This is a simple way to modify a pull buoy you might already have in your gear bag into a race-ready pull buoy for swimrun.

Step 1

Choose a pull buoy you like

Step 2

Use a screwdriver to poke two holes through the pull buoy about ⅓ down either side of the pull buoy.

Step 3

Attach the elastic/rubber cord to something long enough to fit through the hole such as the screwdriver. Thread the cord through the holes you have made.

Step 4

Tie a loose knot with the two loose ends of the cord. Adjust the tension and fit of the cord to your preference.

Remember when making your swimrun pull buoy make sure that the size and tension of the elastic loops aren’t too tight that they strangle your leg during the run legs, but also not too loose that they aren’t tight enough to hold your pull buoy in place during the swim legs.

Step 5

Take your pull buoy for a test run and see if it fits to your liking. If it doesn’t adjust the tightness of the cord.

How to use your pull buoy during the race

Attach your pull buoy to your leg and practice rotating it around your leg from the inside to the outside like you would during the race during your transitions from swim legs to run legs.

If you don’t want to run with your pull buoy on your leg, there are other options. You can run with the pull buoy in your hand and then put it between your legs for the swim legs or you can attach your pull buoy to your back via a long cord or running/marathon belt, but bear in mind that the pull buoy does tend to jiggle up and down while running with this option.