A game changer for swimmers who want to feel the difference in the water straight away, the Orca Buoyancy Unisex Shorts help transform body position, improve efficiency, and build confidence with every stroke. Designed for both pool sessions and open-water training, these performance-focused shorts act as an active alternative to a traditional pull buoy, helping lift the hips and align the body into a more streamlined swimming position. By reducing drag and encouraging natural hip rotation, they allow you to focus on refining technique, improving stroke mechanics, and maximising upper-body power.

What's new with Neoprene Shorts compared to the previous generation?

The latest iteration of these swimming shorts introduces innovative 4mm Aerodome technology panels, which deliver an outstanding 30% increase in flotation compared to earlier models. This advancement ensures that athletes experience superior horizontal lift and better body alignment than what was achievable with the previous generation.

Key Features

  • Increased Buoyancy: Equipped with innovative 4mm Aerodome panels, helping maintain a streamlined and efficient body position
  • Flexibility: Specially engineered side panels allow unrestricted freedom of movement, supporting natural kicking mechanics and smooth torso rotation
  • Comfort: Adjustable waist drawcord delivers a secure, personalised fit that remains comfortable during extended training sessions
  • Core Alignment: Helps promote optimal body positioning and core stability, making it an effective alternative to traditional pull buoys
  • Versatile Performance: Unisex design suitable for both pool training and open-water swimming, accommodating athletes of varying abilities and experience levels

 

While a traditional foam pull buoy immobilises your legs and prevents kicking, the Orca Buoyancy Short lifts your lower body while still allowing you to kick naturally. This helps you practice a much more realistic, full-body swimming stroke that fully integrates your hip rotation.
The Orca Buoyancy Shorts may help you swim more efficiently, often quite quickly. By adding buoyancy to the hips and legs, the shorts can promote a higher body position in the water, which may reduce drag for some swimmers. Many users notice improvements in comfort, efficiency, or pace, but individual results will vary depending on factors such as technique, fitness, and experience.
Triathletes and adult-onset swimmers highly recommend them for fixing "anchor legs" and helping the body "feel" what a high-hip, streamlined position should be. However, the most common warning is to use them as a "tool, not a toy"—avoid wearing them for every single swim so they do not mask technique flaws or become a crutch.
Absolutely. They are incredibly popular for warm open-water swims where a full wetsuit would cause overheating, and they are much easier to travel with. Just be sure to check your specific race rules, as some triathlons classify buoyancy shorts the same as full wetsuits.

Brand : Orca

SKU: ORCA-TA81

Model # : TA81

Clothing Type : Bottoms

Materials : 95% Neoprene | 5% Polyester

Free shipping on orders over $140 to Australia*
Shipping on small orders (under $140) only $9.95
Shipping on all orders to NZ only $9.95
Express shipping to Australia & NZ only $15

Standard Shipping (AU) – FREE on orders over $140 and $9.95 on orders under $140. Orders are dispatched within 1 business day. Click here for shipping delivery times

Select ‘Standard Shipping – Auspost Only’ if you would prefer your parcel is sent with Auspost. Otherwise it will be shipped with any of our available carriers. Auspost Only shipping is not available on some very heavy/bulky orders.

Express Shipping (AU/NZ) – Need it faster? Express Shipping is available for $15. Express Shipping is not available on heavy/bulky orders. Orders placed before midday on business days are usually dispatched same day (otherwise within 1 business day). Delivery times in the table below.

Click and Collect – Shop online and collect in our Milton, Brisbane store, free for all orders. Orders are usually ready within 2 hours (during opening hours). Click here for address and opening hours.

Terms and conditions apply, click here for a full overview of our shipping policies

Orca wetsuits and Tri Gear are covered by a 12-month warranty from the date of purchase.

  • If you have selected the wrong product/size for you, or want to exchange/return for any reason except for warranty or our error, this is referred to as a 'change of mind' return.
  • Not all products are eligible for change of mind returns (click here for excluded products).
  • Once you submit a Return Request, we will provide return instructions via email (along with a prepaid return label if applicable). Please wait to receive this before returning any items (Try 2 Anything excluded)
  • Change of mind returns can be resolved by your choice of exchange, full store credit, or a refund. Refunds are subject to a $19.95 admin fee.

For a full overview of our returns and warranty policies, see Returns and Warranties

Help other Wildfire Sports customers shop smarter by writing reviews for products you have purchased.

Write a product review

Others Also Bought
More From This Category