Surf Goggles
Image source: AquaViz
That got me thinking… why don’t surfers wear goggles? It’d be fantastic to see through the sea spray as you take a critical drop. Or check out the waves from beneath the surface.
You can even buy goggles for surfing, with prescription and polarised lenses!
If we are happy to wear goggles for swimming, why not surfing? What do surfers who normally wear contact lenses or prescription glasses do? Read on for answers:
Why don’t more people wear goggles whilst surfing?
In over 20 years of surfing I’ve only ever seen one surfer wear goggles whilst surfing.
The most obvious reason for not wearing goggles is they don’t look cool. We might say we don’t care about looking cool, but really most of us do.
I guess until a pro surfer wears them, they’ll continue to be considered uncool.
Others who have tried them, say they fall off in the surf and restrict peripheral vision.
However, I did some looking around and there’s some damn good reasons to give goggles a go.
Why wear goggles for surfing?
Ok so you might not look cool but…
Image source: SMI eye tracking
After an extensive search on the internet, for an hour or so, here’s some reasons to give goggles a go:
• Great for body surfing
With bodysurfing your lower in the water, so you get more water in the face. Goggles allow more vision and help you get more barrels.
• See like a mermaid underwater
Goggles help you see clearly beneath the water when wiping out and duck diving. Be amazed at the turbulence and vortexes behind the wave!
• Reduces risk of infection
Goggles will reduce the risk of eye infection for water users, especially contact lens wearers.
• Prevent Surfer’s Eye
Pterygium (Surfers Eye) is caused by prolonged exposure to the sun and commonly affects outdoorsy types, like surfers. It manifests as a pink fleshy noncancerous lesion that grows across the white of the eye. It can cause irritation and blurred vision.
To help prevent Surfers Eye, wear sunglasses or polarised goggles with a good UV rating.
What do people who wear glasses do when surfing?
I know a few surfers who wear prescription glasses, but they don’t wear them when surfing. So what do they do?
I asked a few fellow surfers “Do you wear prescription goggles or contact lenses when surfing?” Here’s what they said:
@surferdaduk daily disposable contact lenses. Got some prescription goggles for swimming pool but it's a bit odd.
— Roger Sharp (@Surf_Photo) May 22, 2015
@surferdaduk contact lenses, but only daily ones because of the risk of infection
— Nick Hearle (@NickHearle) May 22, 2015
@surferdaduk I wear daily lenses too but I take them straight out after surfing to avoid infections – goggles get in the way!
— Kiri (@KiriLeach) May 22, 2015
@surferdaduk I have worn soft monthly contacts for 20 years surfing only ever lost 2 pairs. And Aqua sphere kayen goggles in pool.
— Simon moss (@simonrmoss) May 23, 2015
Should you wear contact lenses whilst surfing?
Technically ‘no’. The U.S. FDA and British Contact Lense Association clearly say do not wear contact lenses in the water, unless you wear tight fitting goggles over the top.
Here’s why:
• There’s a good chance you’ll lose a contact lens.
• Sand can get between your contact lens and eye, causing irritation and potentially long lasting damage to your vision.
• Lenses might fold over and damage your eye.
• Microbes can get under your lenses, cause eye infection and even permanent blindness.
If you do decide to risk it and wear contact lenses for surfing, I recommend taking some advice from Amy at Mellow Waves:
• Remove lenses and rinse eyes after surfing
• Don’t surf in contaminated waters
• Don’t rub your eyes in the water
• Close eyes under water
• If issues arise, go to doctors
Read Amy’s full article about surfing with contact lenses here.
Should you wear surf goggles?
If you wear glasses, contact lenses or are worried about Surfer’s Eye, then definitely give goggles a go.
Personally I’m gonna try goggles in the surf out of curiosity, so will let you know how I get on.
Update
I took some surf goggles out at the weekend in 2-3ft surf, and they were surprisingly good.
Pros
• They stayed on and in place
• They didn’t let in any water
• I got to see clearly beneath the waves. Very cool.
Cons
• I did feel very self conscious when wearing them, and got a few WTF looks.
• Not sure how well they would perform in bigger surf
In case you’re interested
The goggles I used were AquaViz OTS Pro Core, and here’s some of the goggle’s features:
• Azion technology and a scratch resistant PRO polycarbonate lightweight frame making them comfortable with a watertight fit.
• The lenses provide full UV protection and incorporate an anti-fog coating.
• The single hypoallergenic gasket design protects from knocks to the eye socket.
• The prescription Inzert can be put into any of the Aquaviz and Sportviz range, so you don’t have the expense of buying multiple pairs of prescription sport eyewear.
Really good post! I wouldn’t dream of going without goggles when skiing but never considered them for surfing. Why not? Because, like you, I’ve only ever seen one person wearing them, and I thought it looked weird – just not used to it. I’ll be interested to see how you find them – will they stay on in wipeouts etc. I do get sick of red eye after a long sunny session, and in the longer term I believe there’s a higher incidence of cataract so we all should be considering it?
Hi David, thanks for your kind words and comment.
I plan to give some goggles a go in the next week or two, so watch this space. Cheers
Hi David, thanks for your kind words and comment.
I plan to give some goggles a go in the next week or two, so watch this space. Cheers
Really good post! I wouldn’t dream of going without goggles when skiing but never considered them for surfing. Why not? Because, like you, I’ve only ever seen one person wearing them, and I thought it looked weird – just not used to it. I’ll be interested to see how you find them – will they stay on in wipeouts etc. I do get sick of red eye after a long sunny session, and in the longer term I believe there’s a higher incidence of cataract so we all should be considering it?
I’ve been surfing for 12 years in extended-wear contact lenses that I clean twice a week and replace monthly. I’ve never had an eye infection due to surfing, although a few times a bit of sand gets in and causes pain briefly.
My concern with goggles would be the potential hazard during a face-plant wipeout. Also, I’ve worn Sea Specs sunglasses while surfing, and they constantly fogged up in cold water, making it hard to see.
Hi Cynthia, I think surfing with contact lenses is the preferred solution for most, and despite all the warnings few people seem to have suffered from doing so.
The goggles I tried out did have a fair bit of cushioning in the bit between lens and face (gasket I think is the technical term), which absorbed minor bumps and bashes. Luckily I avoided a full face-plant wipeout and I’m not sure I used them long enough to fog up, but my friend is going to use them more. So if they work well in all scenarios I’ll let you know.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Hi Cynthia, I think surfing with contact lenses is the preferred solution for most, and despite all the warnings few people seem to have suffered from doing so.
The goggles I tried out did have a fair bit of cushioning in the bit between lens and face (gasket I think is the technical term), which absorbed minor bumps and bashes. Luckily I avoided a full face-plant wipeout and I’m not sure I used them long enough to fog up, but my friend is going to use them more. So if they work well in all scenarios I’ll let you know.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I’ve been surfing for 12 years in extended-wear contact lenses that I clean twice a week and replace monthly. I’ve never had an eye infection due to surfing, although a few times a bit of sand gets in and causes pain briefly.
My concern with goggles would be the potential hazard during a face-plant wipeout. Also, I’ve worn Sea Specs sunglasses while surfing, and they constantly fogged up in cold water, making it hard to see.
I’m concerned about two things: fogging issues and drops of water that keep spotting on the lens. How did the goggles work in that regard? I’ve used sea specs and they fog and spot constantly, which made them very annoying to use.
Hiya, to be honest I only used them for one session and for less than an hour.
In that time I experienced no issues with fogging, but there was a little spotting.
I gave the googles to a friend, who now uses them mostly for swimming. No reported issues so far.
Thanks for leaving a comment.
Hiya, to be honest I only used them for one session and for less than an hour.
In that time I experienced no issues with fogging, but there was a little spotting.
I gave the googles to a friend, who now uses them mostly for swimming. No reported issues so far.
Thanks for leaving a comment.
I’m concerned about two things: fogging issues and drops of water that keep spotting on the lens. How did the goggles work in that regard? I’ve used sea specs and they fog and spot constantly, which made them very annoying to use.
Great piece! My only reservation would be that a wise surfer once told me that it’s often better not to know to be able to see ‘what lies beneath’ the waves! Either from a scaredy-cat perspective or if the surfing causes damage to the wildlife. Apparently that’s why divers and surfers don’t cross.
Great piece! My only reservation would be that a wise surfer once told me that it’s often better not to know to be able to see ‘what lies beneath’ the waves! Either from a scaredy-cat perspective or if the surfing causes damage to the wildlife. Apparently that’s why divers and surfers don’t cross.
I’ve thought about using goggles as well, because every time I’m out boogie boarding or surfing with my contacts, my vision gets cloudy. Did you use just swim goggles or surf specific ones?
Thanks for the post!
Hi Rae,
I used surf specific goggles, the ones I tried were: AquaViz OTS Pro Core. They have a few added features that make them a bit better suited to use in waves. See the ‘Update’ section at the bottom of the article for more details. Thanks for leaving a comment and I hope you find some surf goggles that work for you. If so, let us know. Cheers
Hi Rae,
I used surf specific goggles, the ones I tried were: AquaViz OTS Pro Core. They have a few added features that make them a bit better suited to use in waves. See the ‘Update’ section at the bottom of the article for more details. Thanks for leaving a comment and I hope you find some surf goggles that work for you. If so, let us know. Cheers
I’ve thought about using goggles as well, because every time I’m out boogie boarding or surfing with my contacts, my vision gets cloudy. Did you use just swim goggles or surf specific ones?
Thanks for the post!
Interesting blog! I have decided to return to surfing after 25 years and now 50 my eyesight over distance is not that good without glasses.
Being a product designer with my own company I have thought about designing my own that look cool and discrete rather than looking like Biggles on a surfboard.
Hi Steve, I think it’s fantastic you’re getting back into surfing. Is it like getting back on a bike, or more difficult?
If you’re able to develop pair of surf goggles that don’t make you feel conspicuous you’d help a lot of people. This post has been a lot more popular than I thought it would, so there’s a genuine interest out there.
Please keep in contact and if you feel inspired to write a few words about your experience I’d love to share them. Just send me an email: [email protected]
Hi Steve, I think it’s fantastic you’re getting back into surfing. Is it like getting back on a bike, or more difficult?
If you’re able to develop pair of surf goggles that don’t make you feel conspicuous you’d help a lot of people. This post has been a lot more popular than I thought it would, so there’s a genuine interest out there.
Please keep in contact and if you feel inspired to write a few words about your experience I’d love to share them. Just send me an email: [email protected]
Interesting blog! I have decided to return to surfing after 25 years and now 50 my eyesight over distance is not that good without glasses.
Being a product designer with my own company I have thought about designing my own that look cool and discrete rather than looking like Biggles on a surfboard.
Hi
I must be the one guy you have seen because I have always worn prescription goggles. I cannot see anything without my glasses. I tried contacts once twenty odd years ago and lost them both the first time I wiped out.
I am also a really keen sea swimmer. You NEVER see an open water swimmer without goggles and a swim hat and you never see a surfer with them. I am convinced this is purely vanity on the part of surfers.
Hi Malcolm,
“You NEVER see an open water swimmer without goggles” is a brilliant point, and I agree it’s vanity that stops surfers from wearing them.
A big respectful nod in your direction, for choosing the joy of sight when surfing over aesthetics.
Hopefully I’ll see you outback soon and say hello.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Cheers
Hi Malcolm,
“You NEVER see an open water swimmer without goggles” is a brilliant point, and I agree it’s vanity that stops surfers from wearing them.
A big respectful nod in your direction, for choosing the joy of sight when surfing over aesthetics.
Hopefully I’ll see you outback soon and say hello.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Cheers
Hi
I must be the one guy you have seen because I have always worn prescription goggles. I cannot see anything without my glasses. I tried contacts once twenty odd years ago and lost them both the first time I wiped out.
I am also a really keen sea swimmer. You NEVER see an open water swimmer without goggles and a swim hat and you never see a surfer with them. I am convinced this is purely vanity on the part of surfers.
Hi and thanks for this very informative piece.
I am short sighted and have always used daily disposable contacts for surfing. I have never suffered from infections as a result of wearing them in the water, however the main drawbacks that I regularly experience from using lenses are losing them in wipeouts, and of course, never being able to open your eyes underwater at all.
I am really keen to try some goggles, and I wondered if Malcolm Richmond, as a regular user, had any particular recommendations of ones to use or avoid?
Cheers.
Hi Will,
I’ve emailed Malcolm just in case he chose not to see other comments.
Fingers crossed he’ll share his experienced advice and recommendations.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Cheers
Hi Will,
I’ve emailed Malcolm just in case he chose not to see other comments.
Fingers crossed he’ll share his experienced advice and recommendations.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Cheers
Hi
I just bought a pair of prescription Speedo goggles from my local Specsavers. They work for me.
Brilliant. Often the simplest solutions are best. Thanks Malcolm.
Brilliant. Often the simplest solutions are best. Thanks Malcolm.
Hi
I just bought a pair of prescription Speedo goggles from my local Specsavers. They work for me.
Hi and thanks for this very informative piece.
I am short sighted and have always used daily disposable contacts for surfing. I have never suffered from infections as a result of wearing them in the water, however the main drawbacks that I regularly experience from using lenses are losing them in wipeouts, and of course, never being able to open your eyes underwater at all.
I am really keen to try some goggles, and I wondered if Malcolm Richmond, as a regular user, had any particular recommendations of ones to use or avoid?
Cheers.
Hi Andrew,
What a great discussion!
I’ve been wearing goggles since I started surfing (about 7-8 years ago).
I had an allergic reaction to medication that I was given for epilepsy (which I don’t have), when I was 10 years old. This reaction was pretty severe and caused burns to my skin and eyes.
After watching people surfing in New Zealand, I went into a local sports shop and discovered a range of open water goggles. Before finding them, I could only have dreamed of going in the sea – as the salty water just hurt my eyes too much.
I have since tried Barzoptics, Aqua Sphere, Speedo and Zoggs goggles. All of which have various pros and cons but for me the main issues are misting up and having them ripped off my head (in medium sized surf).
I really appreciate you taking the time to write this article as I’m now going to invest in a pair of Sportviz Aquavisors Pro core!!! I need my goggles to be tinted as I’m pretty photosensitive, so the option of having a polarized insert is amazing!
Thanks again for the info 🙂
Hi Laura,
Wow, that’s quite an experience. I really hope the Sportviz goggles tick all the boxes, but please let us know either way. Good luck and thanks for taking the time to comment.
Hi Laura,
Wow, that’s quite an experience. I really hope the Sportviz goggles tick all the boxes, but please let us know either way. Good luck and thanks for taking the time to comment.
Hi Andrew,
What a great discussion!
I’ve been wearing goggles since I started surfing (about 7-8 years ago).
I had an allergic reaction to medication that I was given for epilepsy (which I don’t have), when I was 10 years old. This reaction was pretty severe and caused burns to my skin and eyes.
After watching people surfing in New Zealand, I went into a local sports shop and discovered a range of open water goggles. Before finding them, I could only have dreamed of going in the sea – as the salty water just hurt my eyes too much.
I have since tried Barzoptics, Aqua Sphere, Speedo and Zoggs goggles. All of which have various pros and cons but for me the main issues are misting up and having them ripped off my head (in medium sized surf).
I really appreciate you taking the time to write this article as I’m now going to invest in a pair of Sportviz Aquavisors Pro core!!! I need my goggles to be tinted as I’m pretty photosensitive, so the option of having a polarized insert is amazing!
Thanks again for the info 🙂
Thank you for posting about this!
I am a swimmer and surfer, and I often thought of using goggles while surfing, for various reasons and one of them would be to watch underwater between sets, just to add to the enjoyment of being at sea. Also the freediver Fred Buyle (and shark specialist) said once that using them while surfing would be safer.
It should be awesome too while bodysurfing.
But I don’t wear them because I wasn’t sure about peripheral vision and obviously because I would get WTF looks…
So no particular comment besides that, I’ll just like to get follow-up comments on that subject 😉
Hi Bertrand,
I think John’s comment pretty much has it all covered from the feedback perspective.
Especially his comment: “might not look particularly cool, but being able to see and not going blind are more important at my age!”
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Cheers Andrew
Hi Bertrand,
I think John’s comment pretty much has it all covered from the feedback perspective.
Especially his comment: “might not look particularly cool, but being able to see and not going blind are more important at my age!”
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Cheers Andrew
Thank you for posting about this!
I am a swimmer and surfer, and I often thought of using goggles while surfing, for various reasons and one of them would be to watch underwater between sets, just to add to the enjoyment of being at sea. Also the freediver Fred Buyle (and shark specialist) said once that using them while surfing would be safer.
It should be awesome too while bodysurfing.
But I don’t wear them because I wasn’t sure about peripheral vision and obviously because I would get WTF looks…
So no particular comment besides that, I’ll just like to get follow-up comments on that subject 😉
Interesting article.
I’m short sighted and always used to wear daily disposable contacts for surfing and bodyboarding. Then after one session I noticed that the vision in one eye had become a bit blurred. I initially thought it was just a bit of dirt or mucus on the lens but then after taking the lens out and washing my eye my vision was still blurred which made me a bit worried. Went to the hospital and the doctor confirmed that I’d picked up an eye infection. Thankfully he was able to give me some ointment which meant it cleared up in a few days but he advised not to wear contacts in the water in future as in some cases you could even go permanently blind.
So I now wear prescription swimming goggles.
Pros –
I can see the waves coming (and also find my way back to our spot on the beach!)
Can see clearly underwater when duckdiving or wiping out.
Particularly useful for bodyboarding when your head is closer to the water and gets splashed a lot.
Goggles are tinted with UV protection, so also protects from glare on sunny days.
Cons –
Can sometime fog up, but I find using an anti-fog spray before each session helps.
Can sometimes get knocked off by big waves. I lost my first pair due to this but have since used a string/leash to attach the goggle strap to the zip on my wetsuit so that if they get knocked off I won’t lose them.
Might not look particularly cool, but being able to see and not going blind are more important at my age!
My goggles are standard tinted prescription swimming goggles bought on line for about £25. They work pretty well but I might consider treating myself to the Aquaviz ones mentioned above as they appear to be specifically designed for surfing with a wider field of vision and sturdy construction.
Wow, thanks for sharing your experiences John. It’s always good to get feedback and tips from someone who has actually tried and tested both.
Particularly like “might not look particularly cool, but being able to see and not going blind are more important at my age!”
I’ve seen a few different surf goggles released since I wrote this article, so might have to give it an update.
If you’ve got any brands and goggle models you think work best let me know.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Cheers Andrew
Wow, thanks for sharing your experiences John. It’s always good to get feedback and tips from someone who has actually tried and tested both.
Particularly like “might not look particularly cool, but being able to see and not going blind are more important at my age!”
I’ve seen a few different surf goggles released since I wrote this article, so might have to give it an update.
If you’ve got any brands and goggle models you think work best let me know.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Cheers Andrew
Interesting article.
I’m short sighted and always used to wear daily disposable contacts for surfing and bodyboarding. Then after one session I noticed that the vision in one eye had become a bit blurred. I initially thought it was just a bit of dirt or mucus on the lens but then after taking the lens out and washing my eye my vision was still blurred which made me a bit worried. Went to the hospital and the doctor confirmed that I’d picked up an eye infection. Thankfully he was able to give me some ointment which meant it cleared up in a few days but he advised not to wear contacts in the water in future as in some cases you could even go permanently blind.
So I now wear prescription swimming goggles.
Pros –
I can see the waves coming (and also find my way back to our spot on the beach!)
Can see clearly underwater when duckdiving or wiping out.
Particularly useful for bodyboarding when your head is closer to the water and gets splashed a lot.
Goggles are tinted with UV protection, so also protects from glare on sunny days.
Cons –
Can sometime fog up, but I find using an anti-fog spray before each session helps.
Can sometimes get knocked off by big waves. I lost my first pair due to this but have since used a string/leash to attach the goggle strap to the zip on my wetsuit so that if they get knocked off I won’t lose them.
Might not look particularly cool, but being able to see and not going blind are more important at my age!
My goggles are standard tinted prescription swimming goggles bought on line for about £25. They work pretty well but I might consider treating myself to the Aquaviz ones mentioned above as they appear to be specifically designed for surfing with a wider field of vision and sturdy construction.
Hi Andrew,
Happy to share my experiences.
I’ve always been puzzled why there isn’t a bigger market for surf goggles/eyewear when so many people wear glasses or contacts to correct their vision out of the water. Its quite important to be able to see clearly when you’re out in the surf and the fact that all opticians and doctors advise not wearing contacts means they’re simply not worth the risk IMO. And even if you have perfect vision there can still be a problem with glare off the water on a sunny day.
Have you been wearing the Aquaviz goggles for a while now? If so how have you found them? Any issues with fogging up after time? What’s the difference between the standard core and pro core?
Pro looks a bit more chunky although presumably provides better protection?
Also interested in any other brands/manufacturers you might know of?
Hi John,
To answer your questions:
• Have you been wearing the Aquaviz goggles for a while now?
No sorry, I only gave them a test drive out of curiosity. But I gave them to a friend and he likes them.
• If so how have you found them? Any issues with fogging up after time?
I found them surprisingly good and they didn’t fog up on me, but I only tested them the once.
• What’s the difference between the standard core and pro core?
About £5! Like you say the pro version looks a bit chunkier so probably offer increased protection but not 100% sure.
• Also interested in any other brands/manufacturers you might know of?
I know some of the swimming goggle brands do prescription goggles e.g. Aquasphere but most surf goggles are floatable sunglasses. Hopefully other readers might be able to help…
HI All,
Experience of why wearing goggles in the surf comes to some of us.
I don’t have the correct eyeball shape in one eye for contact lenses mmm I know weird but a bit difficult wearing just one contact eh.
Usual glasses are varilux top range lenses as need for close work and driving. Been using Aquasphere eagle transparent frames and lenses single vision short sighted for 12years now in the surf and thats in best achieved 6ft croyde waves and worst wipe outs from the same waves, bodysurfing the south coast and general pool swimming.
All surf in all temperatures and yes I do use an anti fog gel before each outing but not a problem except on very cold days initially ie minus air degrees and hot body! gets a bit of fogging but soon goes. As to not losing them in surf I always use a nylon cord attached to the side of the straps and the wetsuit chest zip and not lost them yet just a few times ripped off face in heavy dunkings, that comes from wearing them outside of hood to minimise water penetration through face seal.
All round vision well if you can’t turn your head normally to see whats around you, your in trouble!
And the overall winner is that with out them I would be paddling for those dark encroaching massive waves which of course are just the shadows moving towards the shore haha done it more than once in the past, and believe me then other surfers do look at you haha. Churs all.
Hiya, that’s awesome feedback thanks!
Hiya, that’s awesome feedback thanks!
HI All,
Experience of why wearing goggles in the surf comes to some of us.
I don’t have the correct eyeball shape in one eye for contact lenses mmm I know weird but a bit difficult wearing just one contact eh.
Usual glasses are varilux top range lenses as need for close work and driving. Been using Aquasphere eagle transparent frames and lenses single vision short sighted for 12years now in the surf and thats in best achieved 6ft croyde waves and worst wipe outs from the same waves, bodysurfing the south coast and general pool swimming.
All surf in all temperatures and yes I do use an anti fog gel before each outing but not a problem except on very cold days initially ie minus air degrees and hot body! gets a bit of fogging but soon goes. As to not losing them in surf I always use a nylon cord attached to the side of the straps and the wetsuit chest zip and not lost them yet just a few times ripped off face in heavy dunkings, that comes from wearing them outside of hood to minimise water penetration through face seal.
All round vision well if you can’t turn your head normally to see whats around you, your in trouble!
And the overall winner is that with out them I would be paddling for those dark encroaching massive waves which of course are just the shadows moving towards the shore haha done it more than once in the past, and believe me then other surfers do look at you haha. Churs all.
Hi John,
To answer your questions:
• Have you been wearing the Aquaviz goggles for a while now?
No sorry, I only gave them a test drive out of curiosity. But I gave them to a friend and he likes them.
• If so how have you found them? Any issues with fogging up after time?
I found them surprisingly good and they didn’t fog up on me, but I only tested them the once.
• What’s the difference between the standard core and pro core?
About £5! Like you say the pro version looks a bit chunkier so probably offer increased protection but not 100% sure.
• Also interested in any other brands/manufacturers you might know of?
I know some of the swimming goggle brands do prescription goggles e.g. Aquasphere but most surf goggles are floatable sunglasses. Hopefully other readers might be able to help…
Hi Andrew,
Happy to share my experiences.
I’ve always been puzzled why there isn’t a bigger market for surf goggles/eyewear when so many people wear glasses or contacts to correct their vision out of the water. Its quite important to be able to see clearly when you’re out in the surf and the fact that all opticians and doctors advise not wearing contacts means they’re simply not worth the risk IMO. And even if you have perfect vision there can still be a problem with glare off the water on a sunny day.
Have you been wearing the Aquaviz goggles for a while now? If so how have you found them? Any issues with fogging up after time? What’s the difference between the standard core and pro core?
Pro looks a bit more chunky although presumably provides better protection?
Also interested in any other brands/manufacturers you might know of?
Having spent years dinghy racing wearing glasses and coping with capsizes & wipeouts/ broaching I sorted out a system to avoid losses.
First off is some string between the arm ends and around the back of the head. This would be tied on with a simple thumb knot then over laid with duct tape. The string length was a snug fit sliding over the head with glasses in place. Using another length of string I’d link the glasses string to either a loop on my buoyancy aid shoulder/back or to a string necklace under my wetsuit. It was surprising how planted the specs could be but if they did get knocked off they weren’t lost. I once had them snag, the frame of the specs failed before I suffered any harm.
To avoid expense I used “easy-reader ” specs nearest to my prescription. Not perfect but better than without.
This works for sunglasses too. Not thought of trying in surf.
Have a look at you tube searching “wearing sunglasses surfing” I was surprised how many people have developed startegies and ideas to solve this without losing face!
Thanks for the top tips
Thanks for the top tips
Having spent years dinghy racing wearing glasses and coping with capsizes & wipeouts/ broaching I sorted out a system to avoid losses.
First off is some string between the arm ends and around the back of the head. This would be tied on with a simple thumb knot then over laid with duct tape. The string length was a snug fit sliding over the head with glasses in place. Using another length of string I’d link the glasses string to either a loop on my buoyancy aid shoulder/back or to a string necklace under my wetsuit. It was surprising how planted the specs could be but if they did get knocked off they weren’t lost. I once had them snag, the frame of the specs failed before I suffered any harm.
To avoid expense I used “easy-reader ” specs nearest to my prescription. Not perfect but better than without.
This works for sunglasses too. Not thought of trying in surf.
Have a look at you tube searching “wearing sunglasses surfing” I was surprised how many people have developed startegies and ideas to solve this without losing face!
Hi all.
I recently had a trabeculectomy for glaucoma. My consultant was a little shocked when I said I went surfing, must be my age! Basically a trab reduces your resisitance to eye infections which can cause blindness! Yikes! His advice was wear goggles for all swimming – initial reaction was you gotta be kidding! No way swimming goggles will stay on duck diving another than 2ft slop.
Your blog and peoples experience gave me courage, I bought AquaSphere Vista. Tested out at Godrevy in up to 4ft surf no problems duck diving but then no real serious thrashings, but they never came off had a safety leash on them in case! Did get a bit of leakage and fogging on 3rd usage – I didnt buy the anti- fog spray which was a mistake!
Once I got over my fear of having a full eye immersion and then realised nobody took a bit of notice of my natty goggles had several great sessions.
Hi Martin,
It’s always good to hear from people that have properly tried and tested products, and to get their feedback. It sounds like the Aquasphere Vista goggles have performed well so far. Would be good to know if the anti fog spray makes much difference.
Really glad you found this post helpful and hopefully your comment will inspire others to go out in goggles if they need to. Cheers
Hi Andrew,
Sorry not replied before. So, got some new aquasphere eagles august 2018 with updated prescription, so much sharper seeing people now haha. With these the instruction says not to use anti fog spray so I haven’t been and apart from initial slight fog ie body temp to ice cold water all seems to be good. So just stuck to wash off with plain water after sea or pool use and not tried to clean /polish the lens. churs old surfer
Hello fellow Old Surfer,
I appreciate the feedback. This is a surprisingly popular post, so I expect your comments will be genuinely helpful to other surf goggle wearers. Churs.
Hello fellow Old Surfer,
I appreciate the feedback. This is a surprisingly popular post, so I expect your comments will be genuinely helpful to other surf goggle wearers. Churs.
Hi Andrew,
Sorry not replied before. So, got some new aquasphere eagles august 2018 with updated prescription, so much sharper seeing people now haha. With these the instruction says not to use anti fog spray so I haven’t been and apart from initial slight fog ie body temp to ice cold water all seems to be good. So just stuck to wash off with plain water after sea or pool use and not tried to clean /polish the lens. churs old surfer
Hi Martin,
It’s always good to hear from people that have properly tried and tested products, and to get their feedback. It sounds like the Aquasphere Vista goggles have performed well so far. Would be good to know if the anti fog spray makes much difference.
Really glad you found this post helpful and hopefully your comment will inspire others to go out in goggles if they need to. Cheers
Hi all.
I recently had a trabeculectomy for glaucoma. My consultant was a little shocked when I said I went surfing, must be my age! Basically a trab reduces your resisitance to eye infections which can cause blindness! Yikes! His advice was wear goggles for all swimming – initial reaction was you gotta be kidding! No way swimming goggles will stay on duck diving another than 2ft slop.
Your blog and peoples experience gave me courage, I bought AquaSphere Vista. Tested out at Godrevy in up to 4ft surf no problems duck diving but then no real serious thrashings, but they never came off had a safety leash on them in case! Did get a bit of leakage and fogging on 3rd usage – I didnt buy the anti- fog spray which was a mistake!
Once I got over my fear of having a full eye immersion and then realised nobody took a bit of notice of my natty goggles had several great sessions.
Hi all,
So long story short I had this eye infection from contact lenses and ever since I have had to be careful with water contact to my eyes. I ordered a pair of the AquaViz OTS Pro Core with the intention of surfing with them and I was wondering whether anyone has any experience with how these faired in bigger surf (5/6ft +)? thanks!
Hi Tuan,
I’m intrigued to know if anyone has tried and tested goggles in big surf. Hopefully someone has and can offer advice…