Triathlons are multisport endurance races, most commonly comprising an open-water swim and cycling and running sections. The shortest standardized triathlon distance is the sprint, which features a swim of less than 1,000 yards, a bike ride of under 20 miles and typically a 5-kilometer run at the end. Triathlon swims commonly take place in open water -- the ocean or a lake -- and swimming caps are important for visibility and safety. Consult your doctor before starting a new exercise or training regimen.
Race-Issued Swim Caps
Most triathlons issue each athlete a waterproof, latex-type swim cap before the race. Athletes then mark their race number in waterproof pen on the swim cap as well as their arms and legs. Paper numbers are attached to bicycle frames and shirts worn for running. Triathlon-issued swim caps usually are a light color such as yellow, pink or white. This aids visibility in open water and allows caps to be marked with black pen.
Thermal Swim Caps
When open-water temperatures are relatively low, triathletes may be allowed or required to wear wetsuits in the water. Wetsuits increase your body temperature during a cold swim, in addition to boosting your buoyancy. This can increase your speed overall in the swim section. In cold water, thermal swim caps can add at least 5 degrees Fahrenheit of warmth to your head. Thermal swim caps typically have a built-in chinstrap to keep them attached to your head.
Novice Swim Caps
Many triathletes do most or all of their pre-race training in a swimming pool and may feel nervous about open-water swimming during a race. Swimming in open water can involve waves, murky or choppy water, winds and currents that make swimming harder work than in a calm pool. If you are not entirely confident about the open-water swimming portion of a triathlon, request a novice swim cap at race check-in. These caps are a different color that those of the other swimmers in your group and alert lifeguards to keep a close eye on you while you complete the swim.
Swim Caps in a Pool
Some triathlons use an indoor swimming pool for the first section of a race. In fact, it is even possible to race an entire triathlon indoors, transitioning from a swimming pool to a stationary bike and then a treadmill. As many public swimming pools require swimmers to wear swim caps as a hygiene measure, you may be required to wear your own swimming cap for a triathlon pool swim. Alternately, race organizers may issue different colored caps to indicate different "waves" of swimmers, as not everyone can be in the pool simultaneously during a pool triathlon swim.
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