2009 Hy Vee Triathlon (Page 2)

douglasschaefer - 2009-06-10 2:52 PM I don't know what the temperature of the water is currently and I'm not sure where you live, but I live in Omaha which is just 2 hours west of Des Moines and the weather has been very mild here so far (not even supposed to hit 70 today) and unless we get a string of 90+ degrees for two weeks in a row, I believe that wetsuits will be allowed (I think the water temperature has to be 70 degrees or more to disallow wetsuits and it takes a lot of heat to get a big body of water that warm). 2 years ago they were not allowed and that was a really hot summer with a string of 90+ degree days right before the race. Last year I would say the weather was a little warmer than what we are currently having and wetsuits were allowed. So, I'd say if you can get your hands on a wetsuit do it.

USAT Rules
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. The AAC has set the wetsuit maximum temperature for elite/pros at 68 degrees for swim
distances less than 3000 meters and 71.6 degrees for distances of 3000 meters or greater.