SWIMRUN SERIES| Equipment | Flotation Accessories

We are back to talking about Swimrun and focusing on accessories again, specifically flotation accessories such as the Pull Buoy.

In case you missed our last post and video, in Swimrun, the use of support materials is allowed according to regulations, as long as it is carried by the athlete during the entire race. But adding in this extra support can work against us if we do not choose the appropriate equipment.
Not only can too many accessories hinder you during a race, but the improper use of these accessories can also slow you down.

In order to counteract the use of shoes during the race and move faster in the water, swimrunners will use everything from Pull Buoys to wetsuit padding and shin guards. Any support materials are allowed, as long as they do not exceed 100 cm x 60 cm. That is why the selection of Swimrun equipment, as opposed to that of triathlon, is unrestricted and up to the imagination of the runners.

However, it is important to keep your own physical characteristics in mind and to choose the right equipment based on these in order to make the most of this challenge.

TIP 1 | The Pull Buoy as a Flotation Device

Although the use of the equipment in swimrun is unrestricted and varied, the Pull Buoy is the most common accessory for swimrun races.
Swimmers often talk about hydrodynamics and correct positioning in the water, which means swimming on the surface of the water. Your wetsuit can help you to achieve this position, but using a Pull Buoy will help you move faster in the water while resting your legs during that stretch of the race.

TIP 2 | Carrying the Pull Buoy during the Race

While you are swimming it will go between your legs, allowing your lower body to rest during the swim stage. The Pull Buoy will elevate your position in the water and by combining these with swim paddles, you can gain more speed in the water.
During the running stage of the race, the Pull Buoy can be strapped to the back of your thigh, leaving your hands free for the race through rocky terrain. We recommend that you train with it before the race and adjust the straps comfortably, to avoid wearing it too tight or falling down while running.

TIP 3 | How to Choose a Pull Buoy

Although you can use an existing Pull Buoy and create your own Swimrun Pull Buoy, you have to be very careful of the materials you use, because the speed laces used by many swimrunners can cause damage to your wetsuit due to friction.
We recommend using Pull Buoys with a wide elastic band to avoid damaging your wetsuit, but you have to tighten these correctly, so that you do not restrict your movement.

In the video you will see what our swimrunners think about using Pull Buoys.

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