AQUA SPHERE GOGGLE REVIEW

LIGHTER THAN AIR

For me as both an out door and pool swimmer, it is vital that goggles can be used for both purposes. And so the new Aqua Sphere EXO-core have been tested in both to see if they can suit the cross over as needed by many swimmers. The EXO-core are the next step up from the Kaimen's which are already a swimmers favourite for comfort and fit so it will be interesting to see how Aqua Sphere have managed to progress their product.

At first glance the goggle are stylish in appearance and do feel nice to the touch. As a passionate swimmer, i know what I look for in a goggle, baring in mind that I wear them for at least an hour a day..its the goggle marks, will I be left looking 'water wounded' as I call it. Aqua Sphere have introduced a new bi-material frame technology designed to be comfortable as well as maintaining the streamlined fit and appearance that we all require.

In the pool after adjusting them, which was easy to do using the new buckle system, I set off. For an hour's solid training in the pool, not once did I have to adjust them, nor did they leak - result. Vision wise the lack of misting, and lack of water ingress were a massive bonus, it meant and uninterrupted swim set. Running through the full range of strokes in an attempt to get them to budge seemed impossible, as the new streamline fit makes the water flow past as opposed to hitting the goggles. Stopping at the end of the hour I was amazing at how light they still felt on my face, the swim has been as if I was not wearing goggles such is the weight of them on the face. Now the 'wound' test, taking the goggles off, the Advance Fit Technology promised a gentle suction to the face, and i had been careful how I had put them on, would I be walking around with the mark of the swimmer on my face all day. Alighting the pool and heading for a mirror, I was delighted to see nothing there, the softness of the new material had moulded itself to my face and held on enough to do the job in hand without letting the rest of the world know that I had been swimming! My second trip to the pool even earned the goggles a compliment on their look.

A few days later, it was time to put them to the test in the open water, not the best of days for a swim, windy and a tad chilly. But wetsuit and hat on I headed to the lake. Again the goggles were worn, slightly adjusted this time to account for the choppiness of the water. Heading out into the deep, I only had to adjust the goggles one and that was my own fault, spotting a fish I managed to almost dislocate my neck and budged the goggles a few millimetres by trying to watch the fish whilst carrying on swimming at the same pace, none the less they resealed themselves easily and I carried on swimming. Again it is the seal and the feel of the goggles that I am impressed with, they literally do not feel like you are wearing any, the vision afforded in the open water is as good if not better than the Kaimens. And again the wound test yielded a zero score.

Over all I am seriously impressed with the Exo-core's, several other swimmers were able to try them on in both the pool and open water and the response was an instant 'wow, i have to get a pair', for social swimming, a quick dip and definately for racing in they are the perfect goggle, the goggles are available from this month and would recommend them! Contact your local Aqua Sphere retailer for details of where to purchase on 01254 291717, (www.aquasphereswim.com) , and of course don't forget to follow them on Facebook at AquashpereUK and also Twitter,  @aquasphereuk. If you want to try before you buy give me a shout, come for a swim and see for yourself, you won't be disappointed.

AQUA SPHERE GUEST BLOG - Fiona Walker of Aqua Sphere UK

Open Water Swimming

According to www.swimming.org,  ‘swimming in open water has a long and colourful history dating back as far as 36BC, when the Japanese organised the first open water races. The Romans held high-profile races in the Tiber, when thousands would crowd along the banks to watch and cheer. The Knights in the middle ages reputedly had to swim in full armour as one of their seven required agilities.’

In 1986, FINA officially added open water swimming to the international competition calendar and in 2008 the International Olympic Committee listed the first ever Olympic 10km marathon swimming race as one of the events for Beijing.   Team GB clinched three medals in this event – half the medals on offer – and since that moment the UK has really seen an upsurge in outdoor swimming.    Echoing the bold waterbabies of Russia, China and Scandinavia, more U.K citizens  are becoming converts of cold winter swimming, arguing that it boosts the immune system, improves circulation and provides an addictive adrenalin rush which cannot be found amongst the cosy lanes of your local pool.  

Pauline Squire, Wild About Swimming owner, confirms this. “The natural endorphins high from swimming outside in fresh air can last for days.  It’s been proven to be a mentally and physically beneficial activity.  Open water swimming can also take you to some of the most stunning locations, where your mind can rest while your body is embraced by the waters.  In my opinion it’s the most inclusive sport/hobby you can have, and open to any age or ability.”

Europe’s biggest open water swim series, Great Swim, is attracting more first time entries each year.    Aqua Sphere is the official swim kit partner to the series and the brand’s Marketing Manager, Fiona Walker, completed her first Great Swim last year.   She says “This was a huge personal challenge.  Up till then I was a confident swimmer, but I wasn’t a particularly good swimmer. But I love being outdoors and there’s something very instinctive about taking to the open water and engaging with the elements. No chlorine, no lanes, no hair tumbleweed populated with plasters and scabs! There are very few things that compare to the exhilaration of an open water swim! My favourite memory was a training swim where the water was chilly but fresh and clear and I was surrounded by swallows dipping around me as I swam.  The sun glinting off the water and the rush of the birds around me as I became part of their environment was just wonderful. ”

Fiona trained systematically in her local pool and, as it became warmer, took her training outdoors.   Conversely we all saw Davina McCall’s shocking collapse after swimming across Windermere as part of a Sport Relief fundraising challenge this chilly February.  Simon Griffiths of H2Open magazine believes “the fact that she struggled to breathe or to lift her arms out of the water are fairly normal responses for an inexperienced swimmer plunged into cold water and almost certainly could have been avoided with more training and preparation.” 

Fortunately Davina recovered quickly but the experience was a timely reminder of the risks in open water swimming, especially in extremely cold conditions. Simon advises “making your first open water swimming experience a winter one is a little foolish. Swimming in Windermere should be a wonderful and life-affirming experience. For most people it is. We wonder if Davina had any opportunity to savour the majestic surroundings and the beautiful, clear water. Did she, at any point in that swim, experience, notice and enjoy the electric tingle of fresh, cool water against her skin? Did she delight in the weightless calm that only swimming can give you?. If you haven't yet tried open water swimming, please prepare properly and consider when and where you first do it. Make sure it's a positive experience that brings you back for more.” Pauline adds  “There appears to be wide condemnation for Davina's lack of preparation for her swim. The normal open water swimmer trains and prepares well in anticipation of the enjoyment and competition of an event. Sadly, that Davina didn't, has potentially brought the sport into disrepute and does leave the rest of us defending our right to enjoy the water.”

Davina -  we do admire your gumption - but please revisit Windermere with us this summer for a swim you'll remember for all the right reasons, not the wrong ones.

Aqua Sphere is the official wet suit and goggle brand to Great Swim. www.aquasphereswim.com/uk   For information about entering and training for a Great Swim visit greatswim.org

By Fiona Walker - Aqua Sphere UK