What Is the FINIS Alignment Kickboard?

Unlike a traditional kickboard that is held in front of the swimmer, the FINIS Alignment Kickboard is designed to sit partially submerged and be held with one hand on top and one underneath.

Its streamlined shape encourages swimmers to maintain a flatter, more balanced body position in the water.

The result is a kicking position that is much closer to normal swimming than traditional kickboard kicking.

Benefits of the FINIS Alignment Kickboard

Improved Body Position

One of the biggest advantages of the Alignment Kickboard is that it promotes a more natural head and body position.

Traditional kickboards can encourage swimmers to lift their head too high, causing the hips and legs to drop.

The Alignment Kickboard helps swimmers maintain:

✅ Better alignment

✅ Reduced drag

✅ Higher hips

✅ More efficient kicking

Develops Core Stability

Because the board provides less support than a conventional kickboard, swimmers are encouraged to engage their core muscles more effectively.

This helps develop:

• Balance
• Stability
• Body control
• Streamline awareness

Better Transfer to Full Stroke Swimming

Many coaches like the Alignment Kickboard because the kicking action feels more like actual swimming.

Rather than creating an artificial position in the water, swimmers learn to maintain good body position while kicking in a posture that closely resembles front crawl, backstroke and butterfly.

Why It Works So Well With A Snorkel

The FINIS Alignment Kickboard was specifically designed to work alongside a centre-mounted snorkel.

Using both together provides several benefits.

Keeps The Head Still

A snorkel removes the need to turn the head for breathing.

This allows swimmers to focus entirely on:

• Body position
• Kick technique
• Balance
• Alignment

Encourages Better Streamline

When combined with a snorkel, swimmers can achieve a long, relaxed body line without disrupting their position to breathe.

This helps reinforce:

✅ Good posture

✅ Core engagement

✅ Better kick rhythm

✅ Efficient movement through the water

Improves Technical Awareness

The combination of snorkel and Alignment Kickboard allows swimmers to feel subtle changes in body position.

Many coaches use this setup when working on:

• Front crawl kicking
  
• Streamline development
• Core-driven swimming

FINIS Alignment Kickboard vs Traditional Kickboard

Who Should Use One?

The FINIS Alignment Kickboard is particularly useful for:

✅ Competitive swimmers

✅ Club swimmers

✅ Performance squads

✅ Swimmers working on body position

✅ Swimmers using centre-mounted snorkels

✅ Coaches running technical sessions

While younger swimmers can use it, its biggest benefits are usually seen once swimmers have developed basic kicking skills and are ready to focus on efficiency and body alignment.

Final Thoughts

The FINIS Alignment Kickboard is more than just a kickboard. It is a technical training tool designed to improve alignment, balance and body position in the water.

When paired with a centre-mounted snorkel, it becomes an excellent way to develop efficient kicking mechanics and reinforce the streamlined body position that coaches work hard to achieve.

For swimmers looking to improve technique rather than simply complete kick sets, the Alignment Kickboard is a valuable addition to any swim bag.