An IRONMAN starts with a 2.4-mile swim (1.2 miles at IRONMAN 70.3), so the right triathlon swim gear matters from your first training session to the moment you hit open water on race day. Use the checklist below to pack smart, then get back to training and racing your heart out. New to some of these terms? Our beginner swim basics are a quick primer.
Training Swim Gear
Essentials
- Athletic swimsuits. Keep two to three on rotation so one is always dry.
- Goggles. Own two to three pairs so you can find the make and model that fits before race day.
- Swim caps. Many IRONMAN athletes re-use their race-day caps for training.
- Water bottle with your choice of fuel.
- Wetsuit or speedsuit. Test your racing suit in plenty of training sessions so it feels familiar on race day.
Handy Extras
These build strength and sharpen technique. Most pair naturally with swim drills and structured swim workouts.
- Swim stretch cords. Build strength when you cannot reach a pool, or use them to warm up on deck.
- Kickboard. Often available at pools, but handy to own.
- Pull buoy. Lifts your hips so you can isolate your pull.
- Paddles. Build strength with a pull buoy. Bigger paddles work you harder, but oversized ones can strain the shoulder, so size up slowly.
- Fins. Useful for drills where you need speed without heavy cardiovascular load.
- Snorkel. A swimmer's snorkel lets you focus on body position without turning to breathe.
- Ankle band. Useful for specific drills.
- Swim bag or backpack. For toting gear from the locker to the deck. Your IRONMAN athlete backpack works well.
- GPS or multisport watch. Make sure it is waterproof and that you know how to use it in the pool.
- Toiletries. De-chlorinating shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, and a small bottle of rubbing alcohol for trapped water in your ears.
- Ear plugs.
- Anti-fog goggle spray. Or rub a drop of baby shampoo inside the lens and rinse lightly.
Nice-To-Haves
- Waterproof workout book. Or write your set on cardstock in a Ziploc bag, weighed down by your water bottle.
- Swim metronome. Handy for measuring your stroke rate.
- Waterproof MP3 player and earbuds.
- Stationary swim cord. Great in small hotel pools, holding your ankles so you swim in place.
Race-Day Swim Gear
Pack this the night before. For help loading your bags, see how to pack your gear bags for IRONMAN.
- Wetsuit or speedsuit for non-wetsuit-legal races. Both go over your tri suit and come off after the swim.
- Goggles, two pairs: one clear, one tinted, to cover any race-day light. Straps and nosepieces can break, so a third pair is smart insurance.
- Baby shampoo to anti-fog your goggles.
- Cap for pre-race practice. Your event-provided cap is required for race day.
- Swimsuit for pre-race practice sessions.
- Water sandals, beach shoes, or old socks to protect your feet on the way to a beach start.
- Timing chip and strap, provided at Athlete Check-In.
- Anti-chafing lube for problem areas, often the neck and armpits.
- GPS or multisport watch.
- Swim stretch cords for a dry-land warm-up.
- Backpack for race morning.
- Towel to dry your feet in T1.
Quick Gear Decisions
Two calls trip up a lot of athletes. Here is the short version.
Wetsuit, speedsuit, or swimskin?
A neoprene wetsuit adds warmth and buoyancy and is allowed when the water is at or below 76.1°F (24.5°C) for age-groupers. From 76.2°F to 83.8°F a wetsuit is still allowed, but you give up age-group awards and World Championship slots. At 83.9°F and above, wetsuits are banned and you race in a speedsuit or swimskin, which adds zero buoyancy but cuts drag. Pack both, and confirm the official call at Athlete Check-In.
Clear or tinted goggles?
Tinted lenses tame glare on a sunny, low-sun start. Clear lenses are better for overcast skies, choppy water, or low light. Packing both means race-day conditions never surprise you.
Recommended Partner Brands
Ready to invest or upgrade? Browse IRONMAN's gear hub and store for partner picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the IRONMAN swim?
A full IRONMAN swim is 2.4 miles (3.8 km). An IRONMAN 70.3 swim is 1.2 miles (1.9 km). Both are open-water swims.
Do I need a wetsuit for an IRONMAN?
Not always. For age-groupers a wetsuit is allowed when the water is at or below 76.1°F (24.5°C). From 76.2°F to 83.8°F it is still allowed but not eligible for awards or qualifying slots, and at 83.9°F and above wetsuits are banned, so you wear a speedsuit or swimskin. Pack both so you are covered.
What is the difference between a wetsuit and a swimskin?
A wetsuit is neoprene and adds warmth and buoyancy for cooler water. A swimskin or speedsuit is a thin, non-buoyant suit that reduces drag for warm, non-wetsuit-legal races. Both go over your tri suit and come off in T1.
How many pairs of goggles should I pack for race day?
At least two, one clear and one tinted, plus a spare if you have it. Straps and nosepieces fail at the worst moment, and a backup pair takes the stress out of it.
How do I stop my goggles fogging?
Use an anti-fog spray, or rub a small drop of baby shampoo inside each lens and rinse lightly with water before you start.
New to Triathlon Gear?
If this is your first race, start with the bigger picture. Our first-timer’s guide walks you through everything you need across swim, bike, and run, so nothing catches you off guard on race morning.
Read the first-timer’s gear guide →Swim Gear Checklist | Bike Gear Checklist | Run Gear Checklist