Whether one is a beginner learning to swim or an avid swimmer improving his form, a swimming kickboard can be a great resource in mastering your kicks and strengthening your legs. With so many out on the market, how does one know if a traditional kickboard or an inflatable kickboard is right for him/her? In this blog, we'll compare the merits of both types so that you may make a pretty informed decision that best suits your goals as regards swimming.
What is a Swimming Kickboard?
A kickboard in swimming is basically a buoyant device that helps swimmers isolate their legs during training. It will keep you afloat while working your kicks without having to use your arms. Kickboards come in different sizes and materials to suit all various training needs.
Swimming kickboards have long remained the favorite tool for beginners to learn how to swim and professional swimmers to work on their kick. But when it comes time to get one, you'll come across two types: classic solid kickboards and inflatable kickboards. Let's look at the major differences between them.
Traditional Kickboards: The Classic Choice
Traditional swimming kickboards are generally made of solid foam or plastic and are quite durable. They have been known for their longevity, hardness, and excellent buoyancy factors, where swimmers have trusted them for training for many years. Here are some reasons why the traditional kickboard could be right for you:
- Stability: In water, the kickboard is stable and thus useful in case one is still getting used to the water, something which is important for most beginning swimmers in water. Their sturdy construction ensures they will not bend or fold while kicking.
- Durable: Solid kickboards are actually quite durable and may last for a good number of years if well kept. They bear heavy usages because they are thick in structure due to their material of preparation, foam, or plastic.
- Size Variability: There are plenty of shapes and sizes of traditional kickboards available. Kid-friendly miniature and lightweight boards and grownup-friendly larger boards. There is no doubt that whatever your requirement and proficiency level, you’ll surely find one that will fit the need.
Inflatable Kickboards: Portable and Convenient
The inflatable kickboard is the new version of the standard kickboard. Made of durable PVC or an equivalent material, these kickboards inflate to be used and deflate for storage if not in use. Here’s some of the benefits from choosing to an inflatable kickboard.
- Portability: An inflatable kickboard is most certainly one of the most portable out there. When deflated, it consumes very little space, which makes it ideal for those who travel a lot or have limited storage. You can definitely fit a full-sized kickboard into your swim bag or even take it on holiday.
- Adjustable Buoyancy: The inflated kickboard is able to adjust buoyancy, whereby you inflate or release the air to your preference. Such kinds of features work well for swimmers who prefer different levels of buoyancy depending on the nature of the workout.
- Comfort: The inflatable kickboard also usually possesses a soft, flexible surface comfortable to hold and helps reduce strain in the arms and shoulders during longer training sessions.
- Fun and Versatility: Some inflatables double as a bodyboard, offering extra fun for kids or adults who may wish to use it for recreational purposes at the beach.
Which Kickboard is Best for You?
We have talked about the kind of benefit one can get from a kickboard, whether it is an inflatable or traditional type. With all those available, how would you know which one will be better for your needs? Well, here are a few things to consider:
- Skill Level: If one is a first-time swimmer or prefers having a board that will not let you down, the traditional swimming kickboard from Funwater will account for this need. Its stable design is much more suited for this than kicking, and it's far better for stability and control, especially for those who are not swimmers.
- Convenience and Storage: In this case, an inflatable kickboard will be ideal for swimmers who need easy kickboard transportation, storing, and can easily be folded to fit in a small pack, thus making it very easy to store. This is very important for those people that travel a lot or to the people that do not have much space to store them whether at their homes or in their gym bags.
- Versatility: The best way to get a bit more versatile? Why not try an inflatable kickboard that can double up as a bodyboard on those beach trips? It's lightweight, inflatable, and has a fun-to-carry design that will be just as practical for swimming practice or recreation.
- Durability: For something that will last long, traditional kickboard is hard to beat. The dense foam or plastic construction can bear years of constant usage without any trace of deterioration.
Conclusion: Which Kickboard Should You Choose?
In the end, the traditional kickboard and the inflatable kickboard both have their pros. The decision depends on what one is looking for in the equipment. However, should you want stability, durability, and that classic tool to help you with your training, then the traditional swimming kickboard is surely among the reliable choices. If you want it easy to carry, able to be adjusted, and fun, then probably the inflatable kickboard may be your lucky star.
Whatever you decide, incorporating kickboard exercises into your swim training will surely give your kicks that extra kick that will most definitely take you to new heights in the water. Ready to take the plunge? Check out FunWater's swimming kickboards here and start elevating your swim practice today!