What’s in your tow float?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 มิ.ย. 2024
- What's in your tow float is something that we're often asked. I thought I'd share what kit I carry, and how I order what goes in the bag. I also have a couple of items I attach to the outside which might be needed along the way.
Here is a link to kit used in this video, via my Amazon Influencer pager, through which I earn commission (which helps to fund my channel): www.amazon.co.uk/shop/everyda...
speedo powerback swimsuit
Swans Ascender goggles
safety knife
Garmin Fenix 5s Multisports GPS watch
Links to other sites selling the kit I use:
Fourth Element Ocean Debris Bag life.fourthelement.com/produc...
lomo swim-run rucksack towfloat www.lomo.co.uk/acatalog/Swim-...
cool bathing black-headed gulls swim cap seaandstream.co.uk/collection...
smoc smoc midnight blue and saffron 3/4 zip www.smocsmoc.co.uk
Waterproof phone pouch www.decathlon.co.uk/p/floatin...
goggles bag made from recycle wetsuit by www.lorna-doyle.com/shop
bobble hat made by my friend Kristy
Filmed on a GoPro Hero8, editted on an iPad Pro using Lumafusion app
I hope you enjoy this video, I'm always thinking up new subjects for videos, so if you have an idea for one, I'd love to read it in the comments.
Edited in Lumafusion app on iPad Pro amzn.to/3h9fjC2
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The Outdoor Swimming community is extremely diverse and welcoming and there are new friends waiting to meet you. Hope to see you in the water sometime soon. Everyday Athlete is my vlog about getting active in the great outdoors. I make videos about outdoor activities such as swimming, snowboarding, running, bike riding which hopefully encourage other people to get involved. I upload videos weekly on a Tuesday morning in the UK.
Come along and join me on my adventures / everydayathleterach
Subscribe to Everyday Athlete here:
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Check out my outdoor swimming playlist:
• Outdoor Swimming
Social Media:
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Facebook page is Rachel Andrews
I use TubeBuddy to save time on publishing my videos, you can find out about it here: www.tubebuddy.com/everydayath...
Well, this is the beauty of TH-cam... I’m connected with the experts in their field. Rachel, you’ve got this tow float thing down to a science!!! I’ve never even seen a tow float or a changing robe... I am certainly learning a lot from your channel. Thanks for all the great tips. Yes , the Autumn colours are starting to pop here in the 🇨🇦ian wilderness. The glorious golden hues are reflected on the water when I swim in the local lakes with the beaver and the family of loons. I am feeling pretty spoiled by the seasonal beauty. 🍁🏊♀️🍁
Hi Mary, thank you for your kind words, I’m pleased you enjoyed the video. I look forward to you posting a pre- swim picture on Instagram! 🏊♀️😀
This is very useful. I didn't realise you could fit so much into a tow float! Also, helpful to see how you keep safe with phone, gps signal linked to friends and whistle. So lovely see your enthusiasm and love of swimming. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for commenting Jennifer. I love the freedom a tow float drybag allows me. I am really passionate about exploring or having watery adventures. Another pre-work sunrise dip is on the cards soon. What kind of swimming do you like best? 🌅🏊♀️😀
Everyday Athlete Rach I went for a fab sea swim at Seaton Carew today. Very choppy with winds at 44mph, and exhilerating! We didn't go too deep. I went with my mum who is is 81 years...she's amazing!
Jennifer Bailey blimey she sounds amazing! Must have been an invigorating dip! 🏊♀️😀
Thank you, the knife is a great idea, I hadn't thought about getting snagged in fishing line.
Oh my goodness! I’ve just discovered you! I’m addicted already.. thank you
Thanks for watching Gabrielle. I’m pleased you found some useful bits 🏊♀️😀
I had absolutely no idea you could even put things in a tow float, so I'm super excited to choose one now that might work for me. I've found a managed spot to go to for my first swim and a tow float is an essential requirement there. Just need to get over that fear now that something huge with big teeth is lurking at the bottom of the water just waiting for me and only me.... 🤪
I hope you manage to have your first dip Rebecca. Check out Lomo and Swim Secure for tow float dry bags, just make sure to put phone and car key on a separate waterproof pouch inside the towfloat for added security.
super cool. Exactly what I was looking for. TY
This is amazing! really informative and inspiring :)
Thanks so much! What a lovely thing to say, you've made my day 🏊😄
Thank you for your guidance and instruction. Learning so much here.
You are so welcome! Nice to have your company. Good to hear you're enjoying the content 🏊😃
Thank you for the wonderful tips!😊
You’re welcome 🏊♀️😀
Wow so awesome 👏 Thanks for the walkthrough, super useful for a starting open water swimmer, great video ♥️
I’m pleased you found it helpful. There are loads of great features to choose from 🏊♀️😀
Love your videos Rachel and most of them are in my area thank you
Hi Richard thanks for watching, most are filmed in South Hampshire 🏊♀️😀
The added whistle is a great tip, thanks
Pleased to say I haven’t had to use it yet. Touch wood! 🏊♀️😀
Great video Rachel - lots of really good tips squeezed in there! 👍😄
Thanks Robin, glad you enjoyed it 🏊♀️😀
Thanks for sharing this idea 💡 love your videos! Enjoying your outdoor adventures 😁😁
Thanks for joining me Julie, enjoy the water x
Great safety tips to have a fun open water swim
Thanks for your lovely feedback. Enjoy the water 🏊♀️😀
Thanks for this…it’s so helpful
No problem, I'm pleased it was useful.
Thank you. So useful, could imagine myself packing like this.
It’s great for one way swims and freedom to get out or continue as you please! 🏊♀️😀
Thanks Rachel - very useful advice, great point about the phone signal which I wouldn’t have thought about.
Fantastic video, thank you for this! Also, the little bag for rubbish is a great idea, I might have to get one :)
It’s a super piece of kit which works best if you put a bottle in the bottom to give it buoyancy. Thanks for watching Jacob 🏊♀️😀
Another great video, thanks Rachel x
Thanks for watching - soon have a swim n cake together!
Everyday Athlete Rach yes we must. I’ll pm you x
Brillo - thanks. I’ve been daily sea swimming for a couple of weeks and wondered how to do point to point swims. Love Lomo stuff from sea kayaking and the rucksack/float looks perfect. Cheers from sunny Torbay.
I bet Torbay is very sunny this week. Enjoy the lively weather 🏊♀️😀☀️
From Morocco 🇲🇦. You're really great 👍🏻 👍🏻👍🏻💯
Thanks for watching Said 🏊😀
Hi Rachel, very useful & great tips on whistle, knife, safe track app 😊🏊🏻♀️🏊🏻♀️
Thanks for watching Kathy, it's good to be prepared! 🏊😀
That was excellent, really informative! 😊👍
Thanks. I just thought there are lots of new swimmers who may not be using theIt tow float to best effect. Any adventures this week?
@@EverydayAthleteRach Not quite swimming adventures but on the river nevertheless - I bought a kayak! I've done a couple of vids on it so far but he next big kayak-wild-camp adventure will be at the end of the month. Can't wait 😊👍
My 24hr adventure that sounds cracking. I used to love kayaking when I had one and lived near fun rivers.
I just found you! I bought a tow float today to enjoy swimming in Ontario lakes and rivers this summer. You are a delight.
Welcome aboard Anne! Thanks for popping by to say hi! I hope you're getting on well with your new towfloat 🏊😀
Really very interesting informations and experience, thanks a lot, I'll try to have one of those here in Morocco, I ALWAYS struggle with my car keys when I go to the beach
Car keys are a worry, aren't they. I hope you managed to get a tow float in `Morocco.
thanks i was looking for a tow float and i think i will get the lomo, the two side blow up is cool.
Glad it was helpful, the two chambers provide security if one gets a leak, the other will still work. 🏊😃
It looks so peaceful in the water. I didn’t have much luck with my first tow float - it flooded and everything got wet. I think I made some newbie errors but the float was slightly floored too. It was also quite wavy in the sea. I’ve since got one like this and looking forward to trying it out. So fingers crossed it’ll work this time. I’ll definitely try your tips, having a bottle to keep it in the right position and triple folding it at the top. Another lovely video!
Hopefully your new one will be more successful. Mine work in the sea too. Let me know how you get in with it 🏊♀️😀
I just recieved a lomo tow float and was slightly confused how to use the dry bag in combination with the bits that you inflate. Your video was very useful! Thanks. Looking forward to getting back into swimming!
Hope you have it sorted now. They are super bits of kit!
Really informative!
Thanks fo watching!
Lovely!
Thanks for watching 🏊😃
Hope you have a fabulous Christmas Rachel.Look forward to more videos in the new year.
Hilary Thornton 🙂🏊♀️
Thanks Hilary Merry Christmas to you too, thanks for watching my videos! 🏊♀️😀
hi rachel it's me said from morroco we are on a trip and some friends need information about tow float , i adviced them to see this video . thank u .
Hi Said thanks for sharing with your friends, they might find this playlist helpful All about tow floats th-cam.com/play/PLrBM9GuZgXX73bAC_TxL9pbU__QCm8s-H.html 🏊😀
Great video. I'm trying to decide what tow float to get and this is really useful. Especially loved the advice about using the drink bottle as ballast and putting the phone on top for GPS tracking. 28L seems like a reasonably compact and manageable size, but after seeing in your other vid how tricky it is to get a Dryrobe in a 28L bag, I'm wondering whether to get a more compact robe or a bigger float...
I couldn’t close the tow float with a long sleeve dryrobe advance. I’d go with a less bulky changing robe if I were to be buying both.
@@EverydayAthleteRach Thanks for the insight, very useful. Shame I already have the Dryrobe (got it before I ever thought about needing a tow float) - the question is whether I can justify getting a Smocsmoc as well... like any new activity, when you start getting into it, it's easy to spend all your money on kit - need to weigh up what's most important (or win the lottery).
In Switzerland 🇨🇭 these bags 🎒 are quite popular and the people are using them to enter in to the water 💧 in one place and get off in the other place once out of the water 💧 just put the clothes on and that it.
I love my tow float it gives me such freedom about where I swim and knowing that I can get out anywhere I like if I get tired or cold 🏊♀️😀
@@EverydayAthleteRach I would like to have one.
Never knew you were the cow whisperer 😂
Shhhhhhh
La majorité des personnes ont un 28 l ( déjà assez gros ) donc pour les personnes qui ont comme moi un 28 l. Ils savent l'importance de ne pas avoir une grosse remorque comme celle ci a tirer . Ça doit gêner la nage s'il y a du vent en mer ....peut être dans des lacs où des mares au canard comme ici ... ce qui est sympa ce sont les bretelles , très pratique , mais pas pour le runnig je pense . Bon reportage
Love your films, Rachel. I would like to know about spotting when swimming front crawl. Is this something you could cover? I have never seen you swimming front crawl but presumably that is because it is difficult to film? Thanks.
Hi R, thanks for watching and your suggestion. I do swim crawl but am self-taught, the sighting idea for the video is interesting, I’ll give it some thought. 🏊♀️😀
Love all your videos, thank you so much. In this one you mention a tracking app, which one is it?
Hi Wendy I use RYA SafeTrx app - if you do a search on my channel there’s a video explaining how to use it..
Absolutely love these videos. Thank you thank you. Just out of interest, how big is the bag you just took out. My dry robe is huge and I’m wondering if my 20l bag would be big enough
Hi Catherine it is a 30L tow float. I was using a smoc smoc which compresses down much more than a dryrobe. You could always try it at home 😀
I must sort myself out , I used a 55l and struggle to get my Smocsmoc in. 😱
@@studland123 I wonder what the difference is? If Rachel can get hers in. I followed the link to Rachel’s and it seems the Smoc Smoc is a 3/4 one. I was thinking to get a 50l bag for a dry robe. I don’t think there’s one, like Rachel’s, with backpack straps though. And that would be essential for me as I’d like to progress to cycling to the swim spot. I’d be interested to hear back if you got it sorted x
@@samanthaemaguire ah that’s it then. Mine is a full one . Thank you. 😊
Have you done a vid about what swimming stroke you use for wild/cold water swimming? does any particular stroke save energy and work out better than others? flutter kick or froggy style (which I'm rubbish at!) and what arm stroke, I'm a late in life learner, and really like your vids with lots of subjects that new or potential outdoor swimmers find useful. proper swimming ie, outdoors sea and river is a longterm goal for me when I get better at the basics. Thanks.
Hi thanks for watching! I swim breaststroke when doing a social swim or a discovery one where I’m taking in my surroundings and I swim front crawl for fitness and when I’m training for something. It doesn’t matter what stroke you swim so long as you can safely and easily get out of the water at your chosen spot. Head up swimming let’s you take in the birds, dragonflies and butterflies, heads down let’s you see the fish. I often use a combination. 🏊♀️😀
Hi there
I haven't started swimming yet but have found your channel and am inspired to try, can you tell me what waterproof phone bag you use as there are so many and I'm guessing yours us of good quality.
Love your videos 💖
Hi Teresa welcome along. I use a phone pouch from Decathlon www.decathlon.co.uk/p/floating-waterproof-phone-pouch-ipx8/_/R-p-X8362003?mc=8362003
Fascinating video - packing the tow float is a bit like packing a removal van in terms of first to be unloaded last to be loaded.
Didn't realise you have to blow up the tow float - didn't realise how much blowing wild swimming involves what with removing gloves as well!
How long does it take to fill up with air by mouth?
And how clear is that water - looks fab! :)
Morning Dave. Outdoor swimming involves a lot of hot air! There will always be residual air around the items in the dry section I just give a couple of blows into the air chamber, sometimes I don’t add any.
I love the Test Marshes it’s beautiful like being on safari yet only about 500m as the crow flies from the M27!
@@EverydayAthleteRach sounds lovely. I love New Forest and all down that part of the world - wouldn't mind living there one day :)
Great video! Started to shop around for one of these and found your video. How many liters is this sack? Thanks
Thanks for watching Lela. I think this one is about 30L.
Hi Rachel
Loving your very informative videos, thank you! Just bought a lovely Ulu Guardian Pro tow buoy/dry bag, but unfortunately it deflates when I access it. I'd hoped to be able to access my phone if needed on a swim, also water bottle for hydration. Does the Lomo stay inflated if you need access whilst in the water? Many thanks.
Julie x
Hi Julie, I must say I don't open mine when I'm in the water, but if I did it wouldn't deflate as the blow up air chambers are on either side of the bag so none would escape if I opened the top of the dry bag.. I do have my phone in a waterproof pouch, so I could get it out if I wanted. Not sure my comment is very helpful..
@@EverydayAthleteRach thanks Rachel, really useful 😃 I bought the Ulu Guardian Pro, great quality, made from recycled plastic bottles, but it deflates when the zip is opened to access the dry bag! Thought I was missing something, but apparently it's designed that way. They're happy for me to return for a refund, so think the Lomo drybag/tow float/rucksack will suit me better. Thanks again for your reply & great videos. Jxx
How does it work with the old English backstroke, my preferred method?
Great informative video, thanks for making it. I am just wavering between the lomo run swim tow float rucksack and the onde from Swim Secure - which brand is better in your opinion? I'm new to all this but assume you prefer Lomo, since that's what you're using! Many thanks again for such as useful video!
Which did you go for. I’ve used both brands and her good things about them so I think either will work for you. Enjoy!
I got the Lomo. Not used it yet but it seems very good quality and well made. Will hopefully use it this week as I swim out to some Portuguese islands in the Algarve - hopefully the boats will see me and avoid!
I love your channel! Would a DryRobe fit in this?
Oops! You've answered this question already.
The long sleeved dryrobe I tried did not fit in
I always carry an extra pair of goggles in the event that my pair breaks during a swim. Of course, the tricky part is opening the bag while in the ocean and not getting everything wet. Thankfully, I haven’t had to do that.
Hi Pat I sometimes do that too especially if it is a long training swim. Are you training for anything at the moment? 🏊♀️😀
Everyday Athlete Rach Not training for anything. Too difficult to get a reservation at the pool, so I’ve decided to just swim on the weekends in the ocean. What about you?
Same here about the pool. Also events have mostly been cancelled. I’ll be focussing on fitness and wellbeing in the river and sea now. A few swimrises me thinks!
Everyday Athlete Rach My goodness you’re up early!
Patricia Powers I’m not up, I just can’t sleep 🛏 x
May I have a question? Given that you packed it almost fully, does it still allow you to use the buoy for a rest or use it as a support when you need to wait for someone in the water? Is there enough air in the buoy to generate force to keep the adult above the water if I want to use it for the rest? Thank you.
There’s so much air contained in the bag in between the kit and my clothes that it is plenty buoyant enough for a cheeky bit of ottering (hugging it floating on my back) or a bit of moral and buoyant support 😀🏊♀️
Je pense que dans cette condition de nage ça va mais en nage freestyle cela doit poser un problème . J'ai une bouée mais je m'en sert que pour la sécurité en mer . Je pense que cette grosse
Bouée n'est valable que sur des lacs calmes , sans vent
Parce que c'est impossible à tirer un tel volume dans le clapot et et du vent , même faible ...
Nice video!
Does this buoy help you float? I swim at the sea, and to train, I wouldn't want something that will help me float.. but at the other hand, I want something I can lay on in case of an emergency. That's why I would be interested to know if this actually makes you float more easily or not. Thanks!
Welcome to my channel, thanks for watching. It isn't a life saving device, but it does give you a little comfort to be able to hold on to it if you have cramp or want a rest. It also doesn't affect your buoyancy which swimming. You may want to check out my tow float tips and tricks video which goes through some technques for swimming with one. 🏊😃
@@EverydayAthleteRach thanks for info. I already ordered one 😀 mainly to carry my phone in case of an emergency, and to have partial relief should I ever be swept away by a current
Hi iv bort tow flot today so looking forward to using it but different brand Hut so hear goes😬
Great! Good luck with it. They can take a bit of getting used to. You might find the videos in my tow float playlist useful.
@@EverydayAthleteRach hi Rachel thank you I have look at your recommendation and I only discovered your channel yesterday and it's lovely channel many thanks
Chris x
@@leeds200282 Welcome along Chris, enjoy the water!
Hi 👋 could you please answer if the tow float slows you down in any way? It seems heavy.
Also, if you need rest, could you hug the tow float amd rest on it or even use to help you swim when youre tired? Thanks
They’re float isn’t heavy at all it pretty comfy to tow except in a lot of wind. You could use it to rest if you got tired or fancy a rest.
Hi again Rachel, I've looked on lomos website but your dry bag looks bigger than the ones I can see.. unless you're incredibly small or he (lomo man) is incredibly large!😄 can you maybe put a link so's I can see which one you have or have you done a video on choosing one, I've tried searching your back catalogue but can't see anything. Kind regards Teresa x
Hi Teresa there’s a link to it I. The description below the video. It is about 30L it is the Lomo swim run dry bag rucksack 😀
@@EverydayAthleteRach cheers Rachel x
I’ve recently started wild swimming, got my first tow float but wasn’t entirely sure I was using it correctly. Mine keeps bumping into the back of my head as I’m swimming.. I wonder if that’s because I’ve been inflating top and bottom..? Would you recommend only inflating the top?
Hiya, tow float can be a bit creepy like that, sidling up to you and bumping into you. You might find this video on tips and tricks for using a tow float useful: th-cam.com/video/k-k-K-v7m28/w-d-xo.html
Hi Rach. I’m looking for a tow float for my DryRobe, etc so it doesn’t get nicked while I’m swimming. What size Lomo bag are you using there? It seems the ideal size. Thanks!
Hi Karl it is this one www.lomo.co.uk/products/swim-run-rucksack-tow-float/ the dimensions are listed but maybe not the volume. I'd estimate it is approximately 30L though.
@@EverydayAthleteRach Thanx Rach!!
Also, the link for the knife says page not found.
I’ll put another one up and fix the link later 😊
Hi i'm glad to see you , what s the name of that place thank you good day
Good evening (you)/morning (me) Dylan! The location is the Test Marshes, Southampton. It’s a lovely place.
3:58 does the dry bag help? Notice there is zip lock? Is the folding enough?
Everything stays dry inside, but any valuables like my phone or car key I put in extra waterproof protection, just in case. Squeezing all the air out then 3 complete rolls of the top does the trick 🏊♀️😀
Thank you for video and comments. I got mine last week, no zip lock but 3 folds and it stays dry. Placed my car keys around my towel. All safe.great video
Thank you.... Do you think a full length dry robe could be squished in to that tow float?
Hi Ruby when I tested different changing robes, the ability to fit in a 28L towfloat was one of my tests. The dryrobe went in but i couldn’t close it or fit anything else in too.
@@EverydayAthleteRach thanks Rachel... Guess I need to go large or go home 🤣
Thank you Rachel, very useful! Your swim looked lovely 🧜
Does that have enough buoyancy for you to hang on if you get tired?
Absolutely, a real comfort blanket! 🏊♀️😀
How do you attach tow float to you I didn't see that part
Tow floats come with a belt which clips around your waist.
Could you let me know the size of your bag please?
Hi Shelley it’s a 30L tow float. That kit fits in my 28L one too 🏊♀️😀
What knife is that ? does it rust?
It's a canoeing knife and there's one in my list of kit on Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/everydayathleterach
@@EverydayAthleteRach is it the one with the orange handle?
@@owenthomas9863 the exact one is no longer available but the orange handle one floats I think, which mine doesn’t!
Can you confirm it’s the RYA Safetrax app please?
Hi Kathy yes, RYA SafeTrx is the one Open water swimming: how to use FREE RYA SafeTrx app (2019) (Ep7) th-cam.com/video/98Lkv46vCQw/w-d-xo.html
Thank you 😊
and then she got eaten by a croc
No, she lives to swim another day 🏊😀
Je pense que cette dame est sponsorisée par LOMO ! Donc quel esprit critique ? Et indépendance ?
Je ne suis pas sponsorisée. Dans ce video j’éxplique l’équipement que je mets dans mon tow float pour nager d’A à B. Ce n’est pas une critique du sac.
@@EverydayAthleteRach ah OK 👌 !