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Leprechaun
28-06-2005, 10:15 AM
or just boffinery gone a bit mad?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4626823.stm

Goggles that count laps - mm can think of very limited market potential for these as most people I know - with one or two notables in Masters - can count the number of laps they have to swim.

So what about some more USEFUL innovations for the swimming world?

Starters for ten:

Goggles that can be located using bluetooth technology and therefore never get lost?
Googles that tell you when you are out of your lane (helps some of us with backstroke turns?)
Something that tells you when to turn so that your feet always reach the wall?
Mobile phone incorporated in a kickboard so that you can natter to your mates on long kick sets? Alternatively a floating laptop?
RobertBS
28-06-2005, 11:21 AM
They also take your splits, I believe. Very useful.

And, to be honest, most people _can't_ count. If you're doing multi-repetition sets, off an even number of minutes, it's very easy to lose track of whether you've done 13 or 15.
FlyingBean
28-06-2005, 01:33 PM
What a fantastic idea!! Although I'm sure if splits were shown this would be considered a pacing device and not useable in a distance race. :cry:

I would be interested in finding out how many turns the device would think I'd done on an open water swim, I seem to spend more time changing directions than swimming in a straight line. :joker:
DRB
11-07-2006, 09:04 PM
Lots of jolly comments - but to be serious for a moment what I would really find useful would be a method of communicating with swimmers while they are swimming so I can give them technical advice that they can act on while they are actually doing their stroke (then when they get it right they can FEEL what its like to get it right). I thought at one point that I might get a set of those Finis goggles with the MP3 player that uses bone conductive technology and replacing the MP3 player with a radio receiver (anybody out there fancy financing this idea)
Chris
11-07-2006, 09:27 PM
Lots of jolly comments - but to be serious for a moment what I would really find useful would be a method of communicating with swimmers while they are swimming so I can give them technical advice that they can act on while they are actually doing their stroke (then when they get it right they can FEEL what its like to get it right). I thought at one point that I might get a set of those Finis goggles with the MP3 player that uses bone conductive technology and replacing the MP3 player with a radio receiver (anybody out there fancy financing this idea)

You could always record an mp3 telling them the things they should be thinking about ..... kicking out of starts/turns, no breathing out of turns, bilateral breathing .... that sort of thing.

Play it on a loop and they'll soon get the idea!

Chris
swimfastfaster
28-05-2008, 10:11 AM
I think goggles that count your lengths and splits would be brilliant....i know that i certainly cant count lengths very well..i once stopped after 150m in a 200 free because i was ahead by a good bit and thought i was finished! stupidity! id love goggles that counted my splits especially for training when your on your own!!
Stevie_k
28-05-2008, 11:20 AM
I think they are fantastic.

I have just bought a lap counter (not recieved yet).

If these become available, i will buy them without a doubt (providing they are not leaky).
Apostle
28-05-2008, 11:57 AM
What about GPS satnav for outdoor swimmers?
Apostle
28-05-2008, 12:00 PM
I think they are fantastic.

I have just bought a lap counter (not recieved yet).

If these become available, i will buy them without a doubt (providing they are not leaky).


Hey man!!

What happened to the purity of one man and his budgies!!
Stevie_k
28-05-2008, 12:34 PM
Hey man!!

What happened to the purity of one man and his budgies!!

Yeah, but GOGGLES are ok jeez :wave:
xml
28-05-2008, 01:04 PM
What about GPS satnav for outdoor swimmers?
http://www.sbrk.co.uk/lake1a.png
That's the swim I did on Saturday. Got a heart rate trace too :)
Leprechaun
28-05-2008, 01:30 PM
http://www.sbrk.co.uk/lake1a.png
That's the swim I did on Saturday. Got a heart rate trace too :)

As a matter of interest is that one of the Garmin trackers? I havent been able to find one that is properly waterproof so would be grateful for your recommentations. Is it wrist or gogglemounted?

I think there is also a market for an adaptation of the wildlife tracking tags so that the position could be monitored in busy(ier) locations.
xml
28-05-2008, 02:40 PM
As a matter of interest is that one of the Garmin trackers? I havent been able to find one that is properly waterproof so would be grateful for your recommentations. Is it wrist or gogglemounted?
It's not waterproof at all. It was a Garmin Edge 305 that I use for cycling. I put it in a couple of freezer bags and under my swimcap. Even if it were waterproof, I'm not sure it would work very well wrist mounted.
GettingFaster
28-05-2008, 02:53 PM
Very creative, xml!
Leprechaun
28-05-2008, 02:56 PM
It's not waterproof at all. It was a Garmin Edge 305 that I use for cycling. I put it in a couple of freezer bags and under my swimcap. Even if it were waterproof, I'm not sure it would work very well wrist mounted.

Thats what I suspected - one of open water's greats does it as you do. Thanks
Speedy Gonzalez
28-05-2008, 03:22 PM
[QUOTE=Leprechaun;45871]
Goggles that can be located using bluetooth technology and therefore never get lost?
QUOTE]


I actually need some that beep constantly from when I get to the changing room until I put them in my bag. I tend to hang them up on a hook for them to dry while I am changing. And then leave them there as a present for the next person to come along.

I could also do with a towel that dries me and itself instantly. I'm sick of constantly hanging out wet towels. And swimming costumes.

A pullbuoy that glues itself (temporarily) to your legs. I have to do a funny wiggle every time I tumble to return the pullbuoy to its original position.:zip: