So, I’m not a fast swimmer. Last IM = 1:26 swim. No swim coaching other than a one-day clinic a few years ago, and reading a few books and watching youtube videos.
I’ve never really kicked while swimming, other than I guess what you might describe as a little flutter every stroke or so for balance.
I thought learning to kick properly might be a good way to speed up. So I hit the pool, new kickboard in hand. I have no trouble jumping in the pool or the lake and swimming for an hour, but after a couple of lengths behind the kickboard at what seems like a moderate effort, I’m exhausted and panting for air.
Am I doing something wrong, or does it get easier??
How flexible are your ankles? theres some good videos posted by gary hall senior that talk about proper kick technique somewhere on the site.
Just like all things it doesn’t get easier. After years swimming and kicking, I find all that happens is you go faster and can go for longer but it still hurts the same, if not more.
I also suck at the kickboard…i literally get nowhere…im not really fast either about 26 minutes for 1500m in open water. a swim coach told me that for traithlon due to the wetsuit that kicking is not as important when straight swiming in a pool which I can understand. I just try and focus on the other parts of my stroke, breathing etc.
OWS doesn’t require a strong kick, so the OP shouldn’t frustrate himself by using a kickboard. In fact, the OWS kick should just balance you in a long swim. If the coach makes me use a kickboard, I put my fins on and smile.
$0.02 from a former swimmer who is a very MOP triathlete.
kicking never gets easier. it sucks all the time. i can kick circles around my chums but we both look toast when we’re done.
kicking sucks.
that said, i like it and do it in every workout.
if you are really struggling, you may want to try it without a kickboard . put your hands together, thumb of top hand on outside of lower hand. upper arms are on top of or just behind your ears. kick. this may help you swim straighter. it will definitely teach you about body position. and if you work on it a enough, it will help you (some) with rotation, as sooner or later you will want to breath.
**you may want to try it without a kickboard **
I remember the days our coach made us hold the kickboard vertical, PITA for backstroke.
to OP: I don’t use kickboards anymore, like he says, use as an opportunity to work on body position and rotation. ~10% (or more) propulsion from kick (not ever mentioning body position or rotation), so yes, work on your kick, why give up 10% power? I’d love an extra 10% watts at FTP! Aero weenies swoon over a 2% change due to some equipment change.
I say you are correct in this part of your assessment.
OWS doesn’t require a strong kick, so the OP shouldn’t frustrate himself by using a kickboard. In fact, the OWS kick should just balance you in a long swim. If the coach makes me use a kickboard, I put my fins on and smile.
But not this part of your assessment. You original post was better.
Here is something to think about. What does the start of a triathlon involve and how do you go about starting especially for deep/treading water starts?
Question 2. Why would a short kick board be better for balancing yourself? (assuming you believe that that’s all the kick is good for in ows)
Hint - I’m rather sure I’ve discussed this before on here.
Best kickboard drill ever, compliments of the late Doug Stern, (search him or “The Scooter Drill” on ST for more):
It’s a kicking drill. But wait it’s more. It is a high elbow recovery drill, yes and more. It is a drill to practice opening your hip, yes and even more. You can practice keeping your hand and forearm in alignment so that you get more power with each stroke!
Place one hand on the middle of the middle of your kickboard. Keep your face out of the water and look STRAIGHT ahead (do not move your head). Place your free arm next to the board and push off the wall. Initiate your kick by thinking up, up, up. Point your toes all the time. Keep your kick going. Pull the free arm back by flexing your wrist and driving the elbow forward. Your elbow will stay near the surface of the water. As you pull that arm back push the kickboard forward with the hand on the middle of the board. Your opposite hip will open as you glide forward. Your free hand will reenter the water at the near end (end closest to you) of the kickboard. Let it glide forward and repeat the pull. At the end of the length switch arms and repeat with the other arm.