper body and head in alignment while the legs do the work. This promotes better overall swimming posture and reduces drag.

Rests your arms

Kickboards are also great to give swimmers a break from otherwise intense arm workouts and to focus solely on your legs. Some swimmers get in the habit of relying primarily on their arms when swimming, dragging their legs behind haphazardly. The most efficient swimmers keep up a steady kick that helps propel them through the water.

Looking for a new kickboard? We have a great range available at ProSwimwear here.