Would this work for 10 & 8-year-old boys? Any other suggestions/tools for a beginners to work on freestyle swimming: kicks and arm strokes?
1625624
I have the medium size (38 year old male) and I think they would be too big for an 8-10 year old. My guess is there may be "kid" versions out there. Also, you want to make sure that you have good technique before using paddles. The paddles are meant to build strength. If you don't have good technique first, you risk injury and/or "strengthening" bad technique.
1625625
for a 8 & 10 year old kid, I would purchase the smaller size (SM)... the XL are OK for a trained older young adult as the shoulders may feel the pressure... Otherwise I am very happy with these paddles! (I am 6'1" 76lbs)...
1381680
I am 27, so I can't speak for younger swimmers, but I was a beginner and these really helped my stroke and also REALLY worked out my arm muscles. I have the mediums and I am very happy with them! I also have a pair of fins that help with kicking and building those leg muscles which are also helpful for beginners. With the paddles, you may want something to keep the legs afloat since pulling is normally arms only. I think Speedo sells something for between the legs!
1625626
I suppose so, the small size. A kickboard and some small flexible fins to start to build leg strength. For arm strokes, depends on the water and all the variables that go into the human body. I alter my strokes depending on the condition of the water and which muscles I want to 'hit' that session. Just try stuff out.
2012672
I have a 11 years old boy and he is using it. But it is important to practice firts in a open space placeso he will be frustrated with line loops ,etc. Other wise I will sugesst the close one.
1730593
Yes. That's the point. My daughter is down to 2 and it is really helping her learn. She has to paddle to stay afloat.
1635499
In my experience, I wouldn't suggest this for a child so young. Look for a vest or suit that will keep them afloat or a ring that goes in the pool.
515822
Yes. My boys like to freestyle all the time. Obviously, you will not have the words.
756885
The float is functional. You need to address the fear issue. The float does not take away the fear. Yor son will enter the pool on his own if he finds it us a pleasurable fun experience. I suggest there should be someone really upclose with him.. with lots of distracting floaties/toys around him and his friends swimming around having fun. You can also build his confidence by tying the float to something like a watermelon and demonstrate that even it can swim :)All the best and have fun out there!!! This float is really awesome design. Our son should be off of it this summer. Fingers crossed :)) The float is functional. You need to address the fear issue. The float does not take away the fear. Yor son will enter the pool on his own if he finds it us a pleasurable fun experience. I suggest there should be someone really upclose with him.. with lots of distracting floaties/toys around him and his friends swimming around having fun. You can also build his confidence by tying the float to something like a watermelon and demonstrate that even it can swim :)All the best and have fun out there!!! This float is really awesome design. Our son should be off of it this summer. Fingers... » Read More The float is functional. You need to address the fear issue. The float does not take away the fear. Yor son will enter the pool on his own if he finds it us a pleasurable fun experience. I suggest there should be someone really upclose with him.. with lots of distracting floaties/toys around him and his friends swimming around having fun. You can also build his confidence by tying the float to something like a watermelon and demonstrate that even it can swim :)All the best and have fun out there!!! This float is really awesome design. Our son should be off of it this summer. Fingers crossed :)) « Show Less
1609378
I think it would be great for an 8 y.o. boy. These are definitely not toys. They are real tools. I (the mom) actually use them when I need a tool. They are very functional and a great size for kids.
1609377
I got it for my son at age 7 and he still uses it and he will be 9 this month. I think it's a great starter kit for kids to use for a few years before they get into double digits! I even have used some of the tools myself. Hope this helps.
1975150
Depending on your childs ability. I do think an 8 year old could eventually master the controls, but I think it is a little advanced for an 8 year old. I bought it for my 13 year old and it took him a little bit to master the training level and is now struggling to master the speed setting. I hope this helps.
1943067
It would be ok one of my sons is 10 yrs old and he's short too and its perfect especially if he's a beginner I hope this help its a very nice product for beginners : )
1643018
Yes. I bought it for my son who is a beginner. Plays now as much as you. Big difference from the standard paddles that cam with the table. We think it will suit him for a while.
1396484
Our boys are 9 and 10 and they had not had a skateboard prior to owning one of these. In my opinion, It takes a lot of skill and balance. They were able to do it well after practicing daily for a week or so. We have the deluxe size.
92831
I use it for my 9-year old daughter who swims everyday and it is safe,works quite well in rinsing out the chlorine. Her hair is less brittle, damaged, and bleached than in previous years before I learned about this product. Hope that helps some!
607287
Hi, Chris from Polar USA here. As mentioned previously. It should work great in the pool! I have logged many many laps with mine. As another poster mentioned, the initial push off sometimes causes the transmitter to slip down. We find if we place the transmitter in our back, (upside down so the L/R sides of the transmitter are still on the L/R sides of your body) this reduces the drag and prevents that from happening. Please give us a ring if you have any questions. Chris @ Polar USAtwitter.com/chrispolarusa
85805
I practice with my seven year old boy and have no problems. If they are short they will have to be sure to kick high because the base is plastic and not padded
1642668
I used it with my 6 and 10 year old sons. I'd say it was pretty doable for the 10 year old, but I was doing all the gluing for the 6 year old. It's a fun craft with lots of possibilities but it comes down to being patient and steady to hold it in place, glue, and then let it dry. Seems to me like that's a skill that takes practice but I believe an 8 year old could do it and would enjoy this. Hope that helps.
2268457
If you are trying to train them on how to stay level in the water in preparation to learn to swim, then yes this device will help. I used this for my 8 month old daughter in conjunction with a pool noodle under the armpits to teach proper body position but only under constant and immediate supervision. (i.e. my arms were inches below her at all times). If you are looking for something to enhance safety and let them venture on their own, I agree with another commenter, puddle jumper is the right device.