I'm curious as to which is more common -- being slower with a pull buoy or being faster, and why some people are one way rather than the other? Personally, I am far slower with a pull buoy. I attribute this to my natural buoyancy (ahem) as well as having a fairly strong kick when I want to, although I often feel as though I am not kicking very hard, so I'm not sure how much of a factor that is.
Anyway, being slow with a pull buoy becomes very frustrating in practice -- it's hard to keep up with lanemates who I am normally faster than or equal to. Not sure if there is anything to be done about that.
Definitely faster with a pull buoy! It's the only time I can lead the lane. When I start to get really tired during some of our heavy timed sets I'll grab the pull buoy to stay up with everyone. It gives me a chance to catch my breath too. I do feel like I am cheating/taking the easy way out but I still make the send-off so I am definitely keeping up on the speed. Swimming a 500 feels like death, pulling it, one of my favorite swims.
Definitely faster with a pull buoy! It's the only time I can lead the lane. When I start to get really tired during some of our heavy timed sets I'll grab the pull buoy to stay up with everyone. It gives me a chance to catch my breath too. I do feel like I am cheating/taking the easy way out but I still make the send-off so I am definitely keeping up on the speed. Swimming a 500 feels like death, pulling it, one of my favorite swims.
