How To Pick The Best Open Water Swimming Goggles?

Posted by jeffrey scott on July 29th, 2016

The primary purpose of any kind of goggles is to prevent the entry of foreign objects into the eye. This becomes all the more important when you have to get into water because it is not just water that needs to be kept away from your eyes but also any particles or minerals that may irritate the eye. That is the reason you should choose your open water swimming goggles very carefully. This small guide should help you get started.


A. The type of goggles:
This is basically the type of frame that you would choose depending on your requirement and level of expertise. Remember that goggles worn for lap swimming or leisure are different from the ones used when you have to go for open water swimming. Preferably you should choose the ones made for advanced competitions as they offer maximum protection to the eyes.

i.Open water goggles-
Also known as Frame goggles, these come in a large silicon gasket that provides a waterproof seal. You can find certain designs that offer interchangeable nose bridges and offer the maximum comfort.

ii.Competition goggles-
These have rounded lenses that are bigger than frame goggles. These are ideal for all purposes because they offer better visibility due to their transparent sides. The nose bridge in these types is almost always an adjustable type.

iii.Swedish type goggles-
These are better known as Swedes and are usually made of a harder material. The lens and frame are all made as one piece which makes them the most streamlined type. These are most used by professional swimmers and racers who prefer their small size and focused shape.

iv.Masks-
Similar to diving masks, these contain an integrated nose cover, are slightly heavy and best suited for very long swims in open waters.

B. The lenses:
The best open water swimming goggles would have clear lenses suited for all-weather swimming. The color of the lenses matter too and yellow hued ones actually help improve the visibility under water. But if you wish to minimize the visibility, blue is the color to go for. If you wear glasses then you would have to wear the right prescription lenses under water.

C. Straps:
You could choose between elastic and adjustable straps depending on whether you face the problem of overriding of the straps or not.

If you have been dragging your feet, trying to put away your goggle shopping and dreams of becoming a great open water swimmer, it is time to change that. Use this guide to understand the basics of swimming goggles and then, pick a pair that would suit you best.

Author’s bio: The author is a blogger. This article offers a crisp guide to choosing good open water swimming goggles.