Dual Boards Transform Training: Mason Leach Drops 10 Seconds

For the last 85 years, swimmers have utilized kickboards as a training tool to improve their kicking. Kickboards have become outdated—a static tool in desperate need of an upgrade. Rip Current Sports has transformed the way athletes train in the water with the patented invention of Dual Boards. Dual Boards are strong foam flotation devices that strap to each hand, giving the user full range of motion and optimal positioning in the water. They eliminate the drawbacks of a traditional kickboard and transform training instantly. No longer hindered by forced angles and rigid posture, the use of this split-board design takes training to the next level with real and effective body alignment.

Developed by Rip Current Sports, Dual Boards feature a patented split-board design that gives each hand an independent board. This design allows swimmers to achieve better balance, improved body position, and increased buoyancy—resulting in faster, more efficient movement through the water. Balance is the foundation of proper body positioning, providing swimmers with the building blocks to train better and improve in every aspect. Swimmers everywhere have found success in the water at every stage. The unmatched versatility of this training aid makes it a must-have for everyone from age-group swimmers to elite collegiate athletes. Dual Boards adapt to the swimmer—not the other way around.

Mason Leach, a swimmer at the University of Pittsburgh, began his journey with Dual Boards in May, implementing them into his training routine. Using them consistently in training and warmups has allowed Mason to improve exponentially, particularly in his kick and body position. The versatility and full mobility they provide allow swimmers to focus on real swimming posture, creating effective improvements that have strengthened Leach’s strokes significantly.

In October 2024, Mason swam a 50.3 in the 100 back and a 1:54-low in the 200 back. After implementing Dual Boards into his training, he showed strong improvements in October 2025, posting a 47-mid in the 100 back and a 1:47-mid in the 200 back. This marks a 3-second improvement in the 100 back and a 7-second drop in the 200 back. Over one year, Mason dropped approximately 10 seconds combined across his backstroke events—an improvement driven by better balance, cleaner body position, and more efficient kicking mechanics. He also surpassed teammates who had previously been faster, particularly in the 200 back, where alignment and efficiency are critical. Mason is now the #1 backstroker and #2 butterfly swimmer at the University of Pittsburgh. With a bright future ahead and the continued use of such an effective training tool, there is no doubt that Mason Leach will continue to see success and improvement—as he already knows what the rest of the swim world is just catching up to: Dual Boards are the future of swim training.

Dual Boards don’t just improve individual swimmers—they simplify training for coaches and aquatics programs. Their versatility allows a single tool to be used across multiple athletes, strokes, and skill levels, making them an effective solution for teams, clubs, and aquatic directors. The future of swim is here. Dual Boards are transforming the way we train. If your goal is to build better balance, greater speed, and more versatile training, Dual Boards offer a modern approach to swim development.