Wetsuits are allowed in triathlons -- sometimes. USA Triathlon has restrictions on when you can wear them without penalty. Wetsuit rules based on water temperature have been in place since 1994, and they will continue unless USA Triathlon reviews the data and decides to change the guidelines. A major change in another area of wetsuit restrictions, however, starts in 2013.
New Ruling on Thickness
The USA Triathlon Competitive Rules' Article 4.4 has a new restriction effective Jan. 1, 2013. The rule states that no part of the wetsuit may be greater than 5 millimeters thick. If you violate the rule, you're automatically disqualified. The rule applies to all ages, skill levels and swimming distances and water temperatures, although other wetsuit rules can change based on those variables.
Water Temperature
Water temperature dictates whether you're allowed to wear a wetsuit in the first place. Regardless of your age, you are allowed to wear a wetsuit in waters 78 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. If you feel you still need a wetsuit because of your age, you can wear one in waters as warm as 83 degrees Fahrenheit and still participate in the events, although you will not be eligible for any awards or prizes. If you wear a wetsuit in waters that are 84 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter, you might as well go home. Rules don't allow it for any age group.
Elite Athletes
If you happen to be an elite athlete who competes at a professional level, you have an amended rule for wetsuits. You have lower maximum water temperatures in which you can wear a wetsuit, with the temperature determined by the length of the swim. If your swim is less than 3,000 meters, the maximum water temperature in which you can wear a wetsuit is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. For swims measuring 3,000 meters or greater, you can wear a wetsuit in waters up to 71.6 degrees.
Considerations
No USA Triathlon rule mentions restrictions on any style or size of wetsuit; those determinations are up to you. Wetsuits that cover more of your body can keep you warmer, but they can also restrict movement and be more difficult to get on and off. Para-Triathletes can wear a wetsuit in any water temperature. Special wetsuit rules can apply to particular age groups, skill levels or all participants for specific racing conditions or swimming events as long as participants are notified in advance.
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