The Southpaw Buddy Boat is one of a kind among sensory therapy swings - a large, enclosed full-body swing that lets multiple children swing together, building vestibular input and cooperative play skills at the same time. Available across Canada & the US through The Sensory Supply, it brings together imaginative adventure and genuine therapeutic function in a single piece of equipment.

Clients can use the Buddy Boat while seated, prone, or fully supine - with no fear of falling. The soft fabric walls cradle the body from all sides, making the movement experience feel secure and inviting from the very first session. That sense of containment also makes it particularly well-suited for children who are just beginning to tolerate vestibular input, or who have been hesitant around swings in the past.

Key Features of the Southpaw Buddy Boat

• Clear vinyl viewing panel - Allows children to see out and the therapist or caregiver to see in, maintaining visual connection and clinical observation throughout a session without interrupting the therapeutic movement experience
• Lowerable and stowable vinyl side - The see-through side folds down and stows away, allowing older children to use their hands or feet to engage the swing actively and obtain meaningful proprioceptive input alongside the vestibular experience
• Large multi-child dimensions (46" L x 22" W x 12" D) - Makes it suitable for several toddlers or pre-schoolers to swing simultaneously, naturally encouraging socialization, turn-taking, and cooperative play during therapy or classroom sessions
• Positioning aid compatible - Using wedges, cushions, or other positioning supports makes this a highly adaptable swing for children with decreased motor control, allowing access to vestibular input at a wide range of functional levels
• Durable clear vinyl construction - Provides the see-through sightlines that make the Buddy Boat such an effective clinical tool, while remaining easy to wipe down between sessions
• 300 lb working load - A substantial weight capacity that accommodates older children, adults, or a therapist entering the swing alongside a client for co-regulation or hands-on positioning support

Vestibular & Proprioceptive Input for All Functional Levels

The vestibular system governs balance, spatial orientation, and the sense of where the body is moving through space. For many children, structured movement in a secure, enclosed swing provides the kind of organised vestibular input that supports self-regulation, attention, and body awareness - both during and after the session. The Buddy Boat's multi-position design means that different planes of movement can be experienced depending on how the child is positioned, and the proprioceptive input available when the vinyl side is lowered adds an additional therapeutic layer for children ready to engage more actively.

With the optional use of a Southpaw Safety Rotational Device (recommended, sold separately), the swing can rotate freely from a single suspension point. For linear movement, two suspension points allow the swing to glide in a straight line - useful when a more predictable vestibular input is clinically indicated.

Ideal For

The Southpaw Buddy Boat is a valuable addition to any occupational therapy clinic, school sensory room, inclusive daycare, or dedicated home therapy space. It is ideal for:

• Occupational therapists working on sensory integration, vestibular processing, and motor planning with individual or small-group clients
• Schools and daycares building sensory spaces that support multiple children at once
• Families creating a dedicated movement space at home for children of all abilities
• Clinics and residential facilities equipping therapy rooms for a range of developmental needs
• Anyone - neurodiverse or neurotypical - who benefits from organised movement, proprioceptive input, and the sheer joy of swinging with a friend

Important note for use:

• All Southpaw Swings are highly recommended to be used with a minimum of 1 Southpaw Safety Rotational Device. For swings with more than 1 anchor point, it's highly recommended to use 1 Southpaw Safety Rotation Device for each anchor point for maximum flexibility of use.
• Note that all Southpaw Safety Rotation Devices come with 1 Southpaw Safety Snap, but the purchase of a 2nd is required to connect it to the swing safely.

• Dimensions: 46" L x 22" W x 12" D
• Height: 72"
• Working Load: 300 lbs
• Material: Soft fabric body with durable clear vinyl panel

Southpaw Buddy Boat Installation and Safety Manual