Top Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Where do I find instructions for the Swim Bubble?
Answer: We are glad you asked! Amanda Kenny recorded a very short video going over the basics:
Question: How Do I Use my New Wave Swim Buoy like a Professional Athlete?
Answer: Sam Morgan recorded a short 2 minute video for New Wave Swim Buoy. Sam is a four-time NCAA Qualifier, Two-time All-America in mile (2004 and 2005), First Georgia Tech freshman (2003) to compete at NCAA Championships, and he holds GTAC Pool record in the 1000 freestyle. Impressed? Don't be - watch this video and swim like Sam:
Question: How can I shorten my buoy belt if my waist size is smaller than 35 inches?
Locking the belt slide without sewing from New Wave Swim Buoy on Vimeo.
Question: What is the most visible color on water?
Answer: Wear Fluorescent Green to be seen.
A new study conducted by Mustang Survival, and sponsored in part by WorkSafeBC's Research Secretariat program, found that fluorescent green immersion suits routinely beat standard oranges, reds, and yellows in terms of visual detection in water - particularly in low-light conditions.
In August 2011, Mustang Survival conducted a study entitled On-Water Visibility to distinguish and scientifically validate the most conspicuous color for use on Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) and Immersion Suits (IS) when viewed on the water. Prior to this study there were no recent studies on the science of non-reflective conspicuity and the effects of color on conspicuity conducted in marine environments. The most recent Canadian standards prescribe Pantone colors (Orange, Red, and Yellow) for these products. Notably missing were high visibility CSA approved colors which have been mandated on construction sites and within the Public Safety Community throughout North American for their high degree of visibility.
The Findings:
• Research findings show fluorescent yellow-green (G) followed by fluorescent orange (O) were the most conspicuous colors for a floating target when compared to non-fluorescent red (R) and non-fluorescent yellow (Y). This result was found from simulated laboratory viewings and actual on-water experiments using human subjects.
• When viewing the colors against a simulated maritime horizon using their central vision, the test subjects judged fluorescent yellow-green and fluorescent orange, to be the more conspicuous colors compared to red, and yellow. Yellow was deemed to be the least conspicuous.
• On water testing of the four specific fabric colors showed that for both approaching and leaving a target in low or high intensity light, fluorescent yellow-green was the most conspicuous color overall, followed by fluorescent orange. Red was found to be the least conspicuous color with on-water testing.
• Minimum on-water detection distances ranged from 350 meters (red) to 1400 meters (green).
A new study suggests fluorescent green marine wear - rather than standard orange, red, or yellow - offers the best bet for surviving an on-water emergency
Reference: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/articles/living-colour
Full report of the study is here: On-Water Visibility Study - Determining the Most Visible Colour that can be Worn by Floating Subjects
Question: Can you open the bag to access food or hydration in open water? How can you eat and drink in the middle of training with these?
Answer: You sure can. Unroll it and unlatch the belt clip. The inflation compartment is separate from the dry bag compartment. Water will likely get into the drybag, but it's worth the snack. Here is the video that shows the basics: https://vimeo.com/170405642
By New Wave Swim Buoys SELLER on July 22, 2016
Question: How does it hold up swimming through ocean surf?
Answer: Our open water swim club uses these buoys every week out in the Gulf of Mexico under all types of various surf conditions. You don't even know that you are wearing them. We keep water and GU inside..great space. Highly recommend them!
By Lisa Dougherty on August 25, 2017
Question: Will the dry bag compartment keep my cell phone dry?
Answer: I'll admit that I was a bit skeptical when first putting my iPhone in the New Wave Swim Buoy for a long swim, and I actually wrapped my phone in saran wrap the first time to protect it in the worst case scenario. However, at the end of my swim an hour and a half later, I found there to be absolutely zero signs of any liquid getting inside the buoy. I love carrying my phone in my buoy and have even stepped out of the water on an island in the middle of my swim to take a photo - a moment that I never could have captured and shared before my New Wave Swim Buoy! If you're nervous, as an extra precaution, you could put the cell phone in a plastic bag.
By Matt Gossett on September 11, 2016
Question: How big is the 15L size? Like how much stuff can it hold? I need to put 3 passports, cards, phone and maybe some medications.
Answer: I have the smallest size, and I recently fit a pair of thin flip flops, t-shirt, light shorts, sunglasses, 2 cards, water bottle, chamois towel AND cell phone. It worked great, and everything stayed dry.
By Jennifer Maple on July 15, 2017
Question: What size is the waistband?
Answer: It is quite adjustable. I am a Men's 29 waist, and I can close it down to fit my torso. The belt can be adjusted to fit up to a 52 size waist.
By Jeremy Dunn on June 12, 2016
Question: How much weight does it support??
Answer: It depends if you are including your own weight or just trying to carry / tow something with it.
- Buoyancy force for the 15L Buoy is 9KG (20 lbs).
- For our 20L buoy, it is 15KG (33 lbs).
- For the New Wave Swim Bubble, it's 12KG (26.5 lbs).
- If you are asking about body weight of an athlete, it's 190 lbs threshold.
- So, if you are under 190 lbs, you will be fine with a 15L buoy or bubble. If you are over 190 lbs, it would be best to use the 20L or Bubble.
| New Wave Swim Buoy Model | Buoy Weight | Buoyancy Force |
Swimmer Weight |
Dry Storage |
| New Wave Swim Buoy 20L PVC |
11oz | 33lbs (15KG) |
up to 250lbs (113KG) | Yes |
| New Wave Swim Buoy 15L PVC |
9oz | 20lbs (9KG) |
up to 190lbs (86KG) | Yes |
| New Wave Swim Bubble 20L |
7oz | 26.5lbs (12KG) |
up to 250lbs (113KG) | N/A (Ultralite) |
| New Wave Swim Buoy 20L TPU |
12oz | 33lbs (15KG) |
up to 250lbs (113KG) | Yes |
| New Wave Swim Buoy 15L TPU |
10oz | 20lbs (9KG) |
up to 190lbs (86KG) | Yes |