Kickboards

Do you want to improve your leg technique, leg strength and endurance? Then a kickboard is the most direct and effective tool. By holding the board with both hands you place your full focus on your leg kick without your arms and shoulders getting in the way. Beginners build confidence in the water this way. Advanced swimmers train specifically on a more powerful and efficient leg kick for better race times.

The range of kickboards runs from classic foam boards for beginners and recreational swimmers to ergonomic and hydrodynamic training kickboards for advanced swimmers and triathletes. The main selection criteria are the size and buoyancy of the board, the ergonomics of the grip, the material and whether you also want to use the board for advanced drill exercises. Also view our complete range of wetsuits and swimming goggles for a complete swim training kit.

What is a kickboard or swimming board?

A kickboard, also called swimming board or kickboard, is a floating aid of lightweight foam or EVA material that you hold with both hands while swimming. By letting your upper body float on the board you keep your body horizontal in the water while you can concentrate completely on your leg kick. Your arms and shoulders rest, your legs work.

A kickboard is both a technical tool and a strength tool. You correct errors in your leg technique by training them in isolation and you build targeted leg strength that directly contributes to your swimming speed and endurance. For triathletes a strong leg kick is extra valuable because you still need to perform for hours on the bike and in running after swimming. Also read our triathlon beginner's guide for more tips about swim training as part of your triathlon preparation.

Which kickboard suits you?

The right choice depends on your swimming level, your training goal and the exercises you want to perform. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You are a beginner and want to build more confidence and buoyancy in the water: Choose a classic foam board in a generous size. The higher buoyancy gives you as a beginner extra support so you spend less energy keeping your upper body afloat. You can fully focus on the movement and technique of your legs.

You are an advanced swimmer and want to specifically improve your leg technique: Choose an ergonomic kickboard with a shaped handle that keeps your wrists in a natural position. A more compact size gives less buoyancy and forces your muscles to work more for a horizontal position, which increases training intensity.

You are a triathlete and want to improve your leg endurance for the swimming section: Choose a lightweight hydrodynamic kickboard that stays comfortable also during longer training sessions. Triathletes train with a kickboard specifically to improve their leg efficiency so they need to do less leg work during the swimming section and save energy for the cycling and running sections. Also read our triathlon distances blog for more context about the swimming sections per race format.

You also want to do vertical kick exercises and advanced drill exercises: Some kickboards are specifically designed for vertical kicking and advanced technique drills. Check when purchasing whether the model is suitable for the specific exercises that your coach or training schedule prescribes.

Kickboard versus pull buoy: when which?

A kickboard and a pull buoy are both swimming aids but train the opposite. A kickboard isolates your leg kick: you hold the board with your hands while your legs work. A pull buoy isolates your arm stroke: you clamp the float between your legs so your legs rest while your arms and shoulders work.

For a complete swim training you use both. Kickboard for leg strength and leg technique. Pull buoy for arm strength, shoulder strength and swimming technique of the upper body movement. Together they form the foundation of technique-focused swim training at any level.

What to look for when buying?

Size and buoyancy

A larger board gives more buoyancy and is suitable for beginners or for quieter recovery training. A smaller, more compact board gives less support and is more intense to use, suitable for advanced swimmers who want to work their leg muscles harder. Choose the size that suits your level and training goal.

Ergonomics and grip comfort

Check whether the kickboard has an ergonomic grip that keeps your wrists in a natural position. A poorly designed grip causes wrist complaints with prolonged use. Quality kickboards have recessed hand grips at the front or sides for a comfortable and stable grip during the swimming movement.

Material and durability

Most kickboards are made of EVA foam or polyethylene. EVA foam is softer, more comfortable and offers good grip. Polyethylene is slightly harder but more robust and more wear-resistant with intensive use. Check whether the material is chlorine-resistant for use in an indoor pool.

Use in pool or open water

Most kickboards are designed for use in the pool. If you also want to use the board during open water training sessions, choose a model specifically suitable for outdoor use with UV-resistant material that does not quickly discolour or degrade from sunlight.

Our advice: Always use a kickboard in combination with targeted leg kick instructions or a training schedule. Using a kickboard without knowing which technique error you want to correct is less effective. Discuss with your coach or trainer which leg kick elements you want to improve and direct your kickboard training specifically on that. Combine with good swimming goggles for optimal vision during your training sessions.

Who are kickboards suitable for?

• Beginning swimmers who want more buoyancy and want to build their leg kick technique step by step with extra support.
• Advanced swimmers who want to do targeted intensive leg kick training and improve their leg strength and leg efficiency.
• Triathletes who want to improve their leg endurance and do less leg work during the swimming section of a triathlon.
• Competitive swimmers who want to identify and correct technique errors in their leg kick via targeted drill exercises.
• Swimmers in rehabilitation who want to strengthen their leg muscles without loading the joints.

Combine your kickboard with the right men's trisuit or women's trisuit and a wetsuit for a complete swim training kit.

Need help with your choice?

We will be happy to help you. You can reach our swimming specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about kickboards

What is the difference between a kickboard and a pull buoy?

A kickboard you hold with your hands while your legs work. It isolates the leg kick for targeted leg training. A pull buoy you clamp between your legs so your legs rest while your arms and shoulders work. It isolates the arm stroke for targeted upper body training. Both are complementary tools for a complete swim training.

Is a kickboard also suitable for beginners?

Yes, a kickboard is precisely excellent for beginners. The extra buoyancy of the board gives more support to the upper body so you spend less energy on floating and can focus more on your leg kick. For beginners choose a larger model with generous buoyancy for the most support.

How do I use a kickboard correctly?

Hold the board at the front with outstretched arms, not at the sides. Keep your body as horizontal as possible in the water with your head slightly down. Activate your core to keep your hips high. Move your legs from the hips with slightly bent knees. The leg kick must be rhythmic and controlled, not forced or too wide.

How long should I train with a kickboard per session?

That depends on your level and training goal. For beginners sets of 25 to 50 metres with rest in between are sufficient to start. Advanced swimmers use kickboard sets of 100 to 400 metres as part of a complete training schedule. Overloading of the leg muscles occurs with too long and too intensive kickboard use, build up gradually.

Can I use a kickboard in open water?

Yes, but check whether the model is UV-resistant and suitable for outdoor use. In open water the use of a kickboard is less common due to waves and wind but for training in calm open water it is well possible. When training in open water always combine with a swim buoy for extra safety and visibility.

How do I maintain my kickboard?

Rinse the kickboard after each use with clean, cold water to remove chlorine and dirt. Let it dry away from direct sunlight as UV radiation affects foam materials over time. Store the board flat or upright in a dry place. Regularly check whether the material is not damaged or cracked — a damaged board loses buoyancy.