PRO Freediving Buoy Setup Instructions

Congratulations on the purchase of your new PRO Freediving Buoy!

Package Contents

  • Buoy
  • Inflator Tube
  • Valve Key
  • Air Pump Adapter
  • Flag
  • Repair Kit
    • Glue
    • Patch material

Inflating the PRO Freediving Buoy

1. Prepare the buoy

Unfold the buoy completely on a flat surface.

2. Set the valve position by pressing the button

  • DOWN position: The valve is open. This means that air can enter and exit the buoy freely. This valve position is used to quickly deflate the buoy.
  • UP position: The valve is closed. This means that air can enter the buoy, but will not exit. This position is used to inflate the buoy and use it.

3. Prepare for inflation

Once you confirm the valve is in the "down" position, you can:

  • Attach the inflator tube for manual inflation, OR
  • Use the adapter with an automatic pump

4. Inflate the buoy

Inflate to the recommended pressure (5 psi / 0.3 bar), which is also indicated near the valve on the buoy. To avoid overinflation, we recommend inflating the buoy using your mouth instead of a pump.

5. Attach the flag

Secure the flag firmly to the designated attachment point.

Your PRO Freediving Buoy 2 is now ready to be set up for diving!

If you ever need to remove the valve (checking for leaks, cleaning debris from it, etc.), use the included valve key to remove the valve and to tighten it back onto the buoy.

Setting Up for Diving

1. Inspect your equipment

Before each dive, inspect the buoy, dive line, and D-ring for any visual damage.

2. Set up the rope system 

Insert the line through the carabiner on the D-ring (see below for “Recommended Carabiners for Freediving”) at the bottom of the buoy. If you’re using a pulley system (strongly recommended for every dive), you can hook the pulley system directly to the carabiner attached to the D-ring.

3. Attach the bottom weight

Attach the bottom weight to the dive line with an appropriate knot (e.g., water bowline) or an attached carabiner.

4. Set your target depth

If you’re diving without a pulley system, make a clove hitch on the dive line at your desired depth marking on the line. Make sure to secure another clove hitch with the remaining rope on the second carabiner.

5. Prepare for deployment

Take the line out of the buoy.

6. Check the dive site and deploy

Carefully inspect the dive site. If there are divers underwater, wait until they swim away before slowly releasing the dive line with the bottom weight attached.

Important note: If you’re not using a pulley system, make sure the bottom weight doesn’t tangle itself with any part of the line as you lower it. If the dive line is properly braided, the braid should automatically open as the bottom weight sinks. The clove hitch will stop the line at your desired depth once the rope is fully unbraided.

Remember to NEVER dive alone–always with a certified buddy!

Important Safety Reminders

Before Use:

  • Always check your equipment before diving and regularly inspect your buoy for any signs of damage
  • When folding the buoy, check for any foreign particles inside
  • Avoid putting any sharp objects made of metal or other materials inside the buoy as it may damage it

During Use:

  • Keep the inflator tube in the buoy's mesh pocket while freediving to add air in case of emergency
  • Always attach your surface lines to the D-ring, never to the buoy handles. The safety (or backup) carabiner must also be on the D-ring, which is the designated loading point of the buoy, to secure the line in case of pulley failure.
  • To avoid overinflation, we recommend inflating the buoy using your mouth instead of a pump
  • Do not inflate beyond 5 psi / 0.3 bar (as marked on buoy); Molchanovs is not responsible for performance issues or damage caused by overinflation

After Use & Storage:

  • Always rinse your buoy in fresh water after use
  • Do not leave or store the buoy under direct sunlight, in a hot car, or near heat sources
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 80°C (176°F)
  • Do not expose to concentrated acids or hydrocarbon-based chemicals
  • For longer periods of storage, partially or fully deflate the fully-dried buoy and store in a cool, dark place away from central heating

Maintenance:

  • If the valve is leaking air, use the valve key to tighten it; we recommend tightening the valve at least once a year

Repairing the Buoy

The PRO Freediving Buoy is crafted from high-quality PVC—the same durable material used in inflatable boats—making it highly resistant to rips and punctures.

In the rare event your buoy needs repair, follow these simple steps:

1. Locate the damage

  • Inflate the buoy
  • Apply soapy water to the surface
  • Look for bubbles that indicate air escaping
  • Mark the location of the hole

2. Prepare for repair

  • Fully deflate the buoy
  • Cut a PVC patch large enough to cover the hole with overlap
  • Place the patch on the buoy and apply paper tape around it to protect the rest of the buoy from glue stains

3. Clean and prep surfaces

  • Degrease the damaged area using acetone
  • Allow to dry completely

4. Apply adhesive

  • Apply PVC glue to both the patch and the buoy surface
  • Let the glue dry for approximately 10 minutes
  • Reactivate the glue by using a hair dryer to evenly heat the glued surfaces and the patch for less than one minute, keeping the heat at 30 - 40°C (86 - 104°F)

5. Attach the patch

  • Carefully position the patch over the hole
  • Press firmly to ensure good contact
  • Place a weight on top of the patch

6. Allow to cure

  • Leave undisturbed for 24 hours (important note: do not inflate or use the buoy before it is completely dry)
  • Remove the weight and protective tape
  • Clean off any excess glue

7. Test your repair

  • Reinflate the buoy
  • Check for any remaining air leaks


Your buoy should now be ready for your next session!