I bought this buoy rather reluctantly, as my preference is to open-water swim without such encumbrances in deference to my incredibly slow (though I cover distances of 2 miles of better regularly) speed on water. I succumbed to peer pressure, fellow swimmers demanding I purchase this so they could see my bobbing body out on the billowing waves, and procured this from Amazon. Now I won't swim without it! It not only reassures my comrades who can see this thing from great distances, but it provides a means to carry things it I so wish, and I actually had the chance to experience its floatation role for the first time several days ago. My wife caught me about 3/4 into a mile swim on a local lake as she was paddle boarding, and I reacted by stopping the swim (forgetting that the New Wave Buoy was attached). I was immediately held in perfect buoyancy as I chatted with her. Really rather remarkable, and I'm obviously quite satisfied with this accessory.

I practiced with my new buoy a few days ago and it was just what I needed. It's totally out of the way when swimming, but there when you need it for a break. I bought the medium. I am 5'4" 160 lbs and it held me up just fine. The inside gets a little wet so don't put your phone in there unless you have it in separate waterproof case. I was so nervous about my first race in open water. I now feel more comfortable because I'll have my buoy with me.

Most of the triathletes I do open water swims with are using these now, and we constantly get compliments from boaters, observers, etc.. Everyone thinks these are great and they're catching on like wildfire. No reason to swim without it! I love having the option of using it to float on, I feel safer with the higher odds of being seen, and I like having the option of putting something in the dry bag compartment of the bag to have along with me on my swim.

I just received this yesterday and used it for an open water swim today! Absolutely fabulous! I am a triathlete with swimming probably my weakest event. I love swimming but I can't say I'm totally comfortable in the water. In most open water swims, I would wear a wetsuit, even if it was 90 degrees out just for the buoyancy effect. Sooooo, I just used this item and must say I have never been more comfortable swimming just knowing it was there if I needed it. I did not feel it during my swim at all. It is beyond 5 stars. The dry pocket worked well too. I had my car chip key in it and it stayed dry thoughout the swim. I cannot say enough about this product. Nice job new wave.

Open water swims are always a little nerve wrecking, however this buoy provides me with piece of mind knowing that I am clearly visible to my training partners, lifeguards and watercraft, with the added bonus that if I needed to stop along the way, that I had a little flotation help. I wouldn't trust the pocket to keep my belongings totally dry, and would put them in another waterproof bag inside just in case. If you practice your swims in open water you NEED this!