Over the years, our instructors have taught thousands of kids and adults how to swim. During those lessons, we’ve tried tons of different equipment and experienced what works best firsthand. In the coming months, we’ll be sharing our top picks for training equipment, learn-to-swim tools, and accessories to help you or your child learn the right technique, stay safe, and have fun!

This month, we’re starting with one of the most popular pieces of equipment for learning how to swim: kick boards.

The Finis Foam Kickboard

Swimmers this board is good for:

This kick board is a good fit for any child, teen, or adult who is ready to swim the length of a 25-yard pool.

Why we recommend it:

We like this board because it’s just the right size. It isn’t too big, but it has just enough flotation to keep your arms afloat without putting added pressure on your shoulders.

Tips for using this board:

When using the Finis Kickboard, make sure not to grip the sides with your hands. Instead, place your hands flat on top, and apply light downward pressure to keep the board in place. Doing this will improve your stability in the water.
Put your face down in the water while you kick to keep your body more horizontal, which will reduce drag and increase speed.
Build core strength by putting one hand on the board and using a flutter kick to work on hip rotation.
Improve your shoulder and lat flexibility by kicking butterfly with one hand on the board.

Acquam Turtle Kickboard

Swimmers this board is good for:

This kick board is a good fit for beginners who are learning how to swim.

Why we recommend it:

We like this board because it’s the perfect size for children to hug when learning to float or swim on their backs. The turtle shape also is appealing to little kids who may be timid or scared of the water.

Tips for using this board:

Have your child hug the board while learning to float on their backs.
Hug the board while your child swims to you with their face in the water, then practice rolling over for a security breath.
Do kick drills with them to teach the basic flutter kick.
As your child progresses in their swim lessons, use this kick board while learning the four competitive strokes.

For more kick board recommendations and tips on learning to swim, contact EVO Swim School at 480-539-2660.