Swimming Kickboards

Choosing the Right Kickboard for Your Training

The right kickboard depends on what you are using it for and what level you are training at. A high-buoyancy board lifts the hips and chest significantly above a natural swimming position, which makes kick conditioning easier but trains a body angle that does not transfer to race swimming. Lower-buoyancy and thinner boards maintain a flatter body position closer to actual swimming, which develops more transferable kick mechanics for competitive swimmers. For leisure and fitness swimmers using a kickboard primarily for upper body rest and kick conditioning, higher buoyancy is the more practical choice.

Arena Kickboards

Arena produces kickboards at multiple specification levels. Their competition-oriented kickboards use a denser EVA foam with a slightly lower buoyancy profile suited to club and competitive swimmers who want to maintain a realistic body position during kick sets. The Junior Arena kickboard is proportioned for smaller arm spans and lighter body weight, providing appropriate buoyancy for children without the excessive lift of an adult board. Construction quality across the Arena kickboard range is assessed by our swimwear experts before entering the range.

Way Funky Kickboards

Way Funky kickboards are the most frequently stocked kickboard in our range by unit volume. The bold print designs from their training suit range carry across to their training equipment, making them a popular choice among swimmers who prefer their pool kit to be visually distinctive. Beyond the aesthetic, Way Funky boards use a consistent EVA foam density that provides reliable buoyancy across their size range without the deformation issues that affect lower-quality boards after extended use.

Speedo, TYR Finis Kickboards

Speedo kickboards are available in adult and junior formats with a tapered shape that provides a slightly narrower grip suited to swimmers who prefer a closer hand position during kick sets. TYR's kickboard range includes both standard rectangular and contoured designs, with the contoured versions providing cutouts that allow a more natural elbow bend during use. Finis produces specialist kickboards designed around technique objectives, including the Alignment Kickboard that uses a narrower profile to encourage correct body rotation and a more active kick engagement during freestyle sets.

Maru, Amanzi Zoggs Kickboards

Maru kickboards offer a mid-range option well suited to club swimmers and swim school use, with durable construction at a practical price point. Amanzi boards carry their print aesthetic into training equipment with build quality assessed by our swimwear experts. Zoggs produces kickboards with a wide, stable platform suited to beginners and junior swimmers developing confidence in the water.

Kickboard Size Junior Options

Adult kickboards are sized for adult arm spans and body weight. A child using an adult kickboard will find it difficult to hold correctly, creating a high-lift, uncomfortable position that limits technique development. Junior kickboards are proportioned for children, providing the right buoyancy for lighter body weight and the right width for smaller arm spans. Our range covers junior options from Arena, Amanzi, Speedo Zoggs.

Authorised UK Stockist

Allens Swimwear is an authorised UK stockist for every kickboard brand in our range including Arena, Speedo, Way Funky, TYR, Amanzi, Finis, Maru Zoggs. All products are genuine and covered by manufacturer warranties. Free UK delivery on orders over £40.

Kickboard Technique: Getting the Most from the Equipment

A kickboard is only useful when used correctly. The most common technique error is gripping the leading edge with arms fully extended and locked, which elevates the chest and creates a body angle that does not represent normal swimming position. The correct hold depends on the training objective: for general kick conditioning, hold the sides or trailing third of the board with arms slightly bent, keeping the shoulders as flat as possible. If your club coach has prescribed a specific hold, that technique should be followed.

Kickboard Use for Different Swimmer Levels

For beginner and junior swimmers, a high-buoyancy board provides appropriate support during early kick development. For competitive club swimmers, lower-buoyancy boards maintain a flatter body position that develops kick mechanics more directly transferable to race swimming. Selecting the appropriate buoyancy level for the swimmer's stage is more important than brand preference.

Kickboard Care Longevity

Rinse after use to remove chlorine residue. Store flat rather than on edge to prevent a longitudinal bow developing over time. Avoid extended direct sunlight exposure - UV accelerates foam surface degradation.

Authorised UK stockist for Arena, Way Funky, Speedo, TYR Finis. Our swimwear experts have been selecting training equipment for over 50 years. Free UK delivery on orders over £40.