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You ask, we answer - Nonbak FAQs

Nonbak buoys quick guide

Are Nonbak swimming buoys suitable for open water?

Yes, all our buoys are specifically designed for open water swimming. They are durable, lightweight, and feature dry compartments to safely store personal items while you swim.

How should a Nonbak buoy be cared for to extend its lifespan?

After each use, rinse with fresh water and air dry away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing it wet to maintain its shape and and strength.

Does the buoy replace a life jacket?

No. A swim buoy is not a substitute for a life vest or an approved personal flotation device. Its primary function is to increase your visibility in the water and allow you to carry your belongings dry (if it includes a dry compartment). It is a complementary safety item for open water, but it is not designed to guarantee buoyancy as a life vest would.

Even so, in the event of a stop, it can help you stay calmer and more visible while you rest, but it should not be considered a substitute for regulated safety equipment, especially in rough seas, currents, or fatigue.

Can I hold onto the buoy to rest?

Yes. You can hold on to the buoy when you stop to get your bearings, catch your breath, adjust your goggles, or wait for your group. The buoy provides a comfortable point of support and, above all, makes you more visible to boats and other people.

Important: use it as a temporary support to rest, but not as a "rescue float". If you feel at risk, it is advisable to get out of the water or ask for help as soon as possible.

Does the buoy bother you when swimming or slow you down a lot?

Under normal conditions, a well-placed buoy should not bother or interfere with your stroke or kick. It "drags" behind the swimmer and the friction is moderate; in practice, most people adapt within a few minutes.

It might be more noticeable in specific situations: strong wind, side current, swell, or if the buoy is too deflated or poorly centered (for example, too loose and moving to one side). To minimize resistance:

  • Adjust it so it's centered behind you.
  • Don't let it rub against your legs.
  • Keep the buoy well inflated (without over-inflating) so it floats stably.

Remember that you have an adjustable strap between the buoy and the belt to set the most appropriate distance so it doesn't bother you while swimming.

How do you put on or adjust the belt?
  • Place the belt around your waist, preferably at hip level (a stable area, not on your chest).
  • Close the clip and tighten until it is secure but comfortable.
  • Adjust the length so that the buoy is behind you, at a distance that will not touch your feet when kicking.
  • Take a few steps or make a "simulated" stroke movement: if you feel lateral tugs, correct until it is centered.

Practical tip: If you are wearing a wetsuit, place it over the wetsuit so that it does not slip and is easy to release.

Does it fit any waist size?

The belt is adjustable and designed to fit most standard sizes. For a perfect fit, it's not just the size that matters, but:

  • that the buckle is centered and secure,
  • that it doesn't loosen with movement,
  • and that the buoy tows without shifting sideways.

If a person has a particularly narrow or particularly large waist, the recommendation is to check that the belt allows for sufficient adjustment margin.

Warranties and returns

1) Legal Guarantee of Conformity

In accordance with the Revised Text of the General Law for the Defense of Consumers and Users (TRLGDCU), Nonbak is responsible for any lack of conformity that exists at the time of delivery and becomes apparent within a period of 2 years from delivery.

When there is a lack of conformity, the consumer generally has the right to choose between repair or replacement, unless one of these options is impossible or disproportionate.

2) What the Warranty DOES NOT cover (use, wear, and maintenance)

Open water buoys are used in a demanding environment. Therefore, damage resulting from the following is not considered a lack of conformity:

a) Normal wear and tear

  • Discoloration or loss of color vibrancy due to sun exposure (UV).
  • Aging/hardening of materials due to salt, sun, or heat.
  • Scuff marks, abrasion from sand, resting/dragging, micro-scratches.

b) Improper or non-conforming use

  • Punctures/cuts/tears from rocks, shells, hooks, or sharp objects.
  • Damage from overinflation, impacts, incorrect handling of valves/closures.
  • Exposure to extreme temperatures (e.g., leaving the buoy in the sun inside a car).
  • Damage from chemicals/solvents or lack of cleaning and drying after use.

Care recommendation (to extend lifespan): rinse with fresh water, dry in the shade, and store completely dry, avoiding prolonged sun exposure.

3) Free Returns (only for manufacturing defects or transport damage)

Returns will be free of charge only when:

  • The buoy has a manufacturing defect / lack of conformity covered by the warranty.
  • There is a problem attributable to transport (damaged or incorrect product).

In these cases, Nonbak will bear the necessary costs to bring the item into conformity (including shipping and transport) and, as a general rule, will manage the incident by replacing it with a new unit.

If replacement or repair is not possible, cannot be carried out within a reasonable time, or if legally stipulated circumstances apply, the solutions provided by regulations will be applied (e.g., price reduction or refund of the amount paid).

Important: for transport incidents, we recommend reporting it as soon as possible and attaching photos of the packaging and the product.

4) Returns due to withdrawal (online purchases)

If you have purchased from our website, you have the right to withdraw from the contract within 14 calendar days from receipt, without needing to justify the reason.

Costs in case of withdrawal

  • In case of withdrawal, the customer will bear the direct costs of return (return shipping).
  • The refund, where legally applicable, will include payments received, including, if applicable, delivery costs.
  • If the customer expressly chose a delivery method other than the cheapest standard delivery, Nonbak will not refund the additional costs of that method (e.g., express shipping), in accordance with regulations.

Product condition and possible deductions: the consumer may only handle the product to the extent necessary to ascertain its nature, characteristics, and functioning. If the buoy has been handled or used beyond what is necessary (for example, use in water, presence of salt/sand, signs of use), the consumer may be liable for the diminished value, and a proportional deduction may be applied to the refund.

For user hygiene and safety, we recommend not using the buoy in the water if you wish to exercise the right of withdrawal; use in the sea/pool usually implies depreciation.

When the refund is made: Nonbak may withhold the refund until it has received the goods or until the customer provides proof of return, whichever occurs first.

5) How to request a warranty or return

To process a warranty or return, contact us at hello@nonbakworld.com indicating:

  • Order number and purchase date
  • Reason (warranty / transport / withdrawal)
  • Photos or video of the problem and the product's condition

Which buoy is for you?

What's the capacity difference between 20L, 28L, and the Donut?

20L (compact / "the essentials")

Ideal if you want visibility and only need to carry the bare minimum (keys, phone, gels, glasses, etc.).

This is usually the lightest and least "bulky" option in the water: less drag than a larger buoy, especially if you swim fast.

28L (maximum capacity / more versatile)

Designed for those who want more space or long outings: in addition to the essentials, it can fit light clothing, a small towel, flip-flops, etc.

Donut (in-swim access / "fueled" training)

Its typical advantage over a classic "dry bag" is the ability to open and access the contents while swimming (for example, to get nutrition), provided sea conditions allow.

What size do I need based on my output? (1h, 2h, 4h+)

Outings of ~1 hour

  • If you're not carrying "extra": Nonbak 20L buoy or Donut (the latter is more minimalist).
  • If you want to open the watertight compartment for photos and nutrition, definitely the Donut.

Outings of ~2 hours

  • If you're carrying nutrition and a light garment: Nonbak 28L buoy. This will work if you swim from point A to point B: upon reaching shore, you can have flip-flops, shirts, a towel, etc. available.
  • If your priority is to go light but with provisions: Nonbak Donut buoy.

Outings of 4 hours or more

  • In most cases: Nonbak 28L buoy, for margin and versatility.
  • If it's an outing with "constant nutrition": many swimmers combine a provisioning strategy (Donut) with dry essentials, but if you only choose one: 28L.

Although these buoys provide visibility and a point of support when stopping, the Nonbak 28L product description specifies that it does not aid the swimmer's buoyancy while swimming (you can hold onto it when resting).

What "really" fits and how can you prevent the buoy from becoming uncomfortable?

The key is not just how much fits, but what kind of objects you put in. The most comfortable approach is to carry soft, compact items (thin clothing, small towel, nutrition) and avoid objects with corners that could press against you.

It's not advisable to fill it 100%: leave some space to close it properly and maintain its shape. If it feels "strange" when trailing, rearrange the weight and check the inflation.

I love the custom Nonbak buoys with animals

We're back with more enthusiasm than ever and one of our goals is to create unique buoys that are not available on the market. That's why each season we will surprise you with new models and designs. Don't hesitate to send us your request :)