Watch out for dolphins! They are very playful around here! (Picture a courtesy of Sean McSheehy)
Swimmers participating on Olympic race will start at 7:00 am. Sprint swimmers go in the water at 7:30 am. Each group will wear differently colored swim caps and bracelets for an easy identification. Swim caps will be provided by race management to all swimmers.
April race swim: wetsuits are usually allowed as the water temperature is bellow 78.
We are pleased to announce XTERRA WETSUITS as the official wetsuit and wetsuit rental sponsor for the 2011 Beach Blast Triathlon. As part of our partnership, race participants receive exclusive discounts on the XTERRA WETSUITS product line, including up to 50% off Vortex 3 and Vector Pro X2 triathlon wetsuits, and have the opportunity to win XTERRA WETSUITS at the race. Visit http://www.xterrawetsuits.com and use coupon code R-BBT to purchase or rent the best selling triathlon wetsuit in North America!
September race swim - no wetsuits were allowed in the past, the water is very warm in the fall.
Small buoys will help you stay on the course. You will need to take a turn when you reach the large (oversized) ones. The direction of the swim course will be determined the morning of race based on current of the Gulf.
Your safety will be assured by lifeguards on jet skis, kayak, and boat. If you need to take a break, you are allowed to hold on a kayaks, rest and continue swimming as long as the kayak doesn’t help you move forward. If you get tired and wish to be carried to the shore, raise your arm and inform a lifeguard of your wish to be pulled out.
If you then need medical assistance, an EMS unit will be on the beach. Please inform race management of your situations immediately.
Lifeguards will be available to all swimmer using kayaks. The Fish and Wildlife Service will have a boat near by to help monitor the area as well Thank you for your support!
Photo by Bill Fauth
First Run for duathletes starts at the same spot on the beach where swimmers enter the water. Olympic runners take off at 7:00am and sprint 7:30am (CT). Please note that this run is on beach - sand. After completing this run you return to the park (transition area) the same way swimmers do. From this point on triathletes and duathletes are on the same course.
Photo by Bill Fauth 
Photo by Bill Fauth 
Photo by Bill Fauth
