Time-Trial Swim Start
The race will be a time trial swim start.  What does that mean? This means that swimmers line up on the beach and, at the race starter’s signal, enter the water individually 3 seconds apart. 

Swim Buoys
Personal swim buoys/tow floats are allowed in all Epic Races open water swim events and triathlons. Many athletes choose to use them for added visibility, comfort, and confidence in the water.
Use of a personal swim buoy does not disqualify you from awards or official results.

For safety and course management:

• The buoy must be inflatable and attached to the swimmer by a waist belt.
• The tow line may not exceed 40 inches (approximately 1 meter) in length.
• The buoy may not be used as a propulsion device or flotation aid for forward movement.
• Athletes should remain aware of others and avoid interference on the course.

We support anything that helps athletes feel safer and more confident in the water so they can have a great race experience!

Epic Lifeguards
Members of the Epic Lifeguard Team have American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding Certification in addition to basic American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification. This means that they have all taken and passed an additional course in which they received training in the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas. Our superbly trained lifeguards are yet another reason our races are so Epic! 

If you or somebody you know is interested in joining our lifeguard team, CLICK HERE for an application.

USAT Rule 4.4 Wetsuits
Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wet suit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The wetsuit policy for elite athletes shall be determined by the USAT Athletes Advisory Council. The AAC has set the wetsuit maximum temperature for elite athletes at 68 degrees for swim distances less than 3000 meters and 71.6 degrees for distances of 3000 meters or greater. Any swimmer wearing a wetsuit with a thickness measured in any part greater than 5 millimeters shall be disqualified.

Click here for the list of USAT-approved skinsuits.