Bucket of water for T1?

I prefer to keep my transition area simple and uncluttered...not only for myself, but for people around me as transition space is usually tight.  Most times when you're running into T1, most of the sand comes off.  Maybe a quick wipe of your feet with a towel may help, but a bucket or pan of water is just something for you or someone else to trip over, or accidentally drop something in that isn't supposed to get wet.

please don't bring a bucket of water.  simple is better.  my transition area has a pair of shoes, a helmet, and a number belt. that's it!

Personally, I would just leave a small towel in T1 and wipe your feet off if you need to (although I know some people do leave some water in a bucket).  

No need to be intimidated.  Try to do a practice run through--whether there or just at home to get used to the things you will have to drop (goggles, cap, etc) and those you need to grab/put on (bike shoes, helmet, sunglasses, etc).  If you are wearing a wetsuit, that is your biggest 'drop' hurdle.  If so, try to start taking it off your upper body as you exit the water and run back to your bike and then get your legs free.  If not, just pull off your cap and goggles as soon as you exit the water and run with them back to your bike.  Toss them onto a towel or something where you have your transition items laid out.  Shoes (and socks if you are wearing them) should be there ready to slip on (have your socks 'rolled' off your foot ready to just stick your toes in and 'roll' back up your foot if you are wearing them) and and any items you are going to throw in your pockets (might be nothing, esp. if a short race).  Easiest thing for helmet is to have it resting on your handle bars with straps hanging over side and sunglasses (if wearing them)inside helmet and already open to just slip onto your face.  Put the glasses on, them the helmet.  Then buckle the helmet and grab your bike and go.  T2 is easier.  Just remember to take off your helmet before you go run!

Have fun!

X 2

most of the races I do are in a costal community so there's always sand.  I've found most of it comes off running through transition.  If you're worried about it in your bike shoes two tips.  1. squirt your feet off with a bike water bottle.  it's small and you can tuck it away when you're done.  watch other peoples equipment if you do this.  2.  Wipe each foot off on your opposite leg while you're putting your helmet on.  Doesn't necessarily get all the sand off but if your feet are caked in sand it will get the bulk off. 

Here's another clean transition set up that includes a towel to wipe your feet on and socks rolled up to be unrolled right onto your feet.

Definitely keep things as simple as possible.