Awkward Pull Buoy
187
Member
195 days
zagfan posted 16 weeks ago.
I'm 5'9" 150lbs and use one. I wonder if your legs are too long for one to support, in which case two might work for you. Or just squeeze 4 or 5 of those things between your legs and that should do the trick.
548
Member
314 days
jhudalla posted 16 weeks ago.
I'm 6'1" - 168lbs and use 1 buoy. I liken in to a wetsuit as far as flotation goes, so jamming 6 ofm between your legs would really be counter productive. IMHO.
Weary is the path that does not challenge.
98
Member
362 days
swimmer52 posted 16 weeks ago.
Make sure you're using it right.
Adjust the strap (if you can, or you may have the kind that's all foam material that's just shaped) You want it to fit snugly between your legs. And you put it between your legs all the way up by the crotch. This will keep it closest to your butt and help keep your hips high in the water.
"Whether you think you can or can't, you're right"
232
Member
323 days
xc800runner posted 16 weeks ago.
6'2", 158 currently and I use one. I've used only one for 18 years now, and frankly, this is the first time I have ever heard of anyone using multiple buoys. If you are having trouble keeping your hips up, it's more a body position problem, not buoyancy issues. Drop your forehead slightly and your hips should come up a bit. You can also arch your back a bit to get those hips higher. Also, if your feet drop, just use a very weak kick to keep them afloat. This should happen with your normal body roll anyway, i.e. as you drive your right hand and shoulder down, your left foot will naturally rise to the surface. I give a slight flick of my ankles with each stroke, but don't use any force from the hips.
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1090 days
90
Member
468 days
danpatgal posted 15 weeks ago.
Just an update ... I did try again on Monday with just one pull-buoy. It still felt kind of awkward, but with just a tiny kick to keep my feet up, it worked out much better. I think it's going to help me personally simulate how my wetsuit holds me in the water ... and to work on my stroke from there. Thanks for all the comments!
27
Member
112 days
xman posted 15 weeks ago.
Yep, one buoy for me as well. I'm 6'3" and wiegh 190lbs, but I'm 14%bf....... ;)
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1645 days
kylie posted 15 weeks ago.
You generally don't want any kick with a pull bouy -- they don't let you kick normally, plus they are to streamline you and a kick breaks that line.
39
Member
242 days
tholosophy posted 8 weeks ago.
I am 6'2", 225, don't shove it too far up, maybe try middle of thighs.
I tried a pull buoy for the first time this morning for a couple laps, and it was a bit more awkward than I thought it would be. I had heard the pull buoy makes it "easy" to have proper body position, and therefore easier to swim. So, my question is this: I am 6'4" and thin (165lbs and only 3% body fat or something gruesome), so when I used the buoy, it didn't seem to keep my legs up at all ... would it be silly to use two buoys, or am I just using the thing incorrectly? It did feel more like the feeling I get when I wear my wetsuit, so I think I could improve my position some by using a pull buoy (or two) ... any thoughts?