“I’m a cyclist/runner who is relatively new to swimming and not so confident in the open water. The swim buddy is the perfect crutch to give me confidence to extend my distance in the open water. Also allays my fear of careless boat/jet ski drivers (especially with the flashing light for dawn/dusk swims). Great for holding keys/phone as well, but it’s a good idea to seal everything in another layer like a ziplock to ensure dryness.
Haven’t yet taken it out through high surf, but curious how it will work diving under big waves.”
“Works extremely well for other boats to see you in the water. The dry pocket works very well if you roll the end enough and blow the bag up properly. I don’t notice I’m towing the bag at all while swimming, and if I need to adjust my wetsuit, cap, or goggles in the middle of the water, then it supports me enough to be able to hold on and rest for a while. Definitely happy with the purchase.”
“I swim in a reservoir/lake which has lots of boats/jet-skis. I decided that being more visible would make me feel safer, so I got the Buddy Bag with light and I love it. I keep my phone/car keys in the dry compartment, though I also put them in dry-seal bags as well. I hardly notice the Buddy Bag when swimming - there is no drag or tangling in the straps. One problem is that jet-skiers, who do nothing but skim across the lake as fast as possible "see the light" and decide they "have to investigate." More often than not they are almost on top me before they realize it is a swimmer. The quality of the Buddy Bag is superb - I highly recommend it”
“I bought the one without the light. I have used it twice now and don't even know it's attached to me. I feel much more visible. I did notice a little moisture (water droplets) in the storage area but not bad.”
“I’ve taken this out a couple times and it’s well designed - you don’t even notice it’s there! But I had issues with moisture in the dry bag. Also, the rubber seal on the light doesn’t fit right. I do like the light option, however. Really helps on evening swims.”
“The bag itself is similar to the standard plastic buoy, though larger. I bought the version with the light and unfortunately the light dropped out of its little internal pocket into the tub, broke open, and the guts came out. While I could put it back together, the light now no longer functions correctly. I think a better design would have held that little light in place, or perhaps the light would have been able to withstand the 2 foot drop into the tub. Or maybe I shouldn't have turned it upside down to empty the contents after a swim.”
