Is it worth adding to your kit? Here’s what to consider.
Thinking about whether to bring a pull buoy into your swimrun setup?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, it really depends on your style, your goals, and what feels good for you on course.
That said, there are some clear benefits (and a few trade-offs) worth knowing before you make the call. Let’s break it down.
Pros of using a pull buoy
Less drag in the water
Swimming with shoes on creates extra drag, your legs sink more than usual, and your body position suffers. A pull buoy adds buoyancy to your lower half, helping lift your legs and streamline your body. That means more efficient swims and less energy spent battling bad form.
Gives your legs a breather
With all the run–swim–run transitions in swimrun, your legs cop a fair bit of work. Using a pull buoy during the swim sections lets your legs switch off for a bit and recover before the next run. It’s like giving them a short, salty reset mid-event.
Cons of using a pull buoy
You’ve got to carry it the whole way
Yep, the big trade-off: whatever gear you start with, you carry the whole way, including your pull buoy.
That means you’ll need a practical way to keep it out of the way during the run legs. Most swimrunners thread elastic or cord through the buoy to create loops, then slide it around their thigh. You swim with it between your legs, then rotate it to the outside of your leg to run.
It works well, but it can take a bit of getting used to.
So, should you use one?
If you’re newer to swimrun or you want to save your legs a bit on the longer courses, a pull buoy can be a real help. But if you prefer to stay minimal, travel light, and go all-natural, there’s nothing wrong with leaving it behind.
Either way, try it out in training and see what works for you.
Less drag, more comfort; or just less gear. Your call.
