Open water swim buoy
Inflatable float towed on a waist leash so boats can see a swimmer
An inflatable bag on a short leash, clipped at the waist and towed behind an open water swimmer. The point is visibility. A head in chop is close to invisible from a boat, and a bright orange float is not. Most double as dry bags, so keys, a phone and a pair of sandals ride along. Deflated, it packs to about the size of a fist.
People on record
Sorted by strength of stance
Does it: documented as part of their own routine. Recommends: explicitly advises other people to do it. Discusses: covered it substantively without clear personal adoption; this can include criticism or disagreement.
- Ray MakerDoes it
Sports tech reviewer · DC Rainmaker
Never swims open water without one, and repeats the word for emphasis in the list. Two reasons he gives: boats can see him, and it holds his phone, keys, clothes and sandals while he swims. You stop noticing it is back there, he says.
Source: dcrainmaker.com: The 2025 Swim/Bike/Run Gear I Use List
Aimed at the same thing
Other entries filed under fitness.
- Gear$$$Expensive: Several hundred dollars and up.
Home gym
A private training space at home, from a garage rack to a fully equipped room
On record from 7 of 62 tracked people: 5 do it, 2 recommend it - Gear$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
Kettlebell
One implement covering swings, carries and presses in a small space
On record from 6 of 62 tracked people: 3 do it, 2 recommend it, 1 has discussed it - Gear$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
Resistance bands
Loop and tube bands for activation work, mobility drills and travel training
On record from 6 of 62 tracked people: 4 do it, 1 recommends it, 1 has discussed it - Gear$$$Mid: Roughly $50 to $500, or up to $50/month.
WHOOP
Screenless wrist strap tracking strain, recovery and sleep
On record from 6 of 62 tracked people: 4 do it, 1 recommends it, 1 has discussed it - Gear$$$Expensive: Several hundred dollars and up.
Cold plunge tub
Chilled tub that holds cold water ready, instead of hauling bags of ice
On record from 4 of 62 tracked people: 4 do it - Gear$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
Heart rate monitor
Chest strap or watch that logs heart rate and estimates calories burned
On record from 4 of 62 tracked people: 2 do it, 2 recommend it
Gear entry · notes paraphrased from cited sources, quoted excerpts copied from the transcript they link to. Not medical advice. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or reviewed by anyone listed. How this works.