Showing the CoolBoard range of balance boards

Buyer’s Guide – Which balance board is best for me?

Selection is not about intended use, it is all about the level of challenge that you want.

‘what’s the best balance board for surfing?’ or ‘I’m a skier, what should I get?’ or ‘I get back ache, what would be best for me?’ are common questions I get asked every day.

Spoiler alert!  It does not actually matter what you want your balance board for.  This idea of one balance board for surfers, another for snowboarders, and yet another for fitness is a great marketing misconception and is utter rubbish.

We all use the same muscles, core strength, joint stabilisers, sense of balance, proprioception and agility whether we’re a skater, surfer, footballer, in rehab, or a silver surfer.  Where we differ is in our strengths and abilities.  So what matters is your ability now, and how much you want to progress or challenge yourself.

You have already found the best balance boards as you are reading this, so the questions is how you want it, with a Ball, a Disc, or both?  And on which of our beautifully crafted Boards you wish to balance?

If you want to work your balance without too much challenge go for a CoolBoard on Disc.  It’s an advanced wobble board, minus the chore, with added joy.   If you want to challenge yourself, go for CoolBoard on Ball, it’s the balance game changer and your efforts will be repaid many times over.  Or go for both with the zero to hero 2in1 Ball and Disc combo so you can start gently and work up to the Ball.

Is the Ball difficult?  It is a brief shock to begin with, but with a little instruction and the right support we have had 80 year old grandmothers up and away in just 10 minutes.  Just don’t expect to be a hero straight away, most of us need time to learn, so keep your support close while you do…

Which Board?  There is more detail available below, but very simply Go Large if you are above average size / are adventurous / do boardsports, Go Medium if you are below average size & prefer to err on the side of safety.  Go PortoLT for travel / closest to shortboard surfing.  Most people can manage with any board, the choices are here to make it even better for you and how you want to use it.

Importantly – You can choose to use your balance board in a way that makes your training specific to your sport / fitness / rehab goals.  Some sports require great control with your weight over the ball of your foot, or get you to balance in a specific position, or while holding a racket, ball, stick or paddle.  You can deliberately practice like this, even more so on a CoolBoard because it gives you more options.

Equally pick different exercises to do with your balance board.  Balance board exercises are amazingly and surprisingly effective, on Disc and even more so on Ball – our Push-Ups leave marines in shock and awe!!  So compliment your balancing and throw in some Sliding Planks, a few Pro Dips, and feel so many more muscles twitching away, more joys of 3d!

Below are the most commonly asked questions, click the + to see the answers.

If you’d rather a personal recommendation do get in touch 0117 949 8338  [email protected].

The humble wobble board has been undeveloped for decades.  We’ve changed that.  Click here to see why CoolBoard on Disc is the worlds best wobble board.

Function, aesthetics, durability, joy.  Click here to see why CoolBoard is the best balance board.

Most people can manage with any board, the choices are here to make it better for you and how you want to use it.

CoolBoard

The original 3D balance board, honed and evolved over 14 years to be the all-round best.  Bomb-proof construction, plenty of room for your feet, comfortable to hold for the exercises, straight ends for secure starts, available in two sizes.

The Large is slightly larger overall, but more importantly it has a bigger Ring on the underside.  A bigger Ring allows bigger movements when on the Ball.  The Medium Board has a smaller Ring to reign things in when on the Ball.  On the Disc the Size of Board makes little difference

Go Large – if you are above average size / are adventurous / do boardsports.

Go Medium – if you are below average size & prefer to err on the side of safety.

If you want a CoolBoard for a range of people sizes, consider which is more important to you – adventurous freedom of movement (go Large) – or – keeping it on the safe side (go Medium).

Porto LongTail

Originally developed as a more portable option – smaller overall, thinner, much lighter, but packing a Ring as large as the Large CoolBoard for maximum balance fun.  So some compromises were made, and unexpected benefits found…

The board is a little more cramped for larger footed humans, but the light weight makes it even more fun and chuckable – it’s as close to surfing / snowboard as you’ll get at home!

It is not as comfortable to hold for the exercises, but still more comfortable than most other balance boards – and it’s still a highly effective 3D exercise board.

Being light, it is easier to move around the house or to take away with you…

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The following is what I recommend to the majority of people:

Go with a 2in1 package – board, ball and disc.

Board:  CoolBoard Large for shoe sizes UK7+ EU41+ or US7+.  Everyone else, go CoolBoard Medium.  For a portable, lightweight option, choose Porto LongTail.

If its to be shared across a range of sizes think about how much challenge you want when on the ball, size makes little difference when on the disc.  The large and the PortoLT have a bigger ring for bigger movements, the medium has a smaller ring helping to keep the movement reigned in.

Disc – 40cm for nice and chilled, 30cm for a twitchy challenge, or both.

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The Medium Size Ball in Standard Speed.

This is the best Ball for 95% of people, both for getting started, and for a lifetime of balancing fun and benefits.

Other sizes and speed of Ball are available separately as accessories.  See Balls.

CoolBoard can be a balance board or a wobble board.

The board can be placed on our unique ball, giving dynamic movement in all directions, the ultimate balance board.

Or the board can be placed on the adjustable Disc, giving tilting movement in all directions, bringing the wobble board into the 21st century.

Available as a balance board with our unique Ball, a wobble board with Disc, or a 2in1 board with Ball and Disc.

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We are proud to say that CoolBoard has the widest of age range suitability, achieved by developing our range of balance and wobble boards, discs and balls, with the goal of providing the right amount of challenge no matter what age you are.

We have had toddlers merrily wobbling away, seen centenarians (yup, that’s 100+) loving the movement of our balance boards, and people of every age in-between.

It is all about choosing the right CoolBoard kit for you, so please read further down this page and pick a section that sounds closest to you for our recommendations, or just contact us on 0117 9498338 or [email protected] and we’ll get you sorted.

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CoolBoard can help people of all abilities due to our range of different boards, balls and discs, and the different ways you can use your balance board.

Some people use CoolBoard while sitting to keep circulation going reducing aches and pains.  Some gently balance on the disc.  Some ride the ball, gently or very exuberantly.  Others get down and enjoy the core penetrating exercises.  You can see these techniques on the How-To page.

In this way we have helped people from wheel chair users to Olympians and everybody in between.

So please read further down this page and pick a section that sounds closest to you for our recommendations, or just contact us on 0117 9498338 or [email protected] and we’ll get you sorted.

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Surprisingly not.  Getting the hang of balancing on the ball is all about how you approach it.

Use CoolBoard with a sensible head and it will be a joy and it will do you a lot of good.  Jump on it like an idiot and it may bite you.

Before starting please read our instructions fully – they are there to help you.  Links to Quick Instructions and Detailed instructions.

We have had 80 year olds balancing on the ball within a few minutes with the right instruction, so don’t be shy of the ball.

Shop balance boards now or please read further down this page and pick a section that sounds closest to you for our recommendations, or contact us on 0117 9498338 or [email protected] and we’ll get you sorted.

The Ball is the key to extremely fun and effective balance training.  For most mortals it is a little shock to begin with, but its amazing how quickly you’ll start to get the hang of it, and from then on its highly addictive!  People vary hugely, as a rough guide people from 8 to 80 can get on well with the ball.

All packages come with the Medium Size Standard Speed Ball as it is perfect for most people.  Easy enough to get started and enough of a challenge to keep you going for years.

Different size and speed Balls are available as accessories so you can add to your package in the future – see Balls.

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Almost anybody can step onto any Board on the Disc right away and get going.  It is a great balance trainer in its own right, and a perfect starting point before progressing onto the Ball.  CoolBoard on Disc gives you the ultimate wobble board.

The Disc also allows training techniques that are not possible on the Ball, standing on one leg or using it while sitting for example.

Both Discs are adjustable with the included pump so you can increase the challenge as your skill improves.

Standing on it for balance training

Use it while sitting to aid flexibility and circulation, and reduce aches and pains.

Do the core targeted exercises for your fitness.

Disc Choice

40cm Disc – A relaxing balance experience – our favourite.  Perfect for most people, and the only Disc for the nervous, infirm, and for working at a standing desk.

30cm Disc – The only Disc to use for sitting mobility.  For standing balance it is considerably more challenging, it takes a lot of focus and effort to keep level.

Many customers get one of each Disc to cover all bases and moods.

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2in1 packages cover all bases – something you can get going on straight away, and something to progress with.  Many people go for 2in1.

The Ball is balance training in its purest form and is so much fun its addictive, it takes time to learn and feel comfortable on – just follow the instructions and you’ll smiling soon enough!

The Discs are still fun and give you balance training you can do from day one.  The Discs also offer some different training alternatives, one footed work or sitting mobility for example.

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Infirm – Wobble Board with a 40cm Disc.

Walking easily – Wobble Board with a 40cm Disc, add the 30cm Disc for a serious challenge.

Wanting a fun challenge – 2in1 board with Disc and Ball.  Go for either or both of the Discs.

How will a balance board help to keep me active?  Click here to find out

NOTE: Ability and fitness levels vary.  These are general recommendations, if you are unsure feel free to get in contact on 0117 949 8338 or [email protected] or read more of the info on this page.

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Small child – Medium CoolBoard with a 30cm Disc, add the Ball for a fun challenge

Large Child – Large CoolBoard with a 40cm Disc, add the Ball for a fun challenge

How will a balance board help my Child?  Click here to find out

NOTE: Ability and fitness levels vary.  These are general recommendations, if you are unsure feel free to get in contact on 0117 949 8338 or [email protected] or read more of the info on this page.

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Shop 2in1 Boards with Disc and Ball

Beginner – any Wobble Board with a 40cm Disc.  Consider adding the Ball to give you progression.

Intermediate – any 2in1 Board with a 40cm Disc and Ball

Advanced – Large CoolBoard or PortoLT with Ball.  Come back for a Quickness Ball if you want even more of a challenge.

How will a balance board help my SUP?  Click here to find out

NOTE: Ability and fitness levels vary.  These are general recommendations, if you are unsure feel free to get in contact on 0117 949 8338 or [email protected] or read more of the info on this page.

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Shop 2in1 Boards with Ball and Disc

Shop Balance Boards with Ball

Beginner – any 2in1 Board with a 40cm Disc and Ball

Intermediate – Large CoolBoard or PortoLT with Ball

Advanced – Large CoolBoard or PortoLT with Ball.  Come back for a Quickness Ball if you want even more of a challenge.

How will a balance board help my surfing?  Click here to find out

NOTE: Ability and fitness levels vary.  These are general recommendations, if you are unsure feel free to get in contact on 0117 949 8338 or [email protected] or read more of the info on this page.

Shop 2in1 Boards with Ball and Disc

Shop Balance Boards with Ball

Beginner – any Wobble Board with a 40cm Disc.  Consider adding the Ball to give you progression.

Intermediate – any 2in1 Board with a 30cm Disc and Ball.

Advanced – Large CoolBoard or PortoLT with Ball.  Add a 30cm Disc for single leg work and added challenge to standing balance.  Come back for a Quickness Ball if you want even more of a challenge.

How will a balance board help my Skiing?  Click here to find out

NOTE: Ability and fitness levels vary.  These are general recommendations, if you are unsure feel free to get in contact on 0117 949 8338 or [email protected] or read more of the info on this page.

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Shop 2in1 Boards with Ball and Disc

Shop Balance Boards with Ball

Any board with a 40cm Disc, add the Ball for a fun challenge.

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Shop 2in1 Boards with Ball and Disc

Any board with a 30cm Disc.

How will a balance board help me while I sit and how will I use it?  Click here to find out…

NOTE: You may well want to use the board for both sitting and standing.  If so add a 40cm Disc for gentle standing balance, and a Ball if you fancy a fun challenge.

If you are unsure feel free to get in contact on 0117 949 8338 or [email protected] or read more of the info on this page.

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Just walking again – any Wobble Board with a 40cm Disc

Walking easily – any Board with a 40cm Disc, add the Ball for progression and a fun challenge

If your injury was to the upper body, you can use the CoolBoard exercises to work the joint stabiliser muscles and you core.

How will a balance board help my physiotherapy exercises?  Click here to find out

NOTE: Every injury is different.  Ability and fitness levels vary.  These are general recommendations, if you are unsure feel free to get in contact on 0117 949 8338 or [email protected] or read more of the info on this page.

Shop Wobble Boards with Disc

Shop 2in1 Boards with Ball and Disc

Beginner – any Board with a 40cm Disc

Intermediate – any 2in1 Board with a 40cm Disc and the Ball

Advanced – Large CoolBoard or PortoLT with the Ball.  Add a 30cm Disc for single leg work and added challenge to standing balance.  Come back for a Quickness Ball if you want even more of a challenge.

How will a balance board help me look better?  Click here to find out

NOTE: Ability and fitness levels vary.  These are general recommendations, if you are unsure feel free to get in contact on 0117 949 8338 or [email protected] or read more of the info on this page.

Shop Wobble Boards with Disc

Shop 2in1 Boards with Ball and Disc

Shop Balance Boards with Ball

Beginner – any Wobble Board with a 40cm Disc

Intermediate – any 2in1 Board with a 40cm Disc and the Ball

Advanced – Large CoolBoard or PortoLT with Ball.  Add a 30cm Disc for single leg work and added challenge to standing balance.  Come back for a Quickness Ball if you want even more of a challenge.

How will a balance board help my back ache?  Click here to find out

NOTE: Ability and fitness levels vary.  These are general recommendations, if you are unsure feel free to get in contact on 0117 949 8338 or [email protected] or read more of the info on this page.

Shop Wobble Boards with Disc

Shop 2in1 Boards with Ball and Disc

Shop Balance Boards with Ball

Beginner – any Wobble Board with a 40cm Disc

Intermediate – any 2in1 Board with a 40cm Disc and the Ball

Advanced – Large CoolBoard or PortoLT with Ball.  Add a 30cm Disc for single leg work and added challenge to standing balance.  Come back for a Quickness Ball if you want even more of a challenge.

How will a balance board help my sports performance?  Click here to find out

NOTE: Ability and fitness levels vary.  These are general recommendations, if you are unsure feel free to get in contact on 0117 949 8338 or [email protected] or read more of the info on this page.

Shop Wobble Boards with Disc

Shop 2in1 Boards with Ball and Disc

Shop Balance Boards with Ball

  • Fast and free delivery to UK mainland.
  • Worldwide shipping available – VAT deducted and shipping added at checkout.
  • 60 day no quibble money back guarantee.  We would rather see signs of use than an un-used CoolBoard returned!
  • Handmade by us in Bristol, UK, from eco conscious materials.
  • Buy it – Try it – if you don’t like it – return it!
  • We only sell direct – this is how we supply a far superior balance board at a similar price to common roller balance boards.

For more detailed information please see our Customer Services Page.

Extra Balls:

There are 9 Balls available to cover all uses, skill levels and budgets.  3 Speeds, each available in 3 sizes.

Speeds:

Standard Speed – the place the vast majority of people should start, and enough of a challenge to keep most people happy.

Quickness Speed – oh boy it is fun!  But you will need your wits about you and it will always be testing you.

Slow Speed – For strong and deliberate movements.  Not as fun but great for training and physio.

The Speed of any Ball can be slowed by using it on a soft / squidgy surface.  The thicker and softer it is the slower it will go.  Hard floors give the fastest ride.

Size:

Small – keeps you close to the floor helping to inspire confidence.  Easy to carry around.  Least expensive.  Too small for a Large CoolBoard used dynamically.  Due to their small size, small Balls give a twitchier / fast movement compared with the Medium or Large sizes.

Medium – a great balance between the other sizes.

Large – large Balls just work and feel even better, but they require more commitment to pop up onto, are heavy to carry around, and cost the most.  Too big for the Medium CoolBoard.

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