Debusama

I was thinking about doing some triathlons a while ago, but what scared me away was the fact that I was led to believe by a triathlete friend that USAT approved wetsuits are required in most area (Washington State) triathlons. I am primarily a cyclist, and I didn’t want to spend the cash to buy a wetsuit just to try a triathlon or two. I’ve been looking for rules on event websites that state that wetsuits are a required for certain events, but I can’t find any. Does anyone have a link explaining what might make Wetsuits a requirement in a triathlon?

jazzyrider

As you know WA state the water is cold, very cold in some area. If you have thick skin and can manage the water temp, by all means swim in whatever is comfortable for you. Wetsuits are not required, only recommended. The new USAT rule states that if a wetsuit is used, it does not exceed 5mm.

Zanobi

I'm in much the same boat as you, but researching some of the local ones as I prepare to plan my training I've found temperature requirements.

I can tell you that for one on the gulf coast of Florida, swimsuits are not allowed if the temperature is over 78 (which can easily happen). According to another site I've seen, USAT says they're allowed below 78, and ITU rules state in temps below 57 they're required.

Being where you're at, I imagine the water temps don't get nearly as warm as here. Most event pages at best state they're either required or will be a race day determination by officials, meaning people need to have one on hand just in case.

Lastly, I've heard a number of times that wetsuit can be rented in a number of places. I'm not sure about this, so I'm sticking to my plan of a "warmer" weather attempt for my entry into tris.

I hope some of the info helps.

Debusama

Thanks, that was what I was looking for.

back4more

If you're a cyclist you should be no stranger to throwing cash at your sport sooooo, how long is the swim. is it open water? A wetsuit will make the swim easier if you are not a master swimmer, it will provide you with boyancy so you can focus your energy in moving forward and the suit will make you slipperier in the water. If you can't find 1 to rent buy a lower priced model and if you don't stick with doing tris sell it on e-bay you can probably recover all or most of your investment. Besides you can get a nice entry level suit for less than $200 and closer to $100 if you shop around.

Zanobi

Keep in mind, even if an event claims to conform to USAT or ITU rules they may still create their own requirements.

I suggest you look for one during the warmer part of the year and read their rules completely before you register. Like I said, many races post wetsuits will be a raceday decision for officials.