I was just on the website for Ironman China and saw this in the newest press release. So they are advising of NO wetsuits due to dehydration but they are still considering? Has anyone else had past experience with this at any other races where it was a last minute decision?
Weather & Wetsuits:Spring is in the air in Haikou now with average temperatures in the mid 20s (Celsius).
Race day conditions average a few degrees warmer but may reach into the 30s. Wetsuits are legal for age
groupers in the absence of unusually hot air and water temperatures. However, as warm water and warm
weather conditions are expected, we STONGLY encourage athletes to evaluate the swim as part of a
triathlon (not swimming race) and NOT wear wetsuits unless needed for safety reasons. Our experience
from last year and at other tropical races is that wetsuit use will be a competitive disadvantage over the
course of the entire race due to overheating and early dehydration. While we are waiting on more
information regarding expected water temperatures in the Nandu River, we expect that Pros will not be
allowed to wear wetsuits in order to set a proper example for age groupers. Speedsuits will be legal under
any circumstances but, again, we encourage athletes to evaluate these suits in terms of overheating given
race day water and air temperatures. The final call on wetsuits will be made by the Event Director, at the
race briefing, on Saturday 18 April.