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Do I need a wetsuit?
Wetsuits are compulsory for all open water swims in Britain. It will not only keep you warm but it will also help you swim faster. A wetsuit provides you with extra buoyancy across the backside and down the back of your thighs. This keeps you higher in the water...the higher you are the faster you swim. It will aid your swim immensely.
Can I use my surfing or shortie wetsuit?
You can use either of the above wetsuits, but triathletes use triathlon specific wetsuits, which are totally different from the average wetsuit. A triathlon wetsuit is designed for swimming. The flexibility around the arms is incredible and will not impede your swimming. A triathlon wetsuit also fits extremely closely! Novice's initial reaction when putting their wetsuit on is that it is too tight on the chest. Any tightness will immediately disappear as soon as you enter the water. If the wetsuit is comfortable on the land then the chances are that it is too big for you and will scoop up water when you start to swim. Practising in a wetsuit in the weeks prior to the race is very important and will allay any fears you may have. Hiring a wetsuit in advance of the event will allow you time to practise in it.
You should wear whatever you will complete the rest of the race in. Then when you strip off your wetsuit your race kit is already on underneath. Remember nudity in the transition area is not allowed, so wear something! You can race in any clothing you feel comfortable in, but triathlon specific clothing is designed for swimming, biking and running. It dries quickly, provides sufficient padding and will prevent chaffing in certain areas.
We would recommend them! Any open water swimming really does require goggles. Open water swimming also benefits from goggles with lenses suitable for outdoors. These are slightly different colours to those you would normally use in a swimming pool where the water is clear and the lights are bright. Most open water swimmers would use a lightly tinted or persimmon coloured lens, which will make everything look clearer and crisper...especially if the weather is not too bright!
You will need to collect one at the swim assembly point on race day. Everyone must wear a swim cap for safety reasons. A swimmer is easier to see in the water if they're wearing a swim cap. All athletes who start in the same wave will have the same color cap on.
The Royal Victoria Dock is not part of the Thames! This separate body of water is filtered and tested regularly to meet EU Bathing standards. There is a Watersports Centre and Rowing Centre on the docks, so people are in and around the water all year, with no ill effects.
The temperature of the water is between 16 - 18 degrees.
The water is approximately 9 metres deep.
The Swim Safety team are very experienced. Should you get into difficulty, lie on your back and raise one arm; a canoe will then escort you to safety. The buoyancy of your wetsuit will help so don't panic. We have numerous safety canoes, and rescue power boats if we need to bring anyone to the dockside!
You will receive in the post a white adhesive number which is to be put on the coloured swim cap you collect at the swim assembly point on race day.
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