January 2026 - Coach's Corner

From Coach Paul Skelton, our dedicated guide who's helped countless Ninjas master the bay—check out his YouTube @Ultracoach_paul for more tips.

Choosing the Right Swim Goggles for Race Day

Swim goggles generally come in three main types: clear, tinted, and chromatic (photochromic) lenses. Each works best in different lighting conditions, and choosing the right pair can make a big difference to your comfort and visibility on race day.

Clear Lenses

• Best for overcast or low‑light conditions.

• Ideal for early morning starts when the sky is dull.

• Provide maximum brightness and clarity.

Tinted Lenses

• Great for sunny days, especially when the sun is low on the horizon — a common race scenario around sunrise.

• Help reduce glare and eye strain when sighting into the sun.

Chromatic / Photochromic Lenses

• Designed to adapt to changing light, making them useful at dawn or when the sun climbs higher during your swim.

• Caution: They take a few seconds to transition from clear to dark. When the sun is low, they may clear when you look down but won’t darken fast enough when you lift your head to sight, which can cause glare issues

Simple Race‑Day Recommendation

Unless you’re certain conditions will shift significantly during your swim, it’s usually safest to choose clear or tinted lenses based on the forecast and expected sunlight.

Pro Tip: Plan Ahead

The day before your race:

• Walk the swim course.

• Identify where you’ll be sighting during each leg.

• Note the position of the sun at your expected start time.

• Choose goggles accordingly.

• A small bit of planning can massively improve your visibility, confidence, and even swim time.

Share your thoughts on these tips in the comments on our Facebook post, or tag Paul in your training stories