taking cost out of the equation for the time being.... looking at the Swim IT ($125-145) (http://www.theswimit.com/home.html) or the TriSports Safe Swimmer float ($45) (http://www.trisports.com/ishof-safeswim.html)
I've been doing a lot of open water swimming and some days the ocean is pretty rough. I used to fear those days and now I enjoy them - almost like skiing moguls combined with body surfing. I almost always swim alone. While I have finally become really comfortable in the ocean, I can see that this could be dangerous- for example, how a mis-timed breath could accidentally result in water aspiration, possibility for exhaustion or how even a jellyfish sting could even result in anaphylaxis, etc.
I try to always wear a bright yellow swim cap to avoid any errant boaters. (we have a "swim lane" that is supposed to be boat free but there are still kayakers, SUP's and even the paddling teams that occasionally encroach or cross paths.
One feature I see for the Safe Swimmer float is a place put a water bottle (tho I can go for an hour w/o a drink!) or even a GoPro (to catch the dolphins). Safety feature, as well, re visibility. One disadvantage is having to inflate it each time (too big to store inflated in my trunk). Also, another bulky thing to haul around? If inflated with a pump, yet another piece of gear needed. Most of our free divers do tow a dive float, so doing something for OWS would not look completely bizarre. Biggest downside I see is need to inflate it each time?
Swim IT seems like a great idea- as long as you are conscious and able to inflate it when needed (i.e., an arrhythmia with sudden death = no use. Then again, if you are 500 yds from shore and alone, you're dead anyway). It can't be used to "rest", it doesn't contribute to visibility. It is really just for "emergency" use. On the plus side, doesn't add a lot of bulk to gear bag. Also, adds almost no "prep time" to your workout- just strap it on. Comfort might be an issue? Especially if you have short-ish thighs?
Does anyone have any experience with either device? Comfort? SS float interfering with stroke? As "just" an emergency device, Swim IT seems reasonable. The float seems like a more useful device as it (seems to me that it) will assist visibility, can be used for "resting", can be used to carry some gear, etc.
I've been doing a lot of open water swimming and some days the ocean is pretty rough. I used to fear those days and now I enjoy them - almost like skiing moguls combined with body surfing. I almost always swim alone. While I have finally become really comfortable in the ocean, I can see that this could be dangerous- for example, how a mis-timed breath could accidentally result in water aspiration, possibility for exhaustion or how even a jellyfish sting could even result in anaphylaxis, etc.
I try to always wear a bright yellow swim cap to avoid any errant boaters. (we have a "swim lane" that is supposed to be boat free but there are still kayakers, SUP's and even the paddling teams that occasionally encroach or cross paths.
One feature I see for the Safe Swimmer float is a place put a water bottle (tho I can go for an hour w/o a drink!) or even a GoPro (to catch the dolphins). Safety feature, as well, re visibility. One disadvantage is having to inflate it each time (too big to store inflated in my trunk). Also, another bulky thing to haul around? If inflated with a pump, yet another piece of gear needed. Most of our free divers do tow a dive float, so doing something for OWS would not look completely bizarre. Biggest downside I see is need to inflate it each time?
Swim IT seems like a great idea- as long as you are conscious and able to inflate it when needed (i.e., an arrhythmia with sudden death = no use. Then again, if you are 500 yds from shore and alone, you're dead anyway). It can't be used to "rest", it doesn't contribute to visibility. It is really just for "emergency" use. On the plus side, doesn't add a lot of bulk to gear bag. Also, adds almost no "prep time" to your workout- just strap it on. Comfort might be an issue? Especially if you have short-ish thighs?
Does anyone have any experience with either device? Comfort? SS float interfering with stroke? As "just" an emergency device, Swim IT seems reasonable. The float seems like a more useful device as it (seems to me that it) will assist visibility, can be used for "resting", can be used to carry some gear, etc.
