Time to focus on your lower body?
Isolate your kick, concentrate on your lower body and build a solid kicking foundation with great technique building strength and endurance enabling you to swim stronger and faster.
We all know that kicking with your head above the water is not ideal over long periods especially if your kickboard is super buoyant, strain and pressure is put on the shoulders. A centre mounted snorkel can be used so you can hold a better body position with you head in a better position.
SIZE
The ideal size is one that has enough room for the head to stay in the water, with the elbow resting on the board when the kickboard is held from the top.
SHAPE
Traditional kickboards are rectangular with a slightly rounded front and concave bottom, they are sturdy and have straight edges to hold onto, these are generally used by adult swimmers of all abilities.
A rectangular kickboard with two “holes” at the top of the board to grip are perfect for kids. These boards are smaller, lighter and usually bright in colour.
Alignment kickboards have a triangular shape. Swimmers benefit by improving their body alignment and head position.
Ergonomic kickboards are lighter and more triangular, they move through the water with less resistance therefore putting less pressure on the shoulders, these versions are usually used by advanced swimmers or those with shoulder issues.
The hybrid designed board that has a dent in the middle that is both a pull buoy and kickboard combo.
MATERIAL
The most common material for kick boards is EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate). EVA comes in different densities which usually depends on how the kickboard is manufactured. Thermoforming in production usually results in the board being stiffer. EVA retains its resistance to UV radiation. Closed-cell EVA is water-resistant which stops waterlogging and less likely to be affected by bacteria.
EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) is also used in manufacturing boards, it is heat and chemical resistant and 100% recyclable, buoyant and very stiff.
My first choice would be a high-density board that is lightweight and slightly flexible.
DURABILITY
Chemical (chlorine) and impact resistant
