If your child is new to swimming and will be swimming on a team, it is really important to find the right goggles. Surely you can imagine trying to swim with water swishing around in the lenses or swimming with a severe headache. The following should be taken into consideration as a whole when you begin looking for the right goggles for your swimmer.
FIT: Make sure the goggles fit snuggly within the eye socket (but not tight). Test this by placing the goggles over the eyes as normal without the straps. Press until there is suction and remove your hand. If they stick evenly for a brief moment, they should keep the water out when the straps are adjusted for your child’s head.
COMFORT: Even if a particular goggle fits and does not leak, it has to be comfortable or your child will be miserable.
QUALITY & PRICE: It seems to be a common theme for some children to lose several pairs of goggles during a season. Goggles can also break. While it may be tempting to buy a cheap pair, don’t do it! You will end up spending more money in the long run because they are poorly made.
TYPE OF GOGGLE: There are many types of goggles available. The most common type for competitive swimmers is the racing or sprint goggle. If the swimmer competes in open-water events, there are goggles the suit that type of swimming as well. Low profile goggles are optimal for competitive swimmers because they are less bulky and produce less drag.
NOSEPIECE: Many people overlook this, but goggles with interchangeable nosepieces are desirable because everyone’s faces are different (spacing of the eyes and the size of the bridge). Being able to adjust the nosepiece can greatly improve fit and comfort.
LENS TYPE: Lenses come in clear or tinted. Clear is perfectly fine inside, but outdoor swimmers should select a pair of goggles with a tinted lens and UV protection. Tinted lenses are fine indoor was well, but clear may be better for smaller swimmers as they are still getting acclimated to the layout of the pool, lane lines, walls, etc.
ANTI-FOG: Goggles get fogged up easily. Many goggles are made with anti-fog lenses. Even so, they can still fog up. The most practical way to prevent fogging is to smear saliva (I know, gross) on the inside of the lenses. This works like a charm for swimmers and scuba divers alike. There is also anti-fog spray. This requires a little more effort, but is also a great option.
STYLE: When a child reaches a certain age, looking good becomes more important. Fortunately, goggles come in a wide range of styles and most are reasonably priced. Your child should have no problem helping pick out a pair of goggles with great fit, comfort, quality and style.
TIP: After you have found the PERFECT pair of goggles for your child, buy more than one pair, especially if you find your child’s model on sale.
TIP: To make it harder to lose goggles, get your child in the habit of tucking the goggle straps under the outer leg opening in the bathing suit, under one of the top straps of the bathing suit, or under the waist elastic (for boys). (You can do this with the caps as well)
Swimoutlet.com has regular sales on goggles. Even with shipping they are cheaper than the closest swim shop and the sporting goods store. I usually buy several at one time.
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