How to Use Kick Boards
Kick boards are a very handy swim aid for advanced swimmers and beginner swimmers alike. Typically made from high-density foam, kick boards allow swimmers to use only their legs as they swim. There are many different uses for kick boards and many different ways to use them.
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Instructions
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Use a Kick Board for Advanced Swimming
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Choose a kick board that fits you comfortably. It should be wide enough that your arms can rest on it comfortably without rounding your shoulders.
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Grip the kick board with both hands at the top and hold it just under your chin in the water. Alternatively, you can hold it just ahead of your forehead and keep your face in the water. Some people like to use outstretched arms, but his position is hard to maintain for longer workouts.
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Focus on your kick when using the kick board in your work out. Kick boards take your arm stroke out of the equation so that you can focus only on your legs and perfect your kick stroke. Training with a kick board is particularly helpful for perfecting the dolphin kick.
Learn to Swim With a Kick Board
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Keep afloat on a kick board. Kick boards can be used as a flotation device for beginning swimmers who don't yet have the confidence to be in the water without assistance. Kick boards can help beginners get comfortable with swimming without fear.
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Use a kick board to learn proper kick strokes. Once you are more comfortable with the water, you can use the kick board to practice the different kick strokes. Combining legs with arms is one of the hardest parts of learning to swim. With a kick board, you can just focus on your kick for a while.
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Try the backstroke while hugging a kick board. Doing the back stroke for the first time can be scary, especially if you don't know how to float well. Holding onto a kick board across your chest can help you feel more comfortable.
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Tips & Warnings
Use swim fins along with a kick board for added speed.
Exercise with a kick board to extend your workout beyond the limitations of your arms. Swimming with a kick board helps strengthen legs, back and abdominals.
Don't use the kick board with outstretched arms if you have shoulder problems. This can put a lot of stress on the shoulder muscle and cause tightness.
