The top two questions we receive about our events is what is the water temperature and are wetsuits allowed. Since one answer usually answers the other the explanations for both are bundled together for you here.
Water Temperature
The water temperature for each open water event is taken and posted on the event website and the series event page 36-48 hours before the posted packet pick-up time. This temperature reading is a preliminary reading. The official water temperature will be taken on race morning about 60-90 minutes prior to race start by the USAT official on site. Check out the water temperature history HERE.
Wetsuits
As per USAT rules, if the water temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit or below then wetsuits ARE allowed. At 78.1 to 83.9 degrees Fahrenheit participants may wear a wetsuit at their own discretion; however, wearing a wetsuit in the temperature range will mean that the athletes are ineligible for awards and their results will be placed in the Wetsuit category section of the category results page. Your results will not be placed in the overall results as wearing a wetsuit is an unfair advantage. At 84 degrees Fahrenheit and above wetsuits are NOT permitted at all – this is for your own safety.