Base Plastic, Disc Golf Tips, Equipment

Which Disc Golf Discs Float

Posted on by Turbo Ted
A disc golfer putting near a body of water
23
Jun
Our local disc golf club recently finished installing the last two hole of a new disc golf course. It is wooded and has a flowing river that runs through the course. That river is responsible for the loss of hundreds of discs. Losing discs in water is rather common.If you’ve been playing very long at all, you’ve likely experienced the helpless feeling of watching your disc disappear below the water in a river or pond. That feeling is even worse if you are in a tournament and have to take a penalty stroke.
In this blog we will discuss one solution to losing a disc in the water: Floating discs. Although they are not always the best option, they do have some advantages to non-floating discs. We’ll mention the advantages, disadvantages, and some other options to help you keep your discs.
A retriever fishing a disc out of water

Advantages of Floating Discs

  • Peace of mind: Knowing your disc will stay on the surface removes a lot of stress on water holes.
  • Cost savings: Fewer lost discs means fewer replacements over the season. (Assuming you can still retrieve your disc. See ‘Limitations’ below.)
  • Confidence boost: When you are not worried about losing gear, you tend to throw more confidently and commit to your line.
  • Beginner friendly: Newer players often use lighter discs and benefit from the comfort that floating models provide.

Limitations to Consider

Floating discs are helpful, but they are not perfect.

  • They can drift with wind or current, which sometimes makes retrieval harder than expected.
  • Some floating plastics do not fly as consistently as premium blends, especially in windy conditions.
  • Availability can also be limited, so you may not find your favorite mold in a floating version.
  • Just because you can see your disc, doesn’t mean you can reach it with a retriever.

Even so, for courses with lakes, ponds or rivers, carrying at least one floating disc is a smart choice.

A disc golfer using a retriever to get a disc out of water.

Best Ways to Retrieve Discs from Rivers and Lakes

As mentioned, even with a floating disc, getting it back is not always simple. These methods give average players the best chance of recovering discs safely and efficiently:

  1. Use a disc retriever pole: Telescoping retrievers reach several feet and are great for snagging discs near the bank or in reeds. Sticky ball tips work especially well in water.
  2. Wade carefully: If the water is shallow and safe, wading is an option. Always watch for slippery rocks, sharp objects or strong currents. Safety should always come first.
  3. Use a stick or branch: A long stick can push or pull a disc closer when you do not have a retriever handy.
  4. Wait for drift: In moving water, discs often settle in calmer pockets or natural catch points. Even in lakes and ponds the wind can push the disc closer to shore.

Safety First Around Water Hazards

A sign that says Danger Deep Water

No disc is worth risking injury. Avoid deep water, fast currents or areas where you cannot see the bottom. If a disc floats beyond safe reach, it may be better to let it go. In some parts of the U.S., there are animal dangers in the water. Find out the dangers before you hop in the water.

Many courses have lost and found systems, and other players often return discs they recover. You might have to just hope your disc comes back to you via honest disc golfers.

Tips for Average and Intermediate Players

For most players, floating discs and retrieval tools are about finding the right balance. You do not need to overhaul your entire bag, but carrying one or two floating discs may be a good idea. Pair that with a simple retriever and you will be prepared for most water hazards. Confidence on the tee often leads to better throws, so reducing the fear of losing a disc can improve your overall performance. Spend some time practicing with your floating discs to understand how they fly, and experiment with different retrieval methods until you find what works best for you.

Many players also carry a few sacrificial discs. These are discs you do not mind losing, so when a risky water shot comes up, you can throw one without hesitation and protect your go-to drivers and midranges.

Examples of Floating Discs

If you want to add a floating option to your bag, here are some popular choices:

To see all of the floating discs that Infinite Discs has in stock, open the Advanced Search, check the EXTRAS box then check the FLOAT IN WATER option. This lets you quickly filter for molds and plastics that are designed to stay on the surface.

Conclusion

Water hazards add both charm and challenge to disc golf. Floating discs offer a practical way to protect your gear and maintain confidence when water comes into play. Combined with a retrieval strategy that works for you, they turn potential frustration into manageable risk. By preparing for rivers, ponds and lakes, you can focus on enjoying the game instead of worrying about losing plastic. Next time you face a water carry, consider adding a floating disc and a retriever to your setup. Your future self will be glad you did when a shot drifts a little too far but stays on the surface, waiting for you to bring it home.

Turbo Ted

Turbo Ted has been playing disc golf for more than a decade. He began playing casually with his brother in Soda Springs Idaho but soon became heavily involved in leagues and tournaments. Ted has worked as the retail manager for both Lucky Disc Golf and Infinite Discs. He has and reviewed thousands of different discs. Ted works to grow disc golf, runs local leagues and tournaments, and loves to blog about his experiences. He is also the inventor of various disc golf products including the Power Pocket cart pouch.