In this section of the Outdoors we will explain the types of swimming goggles, the types of swimming fins and the bubble floats. If you are still not sure what to choose, do not worry because in the following text you will have all the information you need.
Swimming goggles
Although it may seem that they are all the same and that it does not matter which one to choose, the truth is that there are different types of Swimming Goggles both for their shape and their lenses. Depending on the type of swimming you practice and for what purpose, one or the other will be the best Swimming Goggles for you.
It is not the same to compete in the pool than to swim outdoors as a hobby. And of course, you will not need the same glasses in one case as in the other. That is why here we explain what types of Swimming Goggles exist and for what uses they are most recommended.
Types of Swimming Goggles
- Mask Type Swimming Goggles
At first glance, some models may be reminiscent of diving goggles. They have a large frame that both lenses fit into. Usually said frame has a piece of soft silicone that allows a better adaptation to the face. Given the size of the lenses, they provide good visibility.
They are your best choice if you swim for leisure and to keep fit, especially if you are not used to wearing Swimming Goggles. You can choose a larger or smaller size depending on the width of vision you want to have.
They are also a good option for practicing triathlon and open water, because they will provide you with comfort, especially if you swim for a long time. If you practice them as a competition, you should keep reading.
- Fixed Bridge Swimming Goggles
They are smaller than the Mask Type, but are also manufactured as a single block with the lenses inserted. They still allow wide visibility. They are also usually comfortable thanks to the silicone band that allows a good adaptation to the face.
They are a good alternative for triathletes and open water swimmers, because they allow a wide vision and are not so dangerous in case of receiving a blow. They are also suitable for the pool if you practice on a daily basis to keep in shape, and you already have some practice putting on the glasses correctly, but you still do not feel comfortable with the smaller glasses.
- Interchangeable Bridge Swim Goggles
They are usually smaller glasses than the previous ones, but there are also glasses with a similar shape. The biggest difference is that the lenses, although they are embedded in a plastic structure, are independent of each other. This way you can configure the separation between the two so that the glasses adapt better to the bridge of the nose.
This is achieved through pieces of different sizes that you can change until you find the one that best suits your face.
The vision they provide depends on the size you choose. The smaller they are, the less peripheral vision you will have. On the other hand, the more hydrodynamics you will get, which is important if you swim in competition.
Although there is a wide range of models, this type is where the high-end Swimming Goggles used in competition are usually found.
Decántate by this type of glasses if you swim frequently, you will gain comfort. And of course, if you compete, this is one of the types to value, especially in the smaller models, as we have commented. You can also use them if you swim in open water, but in this case choose larger models to minimize the consequences of a hit and have better vision.
- Swedish Type Swimming Goggles
They are very simple and small glasses. The lenses are attached on the bridge of the nose by an adjustable cord that allows you to adapt them to your liking.
They offer great hydrodynamics and are therefore chosen by many professional competitors. However, they can be uncomfortable since most models do not have silicone to fit better.
They are not recommended for open water because they can be dangerous in the event of a hit.
Types of Lenses in Swimming Goggles
In addition to the shape, you also have to take into account the type of lens of your Swimming Goggles. These are the most common types:
- Clear lenses
They are used for all kinds of swimming practice. In open water, they are especially useful on very cloudy days or if you swim at night, because with them you make the most of the available light.
- Tinted lenses
They are more suitable for use in the pool. They are usually blue or yellow. The choice depends on several factors such as your taste, the lighting of the pool and even the chemicals in it. However, blue ones maximize visibility underwater and are therefore more frequent.
- Mirror and Polarized Lenses
They are more used in open water and triathlon, mainly on days with a lot of light where it needs to be mitigated so that it is not annoying. However, they are becoming more and more frequent in the pool since they hide the swimmer's eyes.
Final Considerations
Regardless of the Goggles you choose, they most likely come with anti-fog protection that prevents them from fogging up while you swim. However, it is common that over the weeks, this protection begins to disappear. That does not mean that you have to buy other glasses, just use a specific anti-fog product and apply it before using them.
- You can extend the life of your glasses with a little care:
Rinse them with cold water after each use to remove the chlorine. Then, let them air dry before storing them.
Do not touch the lenses with your fingers or wipe them with the towel, thus maximizing the anti-fog protection they bring.
Do not throw them through the backpack, put them in their case. If you don't have it, put them inside the hat. This will prevent scratches.
Once you know the different types that there are, the most suitable in each case and the care you should give them, now you only have to choose the best Swimming Goggles for you.
Swimming fins
Without a doubt, the use of fins in the pool is gaining more followers every day. The main reason for this is that they provide a considerable increase in swimming speed. But in addition, the fins have other very interesting functions in the practice of swimming, since they have great benefits, both for beginners and for experienced swimmers or for high-performance training.
But in addition, swimming with fins provides other benefits to the swimmer, such as the improvement of aerobic capacity, the strengthening of the muscles of the lower extremities and the hips, or the improvement of the technique, not only of the legs, but also of the action of the arms, the coordination, the hydrodynamic position, and even the roll (longitudinal turn of the body), since the increase in speed provides a greater balance in the water, allowing the swimmer to be more aware of the supports, the sensations and the perception of the global movement of the body in the water.
Types of fins
The fins are designed to adapt to the demands of the increasingly diverse and proliferating current aquatic practices and specialties, such as diving, apnea, Rescue and Lifeguard, both in their sports and professional (rescue) aspects. , snorkeling, bodysurfing, bodyboarding, hydrospeed, underwater hockey and, of course, swimming in all areas: educational, recreational or competitive.
The fins can be classified according to a multitude of parameters, such as, for example, according to the discipline in which they are used, their construction material, their type of foot pocket, their hardness, their shape, etc.
One of the most important aspects of the fins is their size, since the length has a significant impact on the effectiveness of the swim, which is why it is very common to classify them according to this parameter. In general, the shorter and harder a fin is, the more effort is required to move through the water. In contrast, long fins produce greater momentum, but slow down the beat of the leg due to the range of leg movement. The choice of one or the other will depend on the physical level, the technical level and the practice to be carried out.
Short fins: They are known for being used in the practice of bodysurfing with Paipo boards (short or small board).
They generate less resistance in the water than the long ones, which allows a greater frequency of the leg shake, more appropriate for swimming. Being shorter, the kick that is done is more similar to the normal one (without fins), while with the long ones a "less real" movement is achieved, so they help the swimmer to practice an adequate rhythm and leg technique. They are ideal for training the front crawl and back.
They are designed for swimmers with an advanced level of skill or in aquatic activities such as fitness or aquagym, as they help to develop a strong kick and a flexible ankle.
Long fins: Although the lengths are highly variable, the longest ones are specific to diving, scuba diving or freediving and the medium ones are the most versatile since they are often used in recreational water activities and for general physical conditioning of the leg muscles. For this reason, mediums are usually incorporated into general aquatic programs for learning the crawl, backstroke and butterfly swimming styles, since they help to develop a correct pattern in the movement of the legs and improve the flexibility of the ankle. In the butterfly style they allow to do much better the wave movement.
The beat frequency decreases as the length of the fin increases. The longer they are, the higher the speed can be achieved but also increases the muscular work and the risk of injury to the knees or calves.
Another important characteristic of the fins is their hardness or degree of flexibility, however their indication is almost always linked to another characteristic, such as their length.
Rigid bladed fins: Generally rigid fins are long and require a greater effort to move, but in return they provide greater thrust and therefore greater speed. This type of fins are recommended for diving, deep apneas and rescue and first aid.
Soft fins with blades: The soft ones allow for short and fast movements with less effort than the rigid ones, therefore the speed is also lower. These fins are recommended for beginners.
Fins with fixed or adjustable foot pocket: The fins with adjustable or elastic foot pocket, also called open, have the rear end open and hold the foot with a strap at the height of the Achilles tendon, allowing a variable adjustment. This type of fastening may vary depending on the manufacturer and can be by means of buckles or elastic or adjustable straps of different materials.
Adjustable fins require the use of booties (similar to socks) that protect the feet from chafing and, depending on the fins and chosen activity, they can be made of nylon, lycra, latex or neoprene. The first three are used with fins in the pool as they are thin; the neoprene ones, with thicknesses ranging from 1 to 9 mm, protect the feet from low temperatures in deep sea diving.
With the fins with fixed foot pocket it is not necessary to use booties, but there are people who are more comfortable using them with thin latex or nylon booties. The important thing is that before buying some fins, they are tested as they will be used.
Monofins: They were designed to achieve maximum performance in certain training sessions and competitions. They are used in apnea, diving and in some disciplines of swimming with fins.
The most professional ones are made of fiberglass or carbon fiber and have different flexibility. The great disadvantage of these materials is that they are much more fragile than plastics or rubbers. The feet are subject to the only piece that this fin consists of, forcing the swimmer to perform a simultaneous leg movement, that is, to perform a butterfly kick. To achieve greater hydrodynamics with these fins, an undulating movement is performed with the whole body, similar to the swimming of dolphins, keeping the arms outstretched and the head between them. With this type of fins, the fastest speed of a person in the water has been recorded, reaching 12 km / h.
At present, this type of fin is being adapted, as happened with the bi-fins, to all swimming specialties and underwater activities, and there are even children's monofins for recreational or specific purposes for classic swimming.
Fins for the breaststroke style: They are short fins, with the characteristic that they can be used to swim the breaststroke style, that is, they are valid for all four swimming styles.
Bubble pool float
This type of buoy for children, which helps them float, is a very comfortable system for them to play in the pool without the risk of sinking. Also, unlike sleeves or traditional floats, it allows them to have their arms free to swim or use a ball without problem. It is composed of resistant and floating materials, generally foam or porexpan. It contains an adjustable belt that will be placed around the waist, with a safety closure
Types of swimming bubble float
Despite the simplicity and comfort of this type of float, there is a variety among them, depending on the needs and age of the children.
Baby Bubble Float Belt
This type of baby float usually has a single floating bubble, since the little ones need the most comfortable way to be sure. It is also recommended that there is always an adult watching and, in no case, the baby swims alone in the pool. They are recommended for children under 3 years of age.
Bubble Belt for Kids
Unlike the previous ones, they usually carry several bubbles since they need to support more weight. On the other hand, it would be uncomfortable to try to swim with a huge bubble, this is why they contain between 3 and 6 pieces that float. It also allows them to have their arms free, since they are already learning to swim a lot. This would not be possible with the usual cuffs.
Evolutionary bubble float belt
Third, the most advanced type of floats, since it allows bubbles to be removed from the float belt, which allows it to be adapted to the child's level. The higher your autonomous float, the fewer bubble blocks you will need.
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