Free Sample
The Complete Handbook of Kickboards
The Practical Guide for Swimmers, Coaches, Facilities, and Retailers
by Alumigogo Books
Chapter 1: Understanding Kickboards
A kickboard is a flotation device designed to support a swimmer's upper body and torso while the swimmer uses only their legs to propel themselves through the water. In its simplest form, a kickboard is a flat, rectangular block of buoyant foam material with a length typically ranging from 16 to 20 inches, a width of 10 to 16 inches, and a thickness between half an inch and 2 inches. It is held in front of the swimmer's body or against the torso, and its buoyancy allows the swimmer to remain on the surface while concentrating entirely on kicking motion.
The fundamental purpose of the kickboard is isolation. In full-stroke swimming, a swimmer must coordinate arm movement, leg kick, body rotation, and breathing. A kickboard removes the arm component from this equation, allowing a swimmer to focus exclusively on leg technique, power, and endurance. This isolation is what makes kickboards essential training tools in competitive swimming, age-group programs, fitness swimming, and rehabilitation contexts.
How a Kickboard Works
A kickboard works on the principle of buoyancy. The material—almost always closed-cell foam—has a density significantly lower than water, which means it naturally floats. When a swimmer grips or straddles a kickboard, the board's buoyancy counteracts the weight of the swimmer's upper body, arms, and head, keeping these parts of the body at or near the water surface. Without this support, most swimmers would sink or have to work harder with their legs to stay afloat.
The distribution of