I was looking for ''just a kickboard'' when I ran across this gator. Its quite an amazing piece of work and it functions effectively as ''just a kickboard'' - while adding a smile to my workout. It is a tiny bit more difficult to hold than a ''standard'' kickboard with handholds cut out, but it has not been problematic in any way during practice. It probably goes without saying that you won''t want this if you wish to avoid attention or talking with people or if you want to load this into a regular sized bag - it''s almost 30 inches long and its more bulky than your run of the mill kickboard - but then it''s hardly run of the mill. I''ve used it a few times since I bought it, so I can''t speak to durability as other reviewers here, but I like it so far.

Great toy for the kids. Looks very real.

this is truly a unique and awesome piece of swim gear. each one is individually made. this item was originally made by the manufacturer in Weeki Wachee Fla. to help the Floridian cop shop peeps catch poachers... they put a motor under the "hood".. it is that "real". so it's definitely a real piece of art and full functioning swim trainer with character. if you want somethig unique cool and fun for your  child or  to keep cats uot of your pond.. this is the real deal... definitely recomend to anyone of any age. you won't be disappointed. my daughter with a disabilty was a little freaked out at first because it looks so real.. but it's all good now....

I bought these to donate to the children's swim programs at our local YMCA. They even use them at the counter for fundraisers!
We hope to get more so we can conduct 'Ally Away' races.
Unfortunately, they do chip easily. So you might want to have repair paint on hand. It is inevitable that it would happen with so many kids loving on them!

My son's military unit is Gator so it means something special to me. I swim everyday and it gives me a smile. Floats fine. It might be tough for a child to grasp but it is so fun I think they would adapt just fine!

I purchased one for a Florida Gator fan friend of ours who has a pool.  All his neighbors came to see it.  (He felt it needed a mate so I ordered another one. ) Light reflects off the eyes and it "looks like a real gator" swimming with its' head above water.  Even if you don't have a pool, it would look outstanding on a bar, patio, in your man-cave, etc. Get it before it's gone!