Most people don’t look twice when choosing a kickboard—especially if they’re just swimming in a backyard pool. All kickboards are the same, right? Not quite. For swimmers who log thousands of yards per week, even subtle differences in equipment can make a big impact.
In this guide, we’ll break down different types of kickboards and help you decide which one—including the DMC Fist Kickboard—is best for your training goals.
Why Kickboard Design Matters
While every kickboard shares a common purpose—supporting the upper body and isolating the legs during kicking—the differences in size, shape, materials, and ergonomics can change your training experience entirely.
Basic flat boards are common in public pools, but they offer little support for proper body alignment. Your head cranes back to breathe, creating neck and shoulder tension. Over time, this discomfort adds up. That’s where high-performance designs, like the DMC Fist Kickboard, offer a noticeable advantage.
Comparing Popular Kickboards
Here’s a breakdown of commonly used kickboards and how they stack up against the DMC Fist Kickboard:
Basic Kickboards
Found in public pools and made by brands like Kiefer or Speedo, these flat boards are affordable but outdated. They provide minimal ergonomic support and often force swimmers into poor posture.
Hand-Hold Boards
Examples like the Songtai kickboard have multiple grip placements. While this might seem helpful, it tends to shift weight toward the hands, adding stress to the shoulders and reducing water balance.
TYR Hydrofoil
This smaller board adds concave shaping to help train body roll during freestyle. It’s softer, made of EVA foam, and has limited buoyancy. It’s a good upgrade, but still not ideal for long kick sets.
Fitness Alignment Kickboard
Great for streamlining underwater, this board encourages good body position—but must be used with a snorkel and is not designed for general kicking sets.
Hybrid Kickboards
Arena’s Pull Kick doubles as a pull buoy and kickboard. While space-saving, it sacrifices function for both uses. As a kickboard, it’s awkward and lacks support.
The DMC Fist Kickboard Advantage
Now, let’s talk about the DMC Fist Kickboard, a favorite for serious swimmers. Unlike flat boards that force your head up and strain your back, the DMC Fist Kickboard promotes natural alignment in the water.
Key Features:
- Ergonomic design that minimizes shoulder and neck strain
- Raised center and winged shape to support arms and promote natural kicking posture
- Made with durable EPP foam, known for its rigidity and longevity
- Designed for long sets, perfect for elite or masters swimmers logging heavy yardage
The DMC Fist Kickboard allows you to maintain a bent-elbow position and keep your head in neutral alignment. This translates to better comfort, less fatigue, and improved kicking efficiency—especially during high-volume workouts.
Why It Stands Out
While many kickboards offer some improvement over flat models, the DMC Fist Kickboard solves nearly all common issues. It’s especially valuable for:
- Master swimmers with limited shoulder mobility
- Competitive athletes focused on technique
- Anyone seeking comfort during long kick sets
Its higher price is justified by performance. Durable, lightweight, and thoughtfully shaped, this kickboard is built for those who take training seriously.