A swimming float, also known as a pool float or floaty, is a device designed to assist toddlers and beginners learning to swim, as well as for therapeutic exercise and training. These floats help with buoyancy and provide a fun way to float in water. Popular types include inflatable rings and inflatable armbands, which are inflated through a valve and consist mainly of air enclosed in synthetic material, making them less dense than water. Using floats can change swimming dynamics, often requiring more leg or arm effort depending on how the float is held, providing an effective workout.
Swimming board
"Kickboard" redirects here. For the type of two-wheeled vehicle commonly known as "kickboard" in South Korean 'Konglish', see Kick scooter. For the motorized versions, see Motorized scooter and E-scooter.
Swimming boards (often referred to as kickboards or flutter boards) are a flotation aid used for fun or to develop a swimmer's kicking action. They can be used on all strokes but are primarily used on Freestyle, Butterfly stroke and Breaststroke.
Swimmers of all ability can use them. Young swimmers can develop their kicking action while elite swimmers can refine their kick. They are also used to strengthen a swimmers' legs.1
Construction
Kickboards are usually made from EVA foam. Some are made of more durable HDPE. The EVA foam boards can break easily and become very worn after long use, meaning the board can slowly disintegrate over time.
Variations
There are some variations of kickboards from the traditional form with two hand grips. Some can be used as a kickboard and a pull buoy. These are often oddly shaped so they can be used for both of the training aspects.
Other floats
Especially-large floats can be used as seats to float or sit on top of a pool for the user to stand on top in the manner of a raft.
A variation known as the "pool noodle" is a long, thin cylinder, measuring 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) long and 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter, sometimes with a hollow core. It can be used to aid in floating or stretching exercises.
A pull buoy or "leg float" is used to focus exercise on the arms.
Pool dumbbells are used for strength training where muscles push down against buoyancy. This is the opposite of conventional dumbbells, which are used to force muscles to pull up, against gravity.
See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Swimming floats.- Air mattress
- Inflatable armbands
- Lifebuoy
- List of inflatable manufactured goods
- Personal flotation device
- Swim ring
References
BBC Sport Academy - Swimming equipment guide http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/swimming/equipment/newsid_3727000/3727438.stm ↩