If you have never done a triathlon yourself, it is hard to know what to pack and what to wear. It seems simple enough. Run, bike, swim … or is it bike, swim, run?

Remember to review the specific instructions on the Event Website so that you and your child feel prepared. The more you know ahead of time the more fun everyone will have.

The Transition Area

The transition area is where bikes are kept (sometimes on racks but generally on the ground in the young kids’ triathlons) that are organized by age/year group to minimize confusion and lost bikes.

On race day, find your age/year group and then find your child’s numbered area within that and place the bike in this location.

The transition area is also where they leave all their gear: bike, helmet, towel, running shoes (bike shoes as well for those that are using these with road bikes), socks, t-shirt, race number (if one required), and spare hat for the run. If leaving gear/clothing it could be a good idea if it is a very busy triathlon to put it in a numbered race bag and hang it from the handlebar of their bike. Having their gear numbered and clearly identified and contained will ensure that their gear stays with their bike Kids can take their goggles with them for the swim.

Tip: Spend a moment to familiarize your child with the entry and exit gates so your child knows what to expect and where they are supposed to go next.

The Swim

Kids are advised to wear goggles. Enjoy the swim – there are always plenty of adults around and the chance to stand up if needed for the younger age/year groups. Take a breather and then keep going
again if required.

The Bike

Helmets mandatory and fun required!

Bring a towel to dry off (if needed), and then put on the t-shirt (and race number if one required) before the helmet (you’d be surprised at how many forget to do this).

Have the race bib already pinned on the t-shirt (if race number required). Shorts are not necessary (your child will still be wearing their bathing suit).

Tie shoes properly or get kids some elastic laces that allow for fast shoe putting on.

Tip: Kids are not used to putting socks and shoes on wet feet or riding a bike while dripping wet. It’s a good idea to practice running out of a pool, sitting on a towel, putting on t-shirt, socks, shoes, helmet, and riding around the block while still wet. Helmets must be done up before touching the bike. Safety first!

Kids will walk their bikes from where they change to the designated spot marked for getting on their bikes.

There will be a clearly marked area at the end of the bike course where they must dismount their bike.

Check the bike ahead of time to ensure their seat is the right height, tires are inflated, the chain is in good working order, and that they can manage the brakes.

The Run

You will never see bigger smiles than when your child rounds the curve leaving the transition area to head out for the run. They know the finish line is in sight. If it’s a super-hot day, a hat is a good idea, and it’s important to encourage them to stop at the water stations (if provided).

Kids should know how far they are running and follow the appropriate signs and volunteers that are there to point them in the right direction.

Talcum powder can help wet feet from sliding around in the shoes – shake some through the shoes before you leave them in transition.

Once the kids leave transition for the run, grab your camera and get yourself to the finish so you can cheer them on and snap photos of them smiling as they cross the line.

Key Gear List

Swim

• Togs
• Goggles
• Wetsuit (if using one)

Bike (left in transition)

• Helmet
• Towel
• Running shoes (bike shoes if using specific shoes for a road bike)
• Socks (if using)
• T-shirt (if wearing)
• Race number (If one is required – pre-pin this to the t-shirt for speed if wearing one. Older kids might want to try a race belt.)

Run

• Spare hat for the run (if hot or you prefer running with one)
• Running shoes (note this is only for kids using road bikes with clip-in shoes)

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Within our special community we have many people of all ages that thrive on remaining healthy and active, and maintaining their connection to the spectacular natural environment we live in. For many years a special event unites a large proportion of the locals to achieve just that – Challenge Wanaka. In many ways it has contributed to the ever-growing love of swim, bike and run for all ages in our town. This dedicated passion for the sport has also seen several athletes within our community rise to the pinnacle of the sport on a global level. Perhaps the most intriguing and exciting love of the sport has actually come from our juniors.

Puzzling World Junior Challenge

The Puzzling World Junior Challenge has opened the doors for all local kids to participate every year in a fun and friendly atmosphere and they keep coming back. “We can all see how much pride, empowerment and gusto goes into each and every child’s efforts to be involved and to challenge themselves on race day. It’s a pleasure to watch and a privilege to be involved in providing a platform where kids can enjoy the sport too.” Sally Currie – Event Manager Puzzling World Junior Triathlon.

TRIWANAKA

Seeing this sport, grow and thrive away the way it has, created the impetus for a dedicated team to bind together and create Wanaka’s first Triathlon club; TriWanaka. TriWanaka’s vision is to provide a central hub for the Wanaka community, where all ages can come together and enjoy the sport of triathlon in its many forms in a fun, inclusive environment. The club will aim to support and provide the platform for accessible regular community events, where everyone is welcomed including and especially the kids. The club will offer a summer schedule of weekly events on a Friday evening, that will vary in distance and discipline. Before each event, the club will invite special guests to offer workshops in various areas relevant to triathlon, swim, bike and run and allow its community of members to learn, progress and thrive in the sport they love. TriWanaka will also create a central hub of information relating to local events and affiliate with many of these amazing local events, to allow TriWanaka members to enjoy the challenge of competition at special members prices and enjoy the experience of competing together with other members.

Like all clubs, all money raised will be put back into the club. All organisational systems will be operated at the highest level and the club will open its doors to allow any other new or pre-existing club in NZ to use any or all of the clubs intellectual property. The club’s vision is to improve the opportunities for community triathlon at club level. The united committee of TriWanaka want to see Triathlon thrive again nationally and believe that it is a sport that offers an empowering environment for all ages.

The post Wanaka’s first Triathlon club: TRIWANAKA appeared first on TriWanaka.

Hosted by the Upper Clutha Sports Community this community event is designed to inform, promote and celebrate the range of sport and recreational activities, services and products on offer to all ages over the summer season and beyond.
This will be the first event in the new Wanaka Recreation Centre and strongly supported by QLDC, Sport Otago, Mt. Aspiring College and local sporting clubs.

Triathlon Wanaka will be there with information regarding the start up of the club, details about membership, what’s involved and some of the committee who set it up!

We will have some fun activities for the kids plus local bike guru Doug Hamilton on site.

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