Splash Flash Dash Triathlon

Do college students quality for the student entry fee?	Yes! College students do qualify for the student rate of $40! Remember to bring your student ID. If you are over 17 yrs of age, you will have to have an adult USAT annual membership or pay the $10 daily use fee.
How does the pool swim work?	On the entry, there is a space for stating your estimated swim time for the triathlon race distance (400m for adults and relays). All swimmers will be seeded by this time. Your race number will correspond to your swim seed. The swimmers will stand in line along the length of the pool for the overall race start. Swimmers will enter the water one at a time, 5-10 sec apart to start the race. Each participant will wear a timing chip. Your race time will start when you are permitted to enter the water. You will swim down one length of the 50m pool. After touching the wall, you will cross under the lane line to the next lane and swim back. You will keep "snaking" the pool like this until you finish all 8 lengths of the 50m pool. This will conclude the 400m swim. You will start and finish in the shallow end.
Can I use a "Fat tire bike"?	Yes. Fat tire bikes are allowed at this race. In fact, we would encourage you to enter. We hope to encourage those who have never entered a triathlon before to enter and are offering "First Timer" awards to support this. Especially as a first timer, we don't expect you to necessarily have a racing bike or road bike.
Do I get a T Shirt for entering?	Yes. A T shirt is included in your entry fee for all entries received up until April 11th.
Do you need volunteers?	Yes, thanks for asking; we do still need volunteers. As a volunteer, you will be treated to a T Shirt and great food at the post race party and you will be eligible to enter for draw prizes!
What should I wear?	Its fastest to minimize clothing changes. Try to wear something in the swim that you could bike and run in. For men, its a swim suit or bike shorts. You will need to add a shirt with race number on it as you get on the bike. For women, you may wear a swim suit, bike shorts and swim suit / appropriate bra / other top for the swim. You may continue the race in this outfit or add clothing as necessary for the bike. Triathlon specific clothing that is suitable for wearing through the swim, bike and run may be purchased at Kast-A-Way Swim Wear and Runners Forum. Please see the links on our web site.
I need a bike. What should I get?	Bike selection is a personal thing. However, if you are looking for an entry level road bike, please visit your local bike shop with your questions.
Can I change my clothes after the swim?	Yes. Change rooms are available at the exit of the swim. You may leave a change of clothes in a bag, marked with your race number, at the swim exit. The time it takes for you to change will be included in your first transition time and in your overall race time. Any personal items found in the locker rooms or lobbies during the race will be collected and available in the lost and found.
What kind of strokes are allowed on the swim?	You can use any stroke you like during the swim. Freestyle or crawl is the most commonly used stroke, though it is not required.
Am I allowed to rest at the wall between laps?	Yes. You will need to move away from the next lane so people who are turning are not obstructed.
Can I pass someone during the swim?	Yes. The lanes in the swim are fairly big, and there is plenty of room to pass. If possible tap the swimmer ahead of you on the toes to let them know you are going to pass. Don’t try to pass as you approach the turns.
Can I use fins during the swim?	No.
Are wetsuits allowed in the swim?	No.
Can I do flip turns during the swim? Are flip turns allowed?	Flip turns are allowed, though they are not required.
Can I dive in at the start?	No! No diving is allowed, since the swim starts at the shallow end of the pool. You must enter the pool feet first. If you dive in, you will be disqualified.
Are swim caps required?	Yes, all participants (male and female) are required to wear swim caps. Swim caps will be provided for you in your race packet. These swim caps are color coded, so you must wear the cap that is provided to you.
I can’t yet swim 400 meters. How do I determine my expected swim time?	Go to your local pool and do a 1-2 lap warm-up. Then time yourself for 100 meters, and multiply that time by 4. Note that the swim distance for adults is 100 METERS, and many pools are set up YARDS. It takes about 10% longer to swim 100 meters than 100 yards. Most pools are set up with 25 yard lanes, so one lap (down and back) is 50 yards. For your test you will want to swim 2 laps, then add 10% to your time. 100 meters = 109 yards.
I listed 20 minutes as my expected swim time during registration, though I have gotten faster due to training. Can I change my expected swim time?	Yes. E-mail splashflashdash@carmelswimclub.org with your new swim time. You can adjust your seeding at the race and move (or down) up to the group of swimmers that are your speed. When groups of swimmers are called for the start, they will be called both by race number and the range of expected swim times. Go with the group that matches your time.
How is the swim course configured?	The swim course is a “snake” course with 8, 50-meter lanes. You will start at one corner, swim one 50 meter length, then cross under the lane line and swim back in the next lane. You continue “snaking” across the pool like this for 8 lengths (4 laps) of the pool, until you reach the swim exit.
Can I walk along the bottom of the pool if I get tired?	No – you can’t advance yourself by either walking on the bottom of the pool OR pulling yourself along the lane lines. You CAN rest by either standing, holding on to the lane lines, or holding on to the edge of the pool. Note that a portion of the pool (about 1/3) is 13 feet deep.
Is there a ladder at the pool exit?	Yes. There will also be race volunteers to help you get out of the pool if necessary.
Will there be a changing area available between the swim and bike?	Yes, locker rooms are available if you would like to change. Note that any time you spend changing is counted towards your race time. Also note that after changing, you must return to the pool to exit. You may not exit directly from the locker rooms. Note – most people leave their bike clothes in the transition area with their bike and simply put those clothes on top of their bathing suit. This speeds up their transition times.
Can I leave a change of clothes in the locker room?	No. You can leave a bag of clothes (clearly marked) at the pool exit, and the volunteers will help you find your bag when you get out of the pool. After changing you will need to take all of your belongings to the transition area, and they should not be left in the locker rooms.
I wear glasses and need them to see as soon as I get out of the pool. Where can I put them?	A table will be provided at the pool exit where you can leave glasses. You can pick them up when you exit the pool.
Is there a time limit for transitioning between the swim and the bike (or the bike and the run)?	No. This time will be counted towards your overall race time, though there is no time limit.
Do I need to have a special triathlon bike?	No. Any kind of bike can be used, as long as it meets safety requirements. It must be in working order, and handlebar ends must be plugged. A USAT official will be checking bikes when you enter the transition area to insure that your bar ends are plugged. If you aren’t sure about your bike, take it to your local bike shop for a safety check before the race.
Do I need a kickstand on my bike?	No, and kickstands can NOT be used in the transition area. Bike racks are provided, and your bike MUST be hung on the rack.
Do I have to wear a helmet?	YES!!!! This rule is strictly enforced by both the USAT and the race organizers. You will be disqualified if you do not wear a helmet. You MUST wear a helmet and the chinstrap must be buckled ANYTIME you are on your bike. This includes before, during and after the race. If you are riding your bike from your car to the transition area, you MUST have your helmet on and buckled. Same for after the race. When you arrive in the transition area after the swim to start the bike portion of the race, it’s recommended that the first thing you do is put on your helmet. You will be disqualified if you do not wear a helmet!
Do I have to wear a helmet?	YES!!!! It’s that important. See above.
If I don’t have a helmet, will one be provided?	No. You are responsible for providing your own helmet.
If I have a flat tire on the course, will someone help me change it?	While there will be limited bike support both in the transition area and on the course, you should be prepared to fix flats (or other repairs) on your own. The bike support may be busy helping others, and it could take a long time before they are able to help you. It’s recommended that you practice changing your tires (both front and back) prior to the race, and you bring supplies with you on the bike. If you don’t know how to change a flat, visit your local bike shop and they will give you pointers.