KIT ZONE

KAYAKPRO SWIMFAST PRO

£1,895 Can this home-training device revolutionise our swimming?

Had the SwimFast been available to this tester during the UK lockdowns, we probably would’ve sold an internal organ to keep it and escape our giant paddling pool (yes, we were one of those lunatics swimming in freezing water tied to a fence). But arriving for review once the pools are open again, what’s the benefit of this machine to the average swimmer? The SwimFast is from KayakPro, which is the brainchild of Grayson Bourne, five-time Olympian and multi-medallist in the canoe sprint. The KayakPro offers a dryland training option similar to a rowing machine for canoeists/kayakers and, put very simply, uses similar technology to allow you to work on your swim technique. First up, it’s not cheap. But we’re used to spending money on home training now and if you’re serious about your swimming, or have limited access to training, then it’s no different to investing in a top-end bike trainer, we’d argue. You’ll need a little room, too. The SwimFast does store away upright, but when in use you lie face down with your feet on the blue pads and your chin on a little padded