goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie

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2009-01-25 11:36 PM

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Subject: goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie

Hey there,

So I am fairly new to all of this and had some questions about the swim.  I did do my first race this past November, but didn't train too much before it and this time I want to be more prepared (I've been mostly a runner.)

Goggles - I am concerned about the giant red circles the goggles are making under my eyes.  I am swimming on average 3 times a week and want to know if I am damaging my skin.  It takes at least 1 - 1 1/2 hours for the redness/swelling to go down.  Is this normal ?  Should I get different goggles ?

Wetsuits - I did my race in November without a wetsuit (I was 1 of about 15 people who didn't have one) but will need one for the race I plan to do in March.  Any suggestions on brands or types?  Any pros or cons to buying a used one ? (I don't want to spend too much money, but want quality.)

Any information would be wonderful ! Thanks. J

2009-01-25 11:58 PM
in reply to: #1928553

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Subject: RE: goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie

goggles are probably too tight.  They'll seal without much pressure

Wetsuit, a lot of people like Promotion.  XTerra often has sales.  If you can try one on, especially if used, all the better

2009-01-26 9:03 AM
in reply to: #1928553

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Subject: RE: goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie
Agreed...goggles way too tight. Start with the straps on the "looser" side and see if they leak. Tighten down gradually until they dont leak/move (note: you may want'em a bit tighter for a race to make sure they stay on in case you are kicked/hit).

Wetsuit. Tons of pretty good quality suits at all price points. If cash is really tight and you dont think that you will be doing too many races (that are wetsuit legal), then rent a suit at wetsuitrental.com. Its a good cheap option, it works as advertised, and they have great customer service. I have used them a few times with great success.
2009-01-26 5:01 PM
in reply to: #1928553


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Subject: RE: goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie

If you do decide to replace your goggles here is a triathlon swimming site that talks about comparing aqua-spheres to swedish goggles:

 http://www.dobkanize.com/swedes_versus_aquashpere_mask.asp

 

2009-01-26 5:05 PM
in reply to: #1930134

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Subject: RE: goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie

Goggle are too tight.  Did the same thing myself years ago before talking to a college swimmer.  Goggle should 'almost' stay on by suction only.  The strap is just tight enough to keep them in place.  They only crank them down for races.

Loosen them up to the point they they barely feel tight at all.  If they leak, just tighten them enought to stop it.

2009-01-26 5:06 PM
in reply to: #1928553

Subject: RE: goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie

Loosen your goggles, as others have said, but be aware that you will probably still get little rings around your eyes. But they should fade much more quickly (definitely much less than an hour). I can't imagine that sticking anything to your face like that is "good" for you, esp. since the skin around your eyes is sensitive, but I'm not terribly concerned about it

 

2009-01-26 5:11 PM
in reply to: #1930147

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Subject: RE: goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie
wurkit_gurl - 2009-01-26 3:06 PM

Loosen your goggles, as others have said, but be aware that you will probably still get little rings around your eyes. But they should fade much more quickly (definitely much less than an hour). I can't imagine that sticking anything to your face like that is "good" for you, esp. since the skin around your eyes is sensitive, but I'm not terribly concerned about it

Yep, I get the racoon eyes every time.  People at work just say "go swimming at lunch?"  But they go away in 15 minutes....

2009-01-26 7:36 PM
in reply to: #1928553

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Subject: RE: goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie
I get marks from any goggles I try. They are only red for about 10-15 minutes and the indentation is visible for about an hour or so. I think it's unavoidable, but as others have said, the severe red marking shouldn't be happening or should fade more quickly. Take them off if you're resting between sets or using a kick board without your face in the water as well to give your eyes a break.
2009-01-26 9:25 PM
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Subject: RE: goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie
Thank you all so much for responding to my questions.  I went for swim today and it went MUCH better !  All of these little things add up to all of the training and time being worthwhile.  Thanks again ! J
2009-01-26 9:27 PM
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Subject: RE: goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie
I love my Blue Seventy Reaction (got it new for just under $200).

There new entry level is called the Sprint.
2009-01-26 11:03 PM
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Subject: RE: goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie
jkortas - 2009-01-25 9:36 PM

  Any pros or cons to buying a used one ?

Some people pee in them...

Xterra still has some really good deals in their factory outlet, particularly in smaller sizes.  I got a Ventilator full suit from them last summer for about $150--it's not fancy, but does the job.

2009-01-27 5:20 AM
in reply to: #1928553

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Subject: RE: goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie

Here are a few websites to try for quality, discount wetsuits:

www.trisports.com (check their Closeouts)

www.sportsbasement.com

www.swimoutlet.com

 

2009-01-27 9:14 AM
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Subject: RE: goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie

Wolff27 - 2009-01-26 10:27 PM I love my Blue Seventy Reaction (got it new for just under $200). There new entry level is called the Sprint.

I also have the Reaction and got a great deal. It works well for me, although I have a sleeveless and will be getting a full sleeve this season. Even if you buy online, I highly recommend finding a place you can try them on first because the size the chart said I was turned out to be way too big so the suit would not have worked for me had I just ordered it without trying.

2009-01-27 9:34 AM
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Subject: RE: goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie
Concerning wetsuits: Go to every place you can find that sells wetsuits (which will be mostly sports and tri stores) and try on every brand they have... they all fit different and you want to get the one that fits you best.  Once you find the brand and size that fits you best you can go shopping online to find the best deal  (if that's what you'd rather do).   You may only want to try on 2 or 3 per day as it can be quite a workout to get a wetsuit on in a little fitting room, especially if it's warm, you will be sweating by the end of it.  Good luck.
2009-01-27 10:28 AM
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Subject: RE: goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie
Always wear two pair of goggles. Even on the bike and the run. That is all.
2009-01-27 10:38 AM
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Subject: RE: goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie
Something that really helped me is wearing the Speedo G S C goggles - they're shaped like the Vanquisher model, but instead of the rubber sockets, they have foam.  They are way, way easier on your face.  I still race in Vanquishers, but I always train in my G S C's.  Something about the rubber just seems to be tougher on the skin.

2009-01-27 10:44 AM
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Subject: RE: goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie

morganjohnson - 2009-01-27 11:38 AM Something that really helped me is wearing the Speedo G S C goggles - they're shaped like the Vanquisher model, but instead of the rubber sockets, they have foam.  They are way, way easier on your face.  I still race in Vanquishers, but I always train in my G S C's.  Something about the rubber just seems to be tougher on the skin.

I'll have to look for these because I loved the fit of the Vanquisher but they left huge red rings so I had to switch to the Aqua Sphere Kaimans. Thanks for the tip!

2009-01-27 11:52 AM
in reply to: #1928553

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Subject: RE: goggles & wetsuit question from a newbie

We have some top of the line 2008 Rocket Science Sports wetsuits on sale, they are very soft and very nice, have good reviews from customers.

Of course with wetsuit it's all about the fit, so like others recommend, just go to some store and try on a few.

good luck

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