Kickboard question

RE: Kickboard question

Former Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 16:01:39 GMT

Well, I'm going to bite the bullet and try a full stroke tomorrow. It's hard for me to try a new thing bc I like being good at things. I randomly started kicking on a board before one of my water aerobics classes and realized I could get through the water pretty quickly. I like the precision of good form which I had really perfected with running, spinning and yoga. I feel like my control is going to go haywire with full-on swimming since my upper body is so much smaller and weaker than my lower body. Oh well!

RE: Kickboard question

Former Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 15:47:48 GMT

Thanks, Steve!

RE: Kickboard question

Former Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 14:56:58 GMT

Also, what is the purpose of fins? I see a really good swimmer at my pool use them but why?

RE: Kickboard question

Former Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 14:32:59 GMT

Thanks, people. When I said "many years off," I meant my entire adult life. I did swim team as a child, but have never swum for exercise as an adult. I always ran and did spinning, but I have some small but persistent injuries now that are leading me to the pool. I do teach water aerobics once or twice a week, so I'm quite comfortable in the water, but I'm just not confident in my swimming strokes. I'm very comfortable with my kick. I could go for hours and never get winded, but I know I need to add arms.

RE: Kickboard question

orca1946 — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 11:18:06 GMT

If you work your lower body that hard, then getting the upper in shape will be a road you have been on easier. Let us know how it goes in the coming months.

RE: Kickboard question

knelson — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 10:45:35 GMT

Also, what is the purpose of fins? I see a really good swimmer at my pool use them but why? You certainly shouldn't view fins as an essential piece of equipment. I think they can be (for some of the reasons steve mentioned), but lots of people also use them as a crutch to make up for having a poor kick.

RE: Kickboard question

__steve__ — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 10:22:30 GMT

I use them for (1) stroke drills, they add propulsion and help maintain target form with less energy. (2) They assist with efficiency, streamline, and body position while swimming at race pace speeds. (3) They give the shoulders a break during fly. My meet times improved following incorporating fins to my training, not a coincidence. However, my favorite use for them is swimming in Caribbean. In fact I should be there now

RE: Kickboard question

MustangFlyer23 — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 12:54:26 GMT

As a masters swimmer for years, if I can do only kicking drills continuously for 42 minutes, I would be happy. Kicking drills and I don't get along especially since my right calf muscle got torn last summer while doing kicking drills with fins. If you haven't done so, join a master's team! It is a good way to diversify your workout and get back into all your strokes at your pace.

RE: Kickboard question

knelson — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 10:42:13 GMT

A 42 minute mile is holding a pace of under 2:30 per 100 yards. That's not bad at all for kicking.

RE: Kickboard question

orca1946 — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 02:28:19 GMT

Get goggles ----- you need to do swimming + kicking + pulling.

RE: Kickboard question

FindingMyInnerFish — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 09:19:27 GMT

OMG, kicking is my nemesis, and if I could do a mile in 42 minutes using a kickboard, I''d dance in the streets (but me and kick sets = "it's complicated"). Have you considered joining a masters' group or even an adult swim class? It would give you a better idea of your progress so far, but meanwhile I'm envious!

RE: Kickboard question

__steve__ — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 10:11:56 GMT

I think 42 minutes of straight kicking is exceptional for anyone just starting back. It sounds good you are easing back into the swimming gradually. How many years did you take off?