Lasso Style Mount for Swimrun Pull Buoy
Got a new Swimrun pull buoy, but you don’t know the best way to set it up? We are here to help! There are several mount styles for Swimrun pull buoys including waist or hip mounting positions. One of our favorite mounting positions (and one of the most popular) is called the lasso-style waist mount. This is a popular mounting style because of its ease of transition from swim to run and run to swim. It’s also very easy to position the pull buoy on your lower back during running sections.
The first step is selecting the pull buoy that you want to use for your Swimrun races and/or adventures. If you aren’t sure which Swimrun pull buoy is best for you be sure to check out our Swimrun gear guide and Swimrun gear reviews on Gear Talk to help inform your decision.
Once you’ve decided on a pull buoy, the next step is to set it up for use. (Some brands sell pull buoys already set up with either straps for hip mounting or lassos for waist mounting) Setting it up is a relatively simple and painless Swimrun DIY project, so we created this guide to help you get it right the first time.
Let’s get right to it!
Lasso-Style Mount Supply List:
Swimrun Pull Buoy
We used the Ark Keel + pull buoy for this video
Note: You can use pretty much any pull buoy for this mount but it’s better to use one with greater buoyancy than typical pool swimming pull buoy
Long Screwdriver
Shock Cord in 1/4” or 6mm Thickness
Lighter
Thick Straw
Scissors
A little bit of courage
The step-by-step process for making your own lasso-style mount for your Swimrun pull buoy.
Identify where you want your pull buoy lasso to be mounted. We recommend the upper quadrant of the buoy.
Using a long screwdriver carefully push the screwdriver through the pull buoy. Go nice and slow, no sense in rushing this. Your screw driver should be long enough to come out the other end. Give it a wiggle or two to make the hold a little bit bigger which will help for step 3.
Taking your straw and work it into that hole you just made with your screwdriver to make sure the the opening is nice and neat.
Once the straw is through the hold in the pull buoy start putting your shock cord into the straw.
With the end of the shock cord that you just put through tie a tight, double knot.
Pull the straw back out and use your scissors to cut the shock cord. Cut the cord giving yourself some extra length. You can’t make it long, so give yourself a few extra inches. just in case.
Take the end of the cord, make a loop around your waste and tie a slipknot.
With caution, use a lighter to lightly melt the ends of your shock cord so that you don’t have any frayed edges.
Test the fit and cut any extra cord if needed. The pull buoy should be able to fit comfortably between your thighs without too much slack in the lasso attachment.
Go for a Swimrun!
For more Swimrun information and to check out our podcast, visit lowtideboyz.com or search for the Low Tide Boyz wherever you listen to your podcasts.