Best Kickboards

Updated October 2019
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Speedo
Team Kickboard
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Bottom Line

Because it's not just about kicking. This board's finger scallops and grooves on the sides and bottom help promote proper swimming hand position.

Pros

Made of lightweight, textured EVA foam. Side finger scallops promote proper hand position. Underside finger grooves for nonslip grip.Choice of colors. Sturdy and buoyant. Back end is curved, so it's comfortable on the chest.

Cons

May arrive with a chemical smell. This should dissipate with use in the water.

Poolmaster
Swim Board Trainer
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Bottom Line

This durable plastic kickboard is best for larger children and adults. It's hard plastic, so it's better for exercise than play.

Pros

Provides buoyant support. Made of unbreakable Polyethylene. 2 sets of integrated handles for optional body positioning. Choice of small or large size. Recommended for ages 8 and up. More durable and buoyant than a foam board.

Cons

Made of hard plastic, so if someone gets hit with the board, it will hurt.

Best Bang for the Buck
Speedo
Junior Team Kickboard
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Bottom Line

The same quality you would expect from Speedo, designed for younger swimmers. And because it's foam, it shouldn't hurt anyone if practice time turns into playtime.

Pros

Side finger scallops promote proper hand position. Underside finger grooves for easy gripping. Textured EVA foam creates a non-slick surface. Good for starting out on the swim team or just learning how to swim. Choice of colors. Measures 14 1/2" x 10 3/8". Durable.

Cons

Not as stable as larger boards, but that's because of the smaller size.

Melissa & Doug
Sunny Patch Spark Shark Kickboard
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Bottom Line

If your child needs a swim helper that's a little more fun, try this shark kickboard from Melissa and Doug.

Pros

Styrofoam board with colorful polyester casing. Colorfast fabric withstands chlorine and sun exposure. Helps develop gross motor skills and confidence in the water. Measures 17.75" x 13". Lightweight and dries quickly.

Cons

Fabric stains and shifts relatively easily.

Melissa & Doug
Sunny Patch Dart Dolphin Kickboard
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Bottom Line

Everything is more fun with a friend. Your child will love learning to swim with this dolphin kickboard from Melissa and Doug.

Pros

Styrofoam board with colorful polyester casing. Colorfast fabric withstands chlorine and sun exposure. Helps develop gross motor skills and confidence in the water. Sides are easy to grip. Well made. Measures 17.75" x 13". Lightweight.

Cons

Fabric stains and shifts relatively easily.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

11 Models Considered
5 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
126 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

A kickboard can help swimmers stay afloat in the water. You can use a rectangular kickboard to support your upper body while focusing on kicking your legs. This is a great way to build leg strength and focus on your leg movements while in the water. Typically made of foam, kickboards come in a few different styles. The traditional kickboard is quite thick and is often the most suitable choice for adults. Some kickboards are narrower at the front, making it easier for the swimmer to glide through the water. If you’re a beginner, you may wish to get a kickboard with hand grips.

The team that worked on this review
  • Kristin
    Kristin
    Writer
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
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Poolmaster

Swim Board Trainer

Poolmaster

Swim Board Trainer

This durable plastic kickboard is best for larger children and adults. It's hard plastic, so it's better for exercise than play.

$13
×

Speedo

Team Kickboard

Speedo

Team Kickboard

Because it's not just about kicking. This board's finger scallops and grooves on the sides and bottom help promote proper swimming hand position.

$14
×

Speedo

Junior Team Kickboard

Speedo

Junior Team Kickboard

The same quality you would expect from Speedo, designed for younger swimmers. And because it's foam, it shouldn't hurt anyone if practice time turns into playtime.

$13
×

Melissa & Doug

Sunny Patch Spark Shark Kickboard

Melissa & Doug

Sunny Patch Spark Shark Kickboard

If your child needs a swim helper that's a little more fun, try this shark kickboard from Melissa and Doug.

$13
×

Melissa & Doug

Sunny Patch Dart Dolphin Kickboard

Melissa & Doug

Sunny Patch Dart Dolphin Kickboard

Everything is more fun with a friend. Your child will love learning to swim with this dolphin kickboard from Melissa and Doug.

$6

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