Are pull buoys a bad habit?

Pull buoys, like fins or paddles are a training aid and should be used is a part of a work-out, not as an all the time crutch. If you always use a pull buoy, you will never learn to kick correctly and kicking is an important aspect of swimming; even swimming with a wetsuit. Also some tri’s are non-wetsuit events, if you can only swim correctly with a wetsuit or pull buoy; you are limiting your possible events. While you may pull faster and easier than you swim today; if you learn to swim properly you will get a better all around workout. And in the mean time think of swimming (instead of just pulling) as a better workout – higher heart rate, more calories burned…

Pull buoys, like fins or paddles are a training aid and should be used is a part of a work-out, not as an all the time crutch. I agree with Rob. I'll use a pull buoy during some freestyle sets. I feel it helps to provide body position similar to that when I am wearing a technical suit. I won't use it if I want to focus on turning speed. Just kinda depends on what I feel like focusing on during a set.

I wouldn't take the advice of a triathlete unless they have a true swimming background. Listen to these guys. Most triathletes don't use their legs for propulsion (just balance) in the swim; opting save them for the bike and run.

Yes! As my coach said, "STAY AWAY FROM THE FLOATATION DEVICE!" Crutch.

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I better figure out balance as I am not a triathlete, just a new swimmer. Any suggestions on how to wean myself off the flotation device? I have been told by observers that it looks like all I do is drag my legs along in the lake with a wetsuit on. Not much of a kick. Thanks Spudfin

Thanks for the replies. I have been told by observers that it looks like all I do is drag my legs along in the lake with a wetsuit on. Not much of a kick. Thanks Spudfin I hate to say but that is exactly how almost all Triathletes swim. I still use a buoy and fins, but for specific reasons set out by my coach. I use the buoy so I can concentrate on the swim stroke, but not for long then get rid of it to practice the stroke and kick. I use long fins because, as a runner, I have very inflexible ankles and long fins help there. The majority of my kicking is without fins. I'd try kicking with shoes but I'm not there yet. I'd probably :drown:

There was a point earlier in the year when I'd hurt my knee and the only way I could get any kind of distance was by using a pull buoy. But lately I don't use it at all, just thinking I'll get a sense of false security about my speed, since I don't have a wetsuit and don't plan to get one (eventually I probably will, but for now, have to watch my $$$). When my knee was recovering, I weaned off the pull buoy by alternating and gradually increasing the yards I did w/out the pull buoy, swimming as long as I could without it and when the knee began to twinge, going back to it. The distance I could go w/out it gradually got longer, so I could complete an hour w/out using it, and around the same time, my running was getting better. Another way I've used them is to increase my distance gradually (not during the past few months when I skipped it altogether but in the winter): I'd swim my goal distance part with/part without the pull buoy, then decrease the yards I was using it, so the distance was all "my own." Just wanted to get my body used to going longer gradually. Sometimes I'll use a warm-up that my first masters' coach would prescribe: 200 swim/200 kick/200 pull/200 swim, which lets me work on both the kick and stroke, and that pull buoy feels so good after the kickboard! But lately not even this... just all swimming. I have to admit, I kinda like using them, but I always have to remind myself, it's not my real speed.

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I better figure out balance as I am not a triathlete, just a new swimmer. Any suggestions on how to wean myself off the flotation device? I have been told by observers that it looks like all I do is drag my legs along in the lake with a wetsuit on. Not much of a kick. Thanks Spudfin Some people have a 2 beat kick, some a 4 beat, some a 6 beat kick. Because I am a distance freestyle, mine is a 2 beat but mainly for body balance. You want to know how to wean yourself off the pull buoy? Don't use it, thus, you'll have to kick to some degree. Plus I always liked kicking without a board because it was slightly more difficult. The only way to kick better is to practice kicking!!! And ankle flexibility sure helps!!

I love the pull buoy. It is the only time I can compete with those in Lane 1!!! But, it is definitely a crutch. I have heard of some elite swimmers doing monster pulling sets though. Like a 3-mile pull set with rubber bands around the legs. Do folks still do this?!?!?

I tend to agree with FMIF. I mainly use the pull buoy as a way to mentally break up longer interval sets so I can gradually increase my mileage. It's obviously not my real speed, but it's nice to do a few sets and really focus on stroke form and length.