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FAQs - Swim Related Questions
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Do I need a wetsuit? |
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Wetsuits are compulsory for all IMG Challenger World open water swims. It will not only keep
you warm but it will also help you swim faster. A wetsuit
provides you with extra buoyancy across the backside and
down the back of your thighs. This keeps you higher in
the water...the higher you are the faster you swim. It
will aid your swim immensely. For further information
on hiring / buying wetsuits Click
Here |
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Where can I hire / buy
a wetsuit?
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For information on buying or hiring a wetsuit Click Here
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Can I use my surfing or shortie wetsuit? |
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You can use any type of wetsuit
but triathletes use triathlon specific wetsuits, which
are totally different from the average wetsuit. Most wetsuits
are designed to be flexible around the arms and shoulders
and do not fit like a second skin so will scoop up an
awful lot of water. This will slow you down. A triathlon
wetsuit is designed for swimming. The flexibility around
the arms is incredible and will not impede your swimming.
A triathlon wetsuit also fits extremely closely! Novice's
initial reaction when putting their wetsuit on is that
it is too tight on the chest. Any tightness will immediately
disappear as soon as you enter the water. If the wetsuit
is comfortable on the land then the chances are that it
is too big for you and will scoop up water when you start
to swim. Practising in a wetsuit in the weeks prior to
the race is very important and will allay any fears you
may have. Hiring a wetsuit in advance of the event will
allow you time to practise in it. For further information
on hiring / buying wetsuits Click
Here |
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What about the Speedo LZR Racer Tri Pro Suit?
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Speedo would like to assure consumers that the Speedo LZR Racer Tri Pro suit will not be banned further to FINA’s announcement regarding the new rules pertaining to swimwear. The new rules apply within official FINA competitions and as such the Speedo LZR Racer Tri Pro suit will not be affected by this. |
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What do I wear underneath
my wetsuit?
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You should wear whatever you
will complete the rest of the race in. Then when you strip
off your wetsuit your race kit is already on underneath.
Remember nudity in the transition area is not allowed,
so wear something! You can race in any clothing you feel
comfortable in, but triathlon specific clothing is designed
for swimming, biking and running. It dries quickly, provides
sufficient padding and will prevent chaffing in certain
areas. Our official retailers
sell reasonably priced triathlon clothing that will help
you feel the part as well! This clothing will make you
more comfortable during your event. |
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Do I need swim goggles?
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We would recommend them! Any
open water swimming really does require goggles. Open
water swimming also benefits from goggles with lenses
suitable for outdoors. These are slightly different colours
to those you would normally use in a swimming pool where
the water is clear and the lights are bright. Most open
water swimmers would use a lightly tinted or persimmon
coloured lens, which will make everything look clearer
and crisper...especially if the weather is not too bright! |
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Do I need a swim cap? |
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You will need to collect one
at the swim assembly point on race day. Everyone must
wear a swim cap for safety reasons. A swimmer is easier
to see in the water if they're wearing a swim cap. All
athletes who start in the same wave will have the same
colour cap on. |
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How can I be sure that the water will be safe to swim
in? |
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We conduct numerous tests, of
all the water bodies that used in our races, right up
to the race day itself to ensure that they are safe to
swim in. |
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Can I use any stroke on the swim? |
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We recommend that you try to
swim front crawl but breaststroke is also permitted. Backstroke
is not allowed. |
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What safety measures are in place? |
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The Swim Safety team are very
experienced. Should you get into difficulty, lie on your
back and raise one arm; a canoe will then escort you to
safety. The buoyancy of your wetsuit will help so don’t
panic. We have numerous safety canoes, and rescue power
boats if we need to bring anyone to the dockside!. |
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Where do I put my race number? |
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You will receive in the
post a white adhesive number which is to be put
on the coloured swim cap you collect at the swim
assembly point on race day.
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To visit the Contact Us page -
Click Here
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