There are products out there that occasionally catch my eye. I read about them and wonder if they are worth testing out. I stew about it and consider if it might be a good option. I’ve been wanting something to stand on and to use as a footstool while I work. I want a quirky product that isn’t just “a footstool” or “hammock” for under my desk. The Whirly Board is one of those products. The folks over at Whirly Board were gracious enough to send one over for me to try out.
What is a Whirly Board?
To answer the question simply – it’s basically a skateboard – but it’s not. The Whirly Board is actually a spinning balance board designed to help with your core. It is marketed as a fitness tool but doubles as an office accessory. It can be used to facilitate a workout, help with sports and agility training, as an option for a standing desk, or as a great toy for the kids. When I receive the board, the kids flock to it immediately. I have three boys, and when I can’t find the Whirly Board, I usually find it stashed in one of their rooms or out in open space. Naturally they don’t put it back where they find it.
The board comes with a lifetime warranty. This means once it is registered, they “guarantee replacement for any manufacturing defect and guarantee that our boards are pretty much indestructible, and we will replace it if for some freak chance something happens to it and shipping is on us.” Pretty cool.
Tough as – A Whirly Board?
The Whirly Board is actually really tough and rugged. Just handling it makes me think it could take a beating even though it’s highly unlikely that it will. It’s made from 100% Canadian Maple 7-ply lumber. I’m not sure if there’s a difference between American and Canadian made Maple but that’s the way it’s marketed. On the bottom of the board is a center balance ball made from high density polyethylene (HDPE). There is also a rubber gasket between the board and this ball which helps improve its durability. Finally, along the nose and tail of the board there are two more balance balls. These are designed with material similar to “a very hard skateboard wheel”.
Having used the board for a few weeks now, it isn’t going to break. I’m only about 175lbs., but this thing is seriously tough. I feel like I would have to make an actual effort to break the board with tools in order to break it. I also want to note that you can purchase different grip tapes for the Whirly Board or even customize the board with a business name or something else if desired. This could make a great company gift or personalized gift for someone. It’s definitely well built, but is it any fun?
All kinds of fun
After all, the board is solid. It doesn’t have bend, and even while I use it during video conference calls and goofily try to keep my balance while chatting it holds up extremely well. It comes with a stand to help keep it in one place. The stand also helps keep balance a bit easier than using the Whirly Board without the stand. I’ll have to build up to that because apparently my balance sucks.
I imagine the Whirly Board will be helpful with board style sports. I knocked my teeth out skateboarding twenty years ago. Given the chance to practice balance in my dorm room at the time I would have taken it. I definitely look forward to next summer on the water as I wake surf after use as well.
While I personally haven’t taken any spills on the Whirly Board, I’ve watched my children do it. It isn’t crazy hard to stay up, but on occasion my youngest (9) will lose his balance altogether. The board is always fine even as it slides across the floor. I highly recommend open space for kids while using the board. If someone loses balance, they could easily crash into a television etc.
That’s just it though. The challenge makes it fun. Taking away the base just makes the challenge a bit more difficult, and I’m waiting for the day I biff during a call. It will make a great story for all. Trying to spin around and maintain balance gives me a mission. I can’t say that I will be using it for fitness anytime soon, however the board makes a great push up balancing plank for exercises like pushups, planks, lunges, and squats. The Whirly Board website even has suggestions for use if people are interested.
Summing it up
The Whirly Board is one of those quirky products that has potential for use in a variety of ways. The question is – will people keep using it? It is made for those with a mission in mind. If that mission is to get off your butt and move your body when you otherwise sit, I think the board has great use. It’s the perfect idea for a gift to someone who may want an option for practicing balance. The Whirly Board is also particularly great for those who enjoy standing desks. It is a fantastic option for balance and board sports. Kids love it. It’s built incredibly well and makes me feel better about my day. However, just like any equipment – in the end, its usefulness and potential benefit depends on the will of its user.