Waterman Freediving is led by Liao Hong-Wei, a product designer with over 10 years of experience and a PADI (certification agency) freediving instructor trainer.
As someone deeply hooked on both freediving and design, he could never find a float ball on the market that truly suited him — and so the design project for the float ball was born.
For freedivers, a float ball is an essential piece of gear. It serves as a stable platform and provides functions related to freediving such as instruction, rest, equipment storage, and safety signaling.
The Birth of the Float Ball — Where It All Began!
Waterman Freediving spent a full year discussing countless possibilities for the float ball. We talked through just about every wild idea imaginable — short of making it fly or disappear into the ground.
Once the design was finalized, we ran into significant challenges during the prototyping phase. But we were fortunate enough to find a manufacturer willing to help us prototype and produce it.
The very first float ball was red and white, with no outer mesh pocket. Through repeated testing sessions, we gradually refined functional details, colorways, and more. A year later, the final version of the float ball was officially confirmed.
Design philosophy: lightweight, easy to carry, multi-functional, durable, and stylish.
Waterman Freediving Float Ball Features
Weight: A featherlight 1.47 kg — light enough for a woman to carry single-handed with ease.
Mouth-inflation design for travel convenience: Traditional mouth-inflation float balls often suffer from difficulty inflating and air leakage. We redesigned the inflation valve as a large-diameter one-way air inlet, allowing the ball to be inflated quickly by mouth. A quick-release deflation valve is still included so you can pack up your gear in no time.
Large-diameter one-way air inlet
Quick-release deflation valve
Multi-functionality: It doubles as both a float ball and a gear bag, so you no longer need to lug multiple bags to the water.
Backpack strap design: Dual shoulder straps distribute weight evenly for maximum comfort. The straps also serve as load-bearing handles in the water, making entry and exit a breeze. No more worrying about dragging causing the float ball to rupture or straining your shoulders.
Durable and abrasion-resistant: BCD bladder material is used for abrasion resistance and longevity. The handles are stitched with industrial-grade thread, reinforced with box stitching and Bartack reinforcement for superior load-bearing strength. Nylon coil zippers significantly reduce the corrosion issues common with metal zippers.
Thoughtful mesh pocket: Stow valuable camera equipment or small items that are easy to lose and hard to find. No more rummaging through the float ball like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Gear and lifestyle object in one: Available in three colorways — black, white, and fluorescent — the design aligns with contemporary trends and the palette favored by leading sportswear brands in recent years. Versatile and stylish, the float ball is made to be with you beyond the ocean.
And as for visibility at sea — drone footage reveals that black is actually the most visible of the three colors!!
Dive flag and high-pitched whistle: Maritime regulations require a dive flag to be displayed to warn approaching vessels. We have specifically included a dive flag — something you rarely see anyone actually use, yet absolutely should be flying at sea. The high-pitched whistle serves as an emergency signaling device.
After all that, we hope this design truly connects with the hearts and daily lives of ocean lovers. Under normal use conditions, the float ball will be your companion for at least 3 years. The inner bladder also features a batch number, so in the event of any abnormality, we can trace the batch and materials immediately.
A great designer goes beyond aesthetics — we believe durability matters too. A product that lasts longer is, in itself, an expression of environmental responsibility and love for our planet.
Here are a few ways you can purchase or see the float ball in person:
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Waterman Freediving physical store: No. 41, Lane 165, Section 1, Xinsheng South Road, Da'an District, Taipei City
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潛水貨倉: B1, No. 20, Alley 1, Lane 768, Section 4, Bade Road, Taipei City
And great news for divers in northern Taiwan — you can also rent one at "揪潛水"!!!
揪潛水: No. 43-2, Lane 369, Beining Road, Keelung City
揪潛水 Facebook Page ⟸ Reserve a rental now
Rentals are welcome — the rates are reasonable, and it's a great way to experience the float ball for yourself.
Retail price: NT$4,980
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