Greetings
I use a pull buoy all the time when I swim in the pool. I am clearly able to go faster, farther and at a lower heart rate with one than without. My tri friends say don't worry about it. It approximates my body position in a wetsuit as well. My pool swimming friends tell me to get rid of it and learn balance. If I could see some value in not using it for my open water swimming I would make myself stop using one. If there is no real value in not using one I will probably continue. All feedback appreciated.
Regards
Spudfin
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.
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…
