how to choose a tow float (swim secure lomo watersport puffin swim restube)

Tow floats are essential safety kit for swimming in open water, let's take a look at how to choose a tow float. Tow floats are vital for increasing the visibility of a swimmer in the water to other water users, however, not all tow floats are the same. They come in many shapes and sizes, here we check out 7 tow floats with interesting features. Thank you to Swim Secure, Lomo Watersport, Puffin Swim and Restube who responded by letting me borrow their equipment, some of them let me keep them afterwards, some wanted them sent back, all I wanted was quality equipment to ensure the relevance and interest in my video.
Here are links to the kit used in this video, some of which are affiliate links from which I earn commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which is what helps to fund my channel..
Swim Secure Tow Float Elite swimsecure.co.uk/
Swim Secure Hydration Float amzn.to/2vWVf4p
Restube Swim amzn.to/39xr6Xe
Swim Secure Tow Donut: amzn.to/3bygPex
Lomo Swim Run Rucksack: amzn.to/2JsXGyx
Lomo Dry Bag Swimming Tow Float With SMB Flags amzn.to/2yi31Xo
Puffin Billy Eco 15 www.puffinswim...
Filmed on a GoPro HERO7 Black amzn.to/2xXAuX6 edited using LumaFusion 2.1 on iPad Pro amzn.to/2qpw5Zo
I use an xclear hydrophobic protector on my gopro to repel water droplets. Get yours here: www.getxclear.com?aff=43
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[@natsukiokada7283]

I got the Puffin tow/dry bag for Christmas! I’m only 12 but I really love wild swimming! I live in the uk and the sea is my favourite place. Just found your channel and I’m loving it! Thank you

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Natsuki, welcome to the outdoor swimming club. The Puffing towfloat is great and it's eco-friendly too! I hope you're enjoying using it! Thanks for watching my videos 🏊😃

[@Team_MFH]

I’m ten and my first adult open water triathlon is in 3 weeks. This will be my first time using a tow float.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Good luck. They can be a bit challenging to get used to but I’m sure you’ll have a super time 🏊‍♀️😃

[@etulfnap]

Until today, I didn't even know the difference between a dry bag and a swimming buoy, now I learn a new term "tow float". The video contains plenty of information and I learned a lot. Thank you for sharing! :)

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

You’re welcome Steve. Thanks for watching 🏊‍♀️😀

[@bernardinelermite1133]

Very useful information, thank you !!

[@juliemcconnellogue4254]

Hi Rachel i could listen to you talking all day

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thanks, that’s a lovely comment x

[@lmnts-wildswimming9922]

I use the Lomo towfloat, I’m really impresses with the quality. Great bit of kit. Thanks for the info!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I'm looking forward to giving them a proper go, not just blowing them up when we have got on top of Covid-19 and things head back to normal.

[@ArtDrawColour11]

Hi Rachel - I've just started outdoor swimming on a more regular basis this summer and hoping to carry on into the winter. I live in a beautiful fishing village on the West Coast of Scotland and I have the pleasure of swimming in a sea loch. Your videos are great no nonsense and informative. You make outdoor swimming so accessible! Thank you 🙂

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Well what a lovely message Alison. Which part of the beautiful West Coast are you swimming in? I’ll be up at near Helensburgh in November.

[@ArtDrawColour11]

@@EverydayAthleteRach I’m in Tarbert Loch Fyne so much further west. I’ve just finished working on the new swimming pool and leisure centre in Helensburgh for work so definitely check it out if you have time 👍

[@breizizel3256]

Brrrr ...! Courage !

[@DimoDimov1]

That was lovely Rachel! I found it very informative but I also really appreciated your good vibes and energy :)

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Dimo thanks for watching, I'm pleased that you enjoyed the video. I hope it has helped you to narrow down what features you want from a tow float 😜🏊

[@Daveonarave]

A very useful video I must bookmark as I'm keen to get slow swimming maybe from next Spring - i will be a fairweather amateur i think :D thank you for sharing these useful and important tow float tips. Sorry I keep randomly commenting on old videos - some you tubers don't like this but now I've subbed to you they seem to come up in recommended videos :)

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thanks for the sub Dave. I'm always happy to hear from people who are enjoying my videos, or for who they spark a reaction or idea. Comment away! 🏊😀

[@Daveonarave]

@@EverydayAthleteRach bless you. You have a beautiful sense of gratitude - don't ever lose this whether in the water or on land :)

[@sunnyimpressions]

I like your sweatshirt! The information is very useful. I will be purchasing a tow float for the first time.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thanks Rosa. I bought it from the Outdoor Swimming Society website a year or so ago. It does make people smile or chuckle when they spot it, which is a nice feeling! There are lots of tow floats out there to choose from. I almost always use one with a drybag so that I can swim a distance and get out, or get out somewhere unplanned and be able to put my clothes back on and warm up. I'm hoping to do a swim camp once this pandemic blows over. Stay safe x

[@WeThErOcKsTaRs]

Jullian from Hawaii here, thank you so much for this informative video initially I was sold on the Swim Chill bag but that Lomo Watersport Swim Run looks amazing! I'll certainly be back for more info on that

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Welcome to Everyday Athlete @KingJulian thanks for watching. It’s always good to weigh up your options 🏊‍♀️😀

[@atb4875]

Very useful information on tow floats, I’ve been contemplating buying one. Thank you

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

They are a must in a busy waterway and I just love the independence of a one- way swim that they afford me. 🏊‍♀️😀

[@assstrak]

Thank you very much for you videos :) Today I bought one Swim Secure bag :) I cant wait to swim with that :)

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Paul, I hope it arrives soon! It is a bit of a game getting used to swimming with a tow float, there’s a video on that too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oV7OXn5jq5ygaJo

[@patriciapowers3751]

Hi Rachel, loved it! Glad to see you are well. Keep up your good work and stay healthy.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Pat, thank you - same to you. Are you still able to get in for a swim? With no unnecessary driving, it’s pretty much ground to a halt here. My mountain bike and trainers are seeing plenty of action though. Stay safe and wash your hands! x

[@seancurling3438]

Informative and to the point,thank you from Spain.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thanks for watching, I’m pleased it was helpful 🏊‍♀️😀

[@seancurling3438]

Your welcome.

[@LomoWatersport]

Great Video :) Thanks for highlighting our products. Keep up the great work.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

No problem. The 60L rucksack has been a game-changer for me this winter!

[@LomoWatersport]

@@EverydayAthleteRach Excellent, we love it. It is a great bit of kit. Lots of room and practical. Thanks for trusting Lomo. :)

[@catherineannetts2930]

Really enjoying your videos Rachel and love your smiles and enthusiasm. Loads of useful tips for a newbie like me and it's fun spotting local sites such as this one (I live in Mudeford!) Also, where's your hoodie from - I love it!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Catherine, welcome along! The hoodie was bout from the Outdoor Swimming Society shop a few years ago. It’s great isn’t it. I’ll try and keep the locations varied for you to play spot the spot!

[@Mr_Underground02]

Restube Active sehr zu empfehlen 😎👍🏻

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Schön das zu hören. Danke fürs zuschauen 🏊😀

[@said0725]

I want to know if there is a difference 🤔 between the dry bag and the tow float ?!! 🤔 thank you . Rachel 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💯

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

They’re both tow floats. Some are just like a reusable balloon. Others have an integrated dry bag - this is my preferred type.

[@IraG0427]

I wonder what is this 1:08. Look at the water movement next to your arm/shoulder. Thanks for the info by the way.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I wonder if it was a fish? I hadn't noticed even though I spend ages looking at the clips during editting!

[@jonathangarth417]

Gust of wind

[@pauline-sophiecourau9921]

Hi Rachel, I am the SUP'er who stopped you mid-swim to ask you about your tow bag yesterday. I just wanted to say thank you for the recommendation! Your 'rescue sausage gave me a good giggle'. I will definitely follow your advice on double chamber. Leaning towards the backpack version. Have you had a chance to give any of them a go since the video was shot? x

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hey Pauline-Sophie! How was the paddle, it was a glorious day wasn't it - caught the sun a bit though as I didn't expect to be exposed for so long! I've had the Lomo SMB Flag one in the water, it had the biggest chamber of them all - tonnes of space. The donut carried a surprising amount though (I put my shorts, vest top, armless towelling changing robe, car key and phone (in a separate waterproof pouch just to be sure). My friend was using the Puffin EcoBilly the other day and that worked nicely. I'm yet to try the rucksack, but it's comfy when on in the dry, so can't forsee a problem. For me the brighter the better, and plenty of space so I don't have to pack too frugally! The ones I tried were a selection but there are loads more out there. These were all well made and several of the manuafturers have a number of different ones. I wanted to show that there is a choice and there are features to look out for. Do you swim locally? 😜🏊

[@pauline-sophiecourau9921]

​@@EverydayAthleteRach It was a perfect paddle day, indeed! And my first true outing in 9 weeks so I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would call myself a baby swimmer at the moment. I usually swim throughout the summer but over the weekend and between a picnic and ice cream. However, with the gym closed and the biscuits in easy reach, I need to find alternative ways of exercising - hence the need for a tow bag. I'm Bournemouth based at the moment and would want to swim off Durley Chine (just because they have parking that comes down to the beach and I am very lazy...). Are you also local to this area?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Pauline-Sophie Courau I’m on the Eastern edge of the New Forest. I regularly swim at Lepe, Calshot, and Chewton Bunny (near Highcliffe), or at Christchurch. Just getting in is great. We all have to acclimatise from somewhere.

[@pauline-sophiecourau9921]

@@EverydayAthleteRach getting in is the scary bit! Not going to lie, the weather has been pants so I have yet to go swim... However, watched some of your couch to 5k videos and did my first run this morning. You inspired me to get my butt off the couch!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Pauline-Sophie Courau brilliant effort. I can’t say I feel great when running but I feel pleased afterwards! As for the swimming, just ease in on a calm day and swim for a couple of minutes in your depth 😀

[@NR-gk1ox]

Love your videos would you do one on night swimming please

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Noni I’ve made 2 on night swimming: night vision + tips for swimming safely in the dark kzbin.info/www/bejne/op6QpmSkeLSila8 How to be seen when swimming in the dark: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn7CqmWCaZ5_jZo

[@mikal88]

Great vids Rachel, interested to know what your tow float gopro set up is?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I use a chesty harness around my towfloat.

[@breizizel3256]

Bonjour 👋 de France Bretagne, je nage en mer aussi avec un LOMO , et je dois quand même signaler ( et cela personne n'en parle. ) que quand il est rempli d habits et autres on arrive vite à plus de 2 kilos à traîner ! Et cela gêne la nage surtout s'il y a du vent ! Voilà du vécu... Autrement c'est super pour se faire signaler des autres Et aussi pour se reposer au cas où ...

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Bonjour! Je trouve difficile a nager avec n’importe quel sac towfloat dès qu’il souffle. De plus, au vent le sac rampe sur moi et de temps en temps me fait peur 🤣

[@breizizel3256]

@@EverydayAthleteRach Haha !

[@GemmaDewey]

Watch in the watch at 1.06 behind you. What is it?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

What beady eyes you have! I hadn't spotted that, but I guess it was a fish, or possibly just a little gust or wind playing across the surface. It's always the stuff in the background which catches the eye!

[@beccajohns]

Hello! With the Lomo Swim Run do you reckon I could get a Dry Robe and shoes in it? I have a Decathlon dry bag which is nearly a dupe but couldn’t get both shoes and a robe in it. Loving your channel!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

sorry for the delay. I've now had a go at cramming the long sleeve dryrobe advance (size L) into my Lomo Watersport swim/run towfloat rucksack and... it fits and the tow float seals correctly. There is not much room for anthing else, I'd suggest swimming in river shoes, or towing crocs behind your towfloat, that said, a pair of flipflops would probably fit. 🏊😃

[@adamfeliciano7000]

Where can I buy that sweatshirt "Serial Chiller"? I want one

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I bought it from the Outdoor Swimming Society online shop a couple of years ago, I love it!

[@paultsworld]

I want to try paddle boarding (once we can get out) I notice you paddle board - any chance of a video at some stage? All the best, Paul

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I can definetly put something together on a paddleboard trip. I like the serenity of it, and the ability to take the dog and the BBQ to a secluded location.

[@paultsworld]

That's great - look forward to it.

[@Mythtrekker610]

Great video. I have a dry bag that is not a tow float. Would you have any idea of how to use a 20l dry bag as a tow float as well?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Use a piece of dyneema cord to link the two plastic D-rings either side of the bag fastener and attach some floating rope to it to connect to a quick-release waist belt. That’s what I do.

[@Mythtrekker610]

@@EverydayAthleteRach You are awesome.

[@SuperGeert123]

So, a 20 L drybag tow float. Does that mean there is 20L storage capacity, or does 20L include the air taking up space with a litlle storage left ?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

That is the volume of the dry bag part I’d say. When you put things inside and squeeze out the air you can then blow into the separate air chambers. I quite often don’t blow any air in because it is very buoyant with my clothes inside.

[@VandeCristo]

How hard is it to drag these bags behind you?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Not at all, you barely feel it. I have a video about different ways to tow it within the tow float playlist.

[@jrr7605]

Hi, I'm researching for my first dry bag purchase and was hoping your video would cover swimming in the dim/dark. I'd presumed the do-nut type would be best to house a lit torch with the top being translucent, but maybe they'd all have an element of glow with a torch inside? Is there one you'd favour for dark dipping?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I find that a bike light or torch in any brightly coloured towfloat will work like a glowing orb. The see-though ones will radiate the white light out too. 🏊🌠😀

[@jrr7605]

@@EverydayAthleteRach that's good to know thanks!

[@ronnierascal12]

is there not a 2 in 1 tow float that you can hang on to when you panic for buoyancy? Surely! :)

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Daniel, none of them are sold as life saving devices, but they all have some buoyancy, so you could hand on to them to regain your composure. 🏊😀