About Triathlon Swim Goggles

Whether competing at a beginner's level or gunning for the Olympics, triathletes should consider the use of swimming goggles during their training and races. Although some prefer to use swim masks or no eye wear at all, many look toward the options that professional swim gear affords. Goggles provide better visibility during a swim, protect the eyes from chlorine or salt water and prevent eye injury in swimming accidents.

Function

In most races, swimming goggles and face masks are always permitted, yet goggles are not required. Races sanctioned by USA Triathlon and the International Triathlon Union allow the swimmer to choose what face gear they would like to use. Triathlon swimmers look for goggles that are comfortable and well-suited to their faces, as goggle functionality can affect the outcome of a race. The swimming portion of a triathlon, which is different for many types of races, can last a long enough time to be concerned about the goggle function over that period of time. Sprint races can be from anywhere between 400 to 825 yards, and the Olympic triathlon swimming portion is double that of a normal race. Half-Ironman races involve 1.2 miles of swimming, and the full Ironman swimming race is 2.4 miles of swimming. A triathlete will not want a pair of goggles for these long distances that does not provide reliable visibility advantages.

Types

The swimming portion of a triathlon can be held at a pool or an outside water source like a lake or ocean. Location is usually taken into consideration when choosing the appropriate goggles, as some types of basic pool goggles are not well-suited to open water swimming. Open water-specific goggles, which have a bigger face and usually look a little like snorkeling gear, are sometimes used due to the increased visibility and face protection. Most often, however, triathletes test many different styles of pool goggles for outdoor use to achieve the best possible visibility. Many triathletes, in fact, train in pools and are accustomed to using the pool-style goggles. A swimmer looking to wear goggles during a race should train with the pair of goggles they intend to use, in order to become fully comfortable with the advantages and disadvantages of the pair they have chosen.

Features

Most goggles can be altered or come with options to suit the conditions of the swim. Visibility during any race is very important, as swimmers need to be able to see where they are going and locate other competitors. For a triathlon swim that occurs in low light, goggle eye cups can be clear or tinted to improve vision. For bright conditions, mirrored or dark eye cups may be useful. Anti-fog technology and the level of suction in an eye cup can prevent fogged goggles and visibility problems during a swim. Swimmers that wear glasses can have their goggles fitted with their prescriptions, and swimmers with allergy problems can look for products made with hypoallergenic materials.

Identification

Although the use of goggles in a triathlon is completely about personal choice, many new triathletes choose their goggles by brand recommendation. Some of the favorites are the simple Swedish type, the style of which has been adopted and altered for comfort in the form of goggles like the TYR Socket Rocket, and the Speedo Speed Socket. Other well-liked goggles are the Barracuda foam-styles (known for their comfort), the Speedo Vanquisher, the Sable Water Optics RS922, and the TYR Nest Pro. For open water face masks, many prefer the Aquasphere Sealmask. The best goggles for triathlon use are not usually the most expensive.

Considerations

One important factor in proper triathlon swim goggle choice is how well they stay on the face. The possibility of goggle loss is what causes some triathletes to decide to wear none at all, and to train specifically so that they do not need to rely so much on vision to complete a race. In an open-water race, a strong wave can knock a pair of goggles off or dislodge them enough to cause visibility problems and disorientation. Flailing arms and bodies at the frantic start of a race, too, can dislodge a poorly-fitted pair of goggles or cause an uncomfortable pair to further dig into the face. The swimming portion of a triathlon tends to be crowded, with swimmers lined up side-by-side and end to end. It is very easy to lose a pair of goggles and accidentally swim into other competitors. Goggles can be adjusted to stay on, but much of this relies on the design and materials used in the eye cups and straps of a particular style.

Resources

• Swedish Goggles 101
• Triathlon Swimming for Beginners
• Swim Goggles Protect Your Eyes