Anyone know the cutoff water temp that USAT uses for not allowing wetsuits? I just checked the website for an upcoming race and the water temp is supposedly hovering around 75. Yikes! I’m one of those who prefers 57. I really want to swim with my wetsuit, but am pretty worried about overheating. Any thoughts?
For agegroupers, the rule is that you can wear a wetsuit up to, and including 78 degrees. I’ve raced in a wetsuit at temps at least that hot without a problem, but then I’m one of those people that prefers swimming in +70 temps.
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.