You should bring a wetsuit to every event. Under British Triathlon rules, wetsuits are either mandatory, optional or forbidden depending on the combination of swim distance and water temperature.
The use of wetsuits is forbidden or mandatory if the following combinations of distance and water temperature are met.
Swim Length | Age as at 31st December | Mandatory Below | Forbidden Above |
Up to 1500m | Up to and including age 59 | 15.9°C | 22°C |
Up to 1500m | Age 60 and above | 15.9°C | 24.6°C |
1501m and above | All ages | 15.9°C | 24.6°C |
It is recommended that wetsuits be worn by all novices and Age-Groupers up to and including age 59 up to 22°C, and all novices and Age-Groupers age 60 and above up to 24.6°C;
Mandatory wetsuits must cover at least the torso.
You can wear any type of wetsuit, including shorties.
Where wetsuits are mandatory, socks are permitted. Gloves or boots are not permitted.