How to Choose the Right Goggles for Open Water Swimming
Swimming in open water brings unique challenges: unpredictable conditions, varying light levels, and the sheer vastness of the environment. Your choice of goggles can make or break your experience, impacting visibility, comfort, and even performance. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the best goggles for open water swimming.
Why Goggles Matter in Open Water Swimming
Unlike pool swimming, open water swimming involves navigating through waves, dealing with glare from the sun, and adapting to a dynamic environment. Goggles designed for open water swimming offer:
Enhanced Visibility: Wider lenses and anti-fog coatings improve your ability to spot buoys and other swimmers.
UV Protection: Shields your eyes from harmful sun rays, especially during long races.
Comfort and Fit: Ensures a watertight seal, crucial for keeping your focus on swimming and navigation.
Key Features to Look For
1. Lens Type
Choosing the right lens is critical for adapting to different light and water conditions.
Clear Lenses: Ideal for low-light conditions such as early mornings, overcast days, or murky water. They provide the most natural visibility.
Tinted Lenses: Suitable for sunny conditions or moderate light levels, reducing glare while maintaining visibility.
Mirrored Lenses: Reflect sunlight, making them perfect for bright, sunny days. These are popular in triathlons held in open water with direct sun exposure.
Polarized Lenses: Reduce glare from the water’s surface, offering superior clarity in bright or reflective conditions. They are often the best choice for sunny and highly reflective environments.
2. Lens Shape and Size
Wide Lenses: Goggles with wider lenses offer better peripheral vision, essential for spotting buoys, other swimmers, and navigating in open water.
Curved Lenses: Provide a more natural field of view without distortion.
Flat Lenses: Work well but may create slight visual distortion at the edges, which can be distracting in open water.
3. Anti-Fog Coating
Fogging can hinder visibility and cause unnecessary frustration during your swim. Many open-water goggles come with anti-fog coatings, but this feature wears off over time. To extend its lifespan:
Avoid touching the inside of the lenses.
Rinse with clean water after use.
Use anti-fog sprays as needed.
4. UV Protection
Open water swimming often means prolonged exposure to sunlight. UV-protected lenses shield your eyes from harmful rays and reduce the risk of strain.
5. Fit and Comfort
A proper fit ensures that your goggles stay in place without causing discomfort or leaks.
Adjustable Straps: Look for goggles with adjustable or split straps to ensure a snug fit around the head.
Gasket Material: Softer materials like silicone create a comfortable and watertight seal.
Nose Bridge: Some goggles come with interchangeable nose bridges for a customizable fit, while others use flexible designs that adapt to your face.
6. Durability
Open water conditions can be harsh on goggles. Look for models made with durable materials like:
Polycarbonate Lenses: Resistant to impact and scratches.
Silicone Straps: Long-lasting and resistant to degradation from saltwater and chlorine.
Top Considerations Based on Swimming Conditions
1. Light Levels
Low Light: Use clear or lightly tinted lenses.
Bright Sunlight: Opt for mirrored or polarized lenses to reduce glare.
2. Water Conditions
Murky Water: Clear lenses with wide and curved designs enhance visibility.
Reflective Water: Polarized lenses reduce glare and improve sightlines.
3. Weather Conditions
Overcast Days: Lightly tinted or clear lenses are sufficient.
Variable Weather: Consider goggles with interchangeable lenses for versatility.
Recommended Goggles for Open Water Swimming
1. Aqua Sphere Kayenne
Features: Oversized curved lenses, excellent UV protection, and anti-fog coating.
Why It’s Great: Superior peripheral vision makes it easy to sight buoys and other swimmers.
2. Speedo Vanquisher 2.0
Features: Sleek design with anti-fog coating and mirrored lens options.
Why It’s Great: A good balance of affordability and performance.
3. Zoggs Predator Flex
Features: Flexible frame, polarized lenses, and exceptional durability.
Why It’s Great: Comfortable for long swims and excels in bright conditions.
4. ROKA R1
Features: Wide field of vision, anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings, and hydrophobic lenses.
Why It’s Great: High-end goggles for serious triathletes, offering unparalleled clarity and fit.
5. TYR Special Ops 3.0
Features: Polarized lenses and durable silicone gaskets.
Why It’s Great: Perfect for open water swims with reflective conditions.
How to Ensure a Proper Fit
Suction Test: Place the goggles over your eyes without using the strap. Press gently and let go. If they stay in place for a few seconds, they are likely to fit well.
Adjust Straps: Straps should be tight enough to keep the goggles in place without causing discomfort.
Check for Leaks: During your first swim, test for leaks by diving under and turning your head. Adjust if necessary.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
Rinse After Use: Always rinse goggles with fresh water after swimming to remove salt, sand, or chlorine.
Store Properly: Use a protective case to prevent scratches and deformation.
Avoid Touching the Lenses: Finger oils can damage anti-fog coatings and reduce clarity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring Comfort: Prioritize fit and comfort over appearance or brand.
Skipping UV Protection: Eye protection is crucial during prolonged sun exposure.
Buying Pool Goggles for Open Water: Pool goggles often lack the wide lenses and features necessary for open water swimming.
Final Thoughts
The right goggles can transform your open water swimming experience, offering comfort, clarity, and confidence in challenging conditions. By understanding your needs, the environment, and the available features, you’ll find the perfect pair to help you perform your best.