Equipment
Triathlon involves three separate disciplines and each discipline has unique equipment requirements. This guide is aimed at the first time triathlete whose primary goal as regard equipment is “Borrow or Beg”. Don’t purchase expensive equipment as you will not have the experience to choose the right equipment and you may well be wasting money. If you have spare money it is far better spent joining your local triathlon club or getting a couple of sessions from a triathlete coach. Below is a list of the equipment you will need for your first triathlon:-
| Swim | Wetsuit |
| Goggles | |
| Race kit (for bike & run worn under wetsuit) | |
| Bike | Helmet |
| Bike | |
| Trainers or Bike shoes | |
| Race kit (as above) | |
| Energy supplements | |
| Puncture kit | |
| Bike pump | |
| Run | Race kit (as above) |
| Trainers | |
| Socks | |
| General | Carrier bag |
| Towel | |
| Change of clothes |
Wetsuit
You will be required to wear a wetsuit for your first triathlon and if one cannot be borrowed then one can be hired. Do not use wetsuits designed for surfing as these will make the swim harder than necessary.
Goggles
Don’t swim without them, this piece of equipment you can buy as they are cheap enough. Go to a sports shop with a range as everybody’s head shape is different and different models will fit differently.
Race Kit
Most triathletes wear a tri-suit which is an all in one with some light padding in the seat for comfort during the bike. These are cheap enough but your existing running shorts and running top are more than adequate. The race kit is worn under the wet suit during the swim.
Bike Helmet
One of the most important bits of kits as if you do not have a helmet you will not be able to race.
Bike
Many triathletes each year complete there first triathlon on a mountain bike so there is no need for a dedicated road bike. Bikes come in different sizes so make sure you are comfortable with the size of the bike and the seat position. Bikes also come with different types of pedals which may have dedicated shoes. If the shoes do not fit you then just use trainers.
Energy Supplements
You are in a triathlon for a longer time than most exercise session you have completed before. Your body only has so much energy readily available for use in exercise. During the bike and run it will be advisable to top up your energy levels with an energy drink and/or an energy gel. A good tip is to train with supplements so as there are no suprises during the race.
Puncture Kit
A very sensible piece of kit as punctures do happen.
Bike Pump
Again punctures do happen and also properly inflated tyres on race day will make your bike faster.
Bike Shoes - Trainers
Bike shoes are a luxury rather than a necessity and almost every bike can be ridden with trainers. If the bike you have borrowed comes with shoes that fit you make sure you practise clipping in and out of the pedals before you race. As regards trainers, your existing gym footwear should be fine but if you have any problems during training we suggest a visit to a dedicated running footwear shop.
Socks
Elite triathletes often race with no socks but you will have a far more comfortable race with socks. Barefoot racing greatly increases the chance of blisters and other sores.
