The simple, no-fuss method to modify your gear and get out there.
Already got a pull buoy in your kit? Good news, you can easily convert it for swimrun without needing fancy tools or gear. Here’s how to make a DIY-ready setup that stays put in the water and on the trails.
What you’ll need:
- A pull buoy you like
- A screwdriver or something similar
- Elastic or rubber cord (or even an old goggle strap in a pinch)
Step-by-Step
1. Pick your buoy
Choose a pull buoy that feels good between your legs; not too bulky, not too small.
2. Poke two holes
Use a screwdriver to carefully make two holes through the sides of the buoy, roughly one-third of the way down from the top on either side.
3. Thread your cord
Attach the end of your elastic or cord to your screwdriver and feed it through the holes from one side to the other.
4. Tie and adjust
Loosely tie the ends of the cord together to create a loop. Test the tension; it should be snug enough to hold during swims but not so tight it cuts off circulation on the runs.
5. Test it out
Take it for a test run (literally). Jog, swim, and see how it feels. Adjust the cord length if needed.
Pro tip: If it feels like it’s strangling your thigh or flopping around mid-swim, tweak the tension until it’s just right.
How to use it on course
When you’re heading into the swim, rotate the buoy from the outside of your leg into position between your thighs. After the swim, swing it back out again to run freely.
Prefer not to wear it strapped to your leg? Some swimrunners carry it by hand or attach it to a belt or back cord. Just note: if it’s bouncing around on your lower back, you will notice it!
Simple. Practical. Swimrun-ready.
No overthinking, just one more way to keep it low-fuss and high-fun out there.
