One would think that with the recent high temperatures in Austin, TX have been over 100 degrees that The Austin Tri would NOT be wetsuit legal. . . BUT as of August 24th temperatures in Lady Bird Lake prove otherwise. The final temperature will be taken on race day, but as of now, it looks like athletes may have the option to wear a wetsuit in the open water swim this coming Labor Day. Here are the official temperatures regarding wetsuits as officiated by USA Triathlon, as well as other swim related rules to keep you and all athletes safe this Labor Day weekend!
Section 4.4 Wet suits. Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wet suit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The wetsuit policy for elite athletes shall be determined by the USAT Athletes Advisory Council. The AAC has set the wetsuit maximum temperature for elite/pros at 68 degrees for swim distances less than 3000 meters and 71.6 degrees for distances of 3000 meters or greater.
Section 4.7 Official Equipment. If provided by race management, a swimmer shall wear the proper official swim cap corresponding to his wave. The penalty for an infraction of this rule is a variable time penalty. For safety reasons if no official cap is provided, all swimmers should wear their own brightly colored swim cap.
Section 4.8 Goggles. Swimmers may wear, but shall not be required to wear, swim goggles or face masks.
Section 4.9 Illegal Equipment. Any swimmer wearing any artificial propulsion device, including but not limited to fins, gloves, paddles, or floating devices of any kind shall be disqualified.
Discussion
It all boils down to this:
- 78 degrees or below: Wear a wetsuit if you like. It's not required.
- 78 - 84: You may wear a wetsuit, but you will not be eligible for rankings or awards
- Above 84: It's way too warm to wear a wetsuit. Go to the sauna instead.
- Don't use any equipment that gives you an unfair advantage. And yes, people have actually tried to use fins during the swim!
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