Can I wear a wetsuit?
Rule- USA
- USA Triathlon
- Age-group
- Ages 15+
- Draft-illegal
- Multisport Competition Rules
- 2026 rules
- Athletes
It depends on the official water temperature, taken about an hour before the start (section 3.4). For local age-group races (not National Championships or World Triathlon qualifiers):
| Water temperature | Wetsuit |
|---|---|
| 60.6°F (15.9°C) and below | Mandatory |
| 60.7 to 78.0°F | Permitted |
| 78.1 to 84.0°F | Allowed, but you're not eligible for age-group awards or rankings if you wear one (unless a variance applies) |
| 84.0°F (28.9°C) and above | Prohibited |
At USA Triathlon National Championships and World Triathlon qualifiers, wetsuits are prohibited at 76.2°F and above and mandatory at 60.6°F and below.
Equipment limits:
- No more than 5 mm thick anywhere. It may cover anything except face, hands and feet; when mandatory, it must cover at least the torso and back.
- Neoprene boots and socks are allowed when wetsuits are permitted. Gloves only when wetsuits are mandatory (or with a medical exemption). Nothing webbed.
- When wetsuits are prohibited, swimwear must be 100% textile, not cover the neck, and not extend past the elbows or knees.
Added 21 Oct 2026