When learning to swim, are kickboards helpful?

It does help with the kicking. Once you have that down you can start on your arms. It helps if someone holds your stomach while you kick and do your arms. After that try on your own with supervision near.

Kick boards are very useful. It lets you focus on your kick, so this strengthens your legs. You can buy boards that focus on strength or technique, these help to streamline through the water.

I found them helpful because it allows you to focus on your kicking without having to worry about your arms yet. Once you find a way of kicking efficiently you can work on your arms.

Good luck :)

To me they are because they help you to get your legs stronger :D