How do I keep my otherwise well-fitted goggles in place when I hit the water off the starting block, BESIDES making them tighter? I never used them in high school meets, because of the same problem. But, I really DO want to use them now in my first Masters swim meet...
Problem: I have a narrow face and bone structure that makes goggles very difficult to fit. Trying them on the same way I do a mask (making sure there is good suction w/o the strap on), I finally found the last pair to fit, after trying every single model on at ***'s Sporting Goods. I ended up with an Aqua Sphere that I like that doesn't leak water and stays in place comfortably when I swim. BUT, even when I tighten up the strap, it still slips when I hit the water off the blocks, even while wearing a cap. I am trying to get my arms and head in the correct position, but I am still not sure what I am doing wrong. (I've been watching You Tube videos, since I am swimming most of the time on my own, because I am located too far from the closest Masters team.)
Any advice would be most appreciated!
Thanks!
Elaine
They should be very tight,almost uncomfortably so.Put your cap on over the goggles straps and pull the cap down so the front edge of the cap covers the top edge of the goggles.
I remind myself to "put my chin on my neck" when I dive off blocks.
If that doesn't work you might need a sleeker google for racing. The Aqua Sphere googles are comfy and have wide range of vision but they are very bulky! Mine tend to waver a little on flip turns and fast push-offs. I think they are considered an open water google.
Great reminder- thanks!
I wouldn't mind trying to find another pair of goggles, but I tried several models on at other stores, before trying them ALL at ***'s. I was just lucky to find anything that fit! I'll keep on trying whenever I'm at a sporting goods store... (There isn't a swim specialty store in my area.)
Google "Swim Outlet" or "Swim 2000" (others out there too). These are on-line swim shops and carry a wide variety of googles. I have great luck with TYR Femme googles. They are smaller for a female face. They have 2 or 3 models that are Femme. My favorites are the femme T-72 Petite! These googles are cheap ($9 to $10 dollars), have a totally adjustable nose bridge, low profile for diving and turns, and come metallized or regular lenses. I have stock-piled 12 pairs in case they stop making them. I never see these googles in swim shops, only on-line.
Great reminder- thanks!
I wouldn't mind trying to find another pair of goggles, but I tried several models on at other stores, before trying them ALL at ***'s. I was just lucky to find anything that fit! I'll keep on trying whenever I'm at a sporting goods store... (There isn't a swim specialty store in my area.)
To the extent that your problem is really one of fit of the goggles rather than the form of your dive, I wonder if you are trying goggles that have adjustable nose pieces? It seems like most of the time when I can't get a good fit it's because the individual lenses aren't the right distance apart--though in my case, I usually need to make them wider rather than narrower. It can also really affect that feeling of suction too. Sometimes when I try on goggles out of the box they won't feel like they fit--only to fit well when I swap out the nose pieces.
If you haven't already, it might be worthwhile looking online for an inexpensive pair that's adjustable and see if a narrower nose piece helps. Swedish goggles are really cheap and you basically tie them together, so you can make them any width you want. On the other hand, something a little more expensive like the Speedo Vanquisher usually comes with 5 nose pieces you can try--and if they are still too wide, I've seen people use bits of rubber strap to hold the goggles together.
Hope that helps.
I took 10 years off from college to my first masters meet. In that time, Speedo quit making the goggles I had always used. It took me over 20 pair before I found what works for me. They also are the longest lasting goggles I've ever worn. Try the View Sniper. Probably will only find online but they are smaller socket style and may meet your needs.
I have the Aqua Sphere Kaiman Jr. goggles. I find that the strap moves down when I dive. For racing I put the strap under my cap and the goggles always stay in place. No need to tighten excessively.
I agree with Lump. It's not about tightness, it's about tucking your head. You're most likely not tucking enought - make sure your elbows are above your ears when you streamline to dive into the pool andchin to your neck. Practice every day until you get it.
