Need some basic swimming info

[monster]

Re goggles, go to a specialist shop, try them on, find a pair that really fit. The staff should be able to help you. You should be able to push them lightly onto your face and they will seal and stay there -without the strap. They should not cause pressure on the bridge of your nose. they shouldn't cost much more than a tenner. Buy some. Swimming was a totally different experience for me once I got goggles that fit.

Regards the rest of it, why not go and watch a "masters" class (all adult swim groups are called "masters")-see what exercises they do that might work for you and decide if you want to give it a try with them or alone. Round here, most public pools have pull buoys and kickboards available so you could try before you buy. I agree, fins are not compatible with dodgy knees. I alternate laps of breast stroke and freestyle when my kness are playing up, so they don't get over-exposed to a single repetitive action for too long.