Let’s be honest. Nobody gets into open water swimming for the gear. You show up for the cold shock, the calm after the chaos, and maybe a flask of tea with your mates on the shoreline.
But if you’ve ever dropped your towel in a puddle, had a paddle boarder nearly mow you down, or tried stuffing a dripping wetsuit into a paper bag… you’ll know: a few clever bits of kit can go a long way.
At Dippy Swim Co., we’re all about gear that keeps things simple, safe, and a little less soggy. Tow floats and dry bags might not be glamorous, but they’re absolute game-changers in the wild swimming world, and they don’t have to look dull.
What Even Is a Tow Float?
It’s not a pool noodle. It’s not a rescue buoy. And no, it’s not just for triathletes.
A tow float is a lightweight, inflatable bag that clips around your waist and floats behind you as you swim. It doesn’t slow you down — you barely feel it. What it does do is make you highly visible in open water, especially to boats, kayakers, paddleboarders, and your swim buddy trying to keep an eye on you.
Visibility is non-negotiable. Whether you’re swimming at sunrise, during choppy conditions, or exploring a new lake, a tow float gives everyone around you a big, bright clue that there’s a human in the water.
Why Dry Bags Are the MVP of Swim Kit
Let’s paint a picture. You’ve just had an amazing dip. You’re pink-cheeked, joyful… and your towel is soaked, your spare socks are sandy, and your car key is suspiciously damp.
Enter the dry bag.
These waterproof, roll-top bags are designed to keep your kit dry — whether it’s waiting for you on the shore or coming along for the swim. They’re perfect for:
- Towels, thermals, and a warm change of clothes
- Phones, snacks, first aid kits, or flasks
- Stashing valuables when there’s no safe spot on land
They’re not just a luxury — for longer swims, a good dry bag lets you stay self-sufficient in nature.
Our Dippy dry bags are made for real swimmers, with welded seams, fixed handles, and sizes that fit everything you need without looking like you're off on a four-day hike.
5 Dippy Tips for Using Your Tow Float & Dry Bag Like a Pro
- Practice in calm water first — especially with gear attached.
- Clip your dry bag to your tow float using a carabiner for long swims.
- Use a waterproof pouch inside your float if storing electronics.
- Choose bold colours for max visibility (ours are unapologetically bright).
- Tuck an emergency contact card inside — better safe than soggy.
Real Talk From Real Swimmers
“I used to think a tow float was overkill... until a paddle boarder didn’t spot me in the water. Now I don’t swim without it.” – Sarah, Yorkshire
“Dropped my keys on the rocks after a cold dip. Bought a dry bag that night. Lesson learned.” – Jack, North Devon
Why We Designed Our Own
At Dippy Swim Co, we couldn’t find gear that worked the way we needed it to — simple, safe, durable, and not in boring black. So we made our own.
- Our tow floats are built with tough materials and high-vis colours, and designed to keep you visible without getting in the way.
- Our dry bags are the perfect size for a post-dip change or a lakeside lunch, with rugged seals and a comfortable carry strap.
Tested in lakes, rivers, and chilly coastlines across the UK — if it doesn’t hold up in March, we don’t sell it.
Final Thought: Don’t Let Your Kit Hold You Back
Swimming outdoors is unpredictable — that’s part of the magic. But the right gear can make it safer, smoother, and even more enjoyable.
So whether you’re dipping before work, chasing tides, or taking your first open water plunge, our advice is simple:
Stay seen. Stay dry. Keep swimming.
Explore Our Essentials
👉 Shop Tow Floats: https://dippy.store/collections/tow-floats
👉 Shop Dry Bags: https://dippy.store/collections/dry-bags
Join the Dippy crew — swimmers who love the cold, the connection, and the clarity of outdoor dips (but don’t want soggy socks).
