Swimmers and beginning swimmers can find several uses for a swimming board, or kickboard. The lightweight foam designs of kickboards are generally very similar but there are some slight differences among brands. All kickboards serve the same purpose of helping you stay afloat in the water. Kickboards are ideal for use in the pool but can be used in open water as well.
Breaststroke Kick
Use the kickboard to practice your breaststroke kick. Stand in a shallow area of the pool and grab the sides of the kickboard about one-third down from its top. Lean forward with the kickboard in front of you and push off with your legs. Begin going through the motions of the breaststroke kick. The kickboard will keep your upper body afloat. Avoid pulling the kickboard in toward your chest. Keep your arms extended. To steer, bend slightly at your waist toward the direction you wish to swim.
Backstroke Kick
To practice your backstroke kick with a swimming board, stand in a shallow area of the pool and grab the board near the middle of the sides. Raise your arms above your head and slowly lean backward into the water. Push off with your legs and begin going through the motions of the flutter kick for the backstroke. Your arms should be fully extended and the kickboard should be behind your head. If the kickboard isn't providing sufficient support, slide your hands nearer to its top, bringing the board closer to your head. Keep your arms extended, however, and don't use the board as a headrest.
Freestyle Kick
Practice your freestyle kick by standing in a shallow area of the pool and grabbing the swimming board around the middle of its sides. Lean forward into the water and extend your arms in front of you. Begin going through the motions of freestyle flutter kicks. Move your grip up on the sides of the kickboard if you are not receiving enough support to keep your upper body afloat. Don't lie your head or chest on the kickboard. Keep your arms extended in front of you at all times.
Resistance Exercise
You can use the kickboard to perform a resistance exercise for water aerobics. Stand in a shallow area of the pool with feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart. Turn the kickboard sideways and grasp it from the sides. Hold the kickboard at your right side, so that your right arm is extended and behind the board and your left arm comes across your midsection. Engage your abdominals to steady yourself and slowly rotate the kickboard forward to the center of your body as you exhale. Keep your right elbow tucked in at your hip. Return the kickboard to its starting position as you inhale. This constitutes one repetition. Do eight to 10 repetitions, then switch the kickboard to your left side. Do three sets total.
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