KG6 wrote:
Usually each person has a set time from the tune they start. Say for an IM, the swim cutoff is 2:20. If you start first or last, if it takes you longer than 2:20, you get a DNF. I think the bike is 10:30 after you start the swim. Again, it's when you cross the mat. They may not pull you off the course if you started at the front and are still in the mix, but you get a DNF nook matter what.
As far as if you should, it depends on you and your confidence in your swimming. I swim well enough that for my first full, I dont want that caveat in my mind when thinking about it. If I didnt swim well, I would wear one as I wouldn't let that stop me from making the attempt if it is allowed.
In the IM I am doing, the athlete guide says the intermediate cutoff times on the bike will not be adjusted if there is a wetsuit optional wave. Actually, most of the ones I have read have said this.