SBCSA Rules - Swim Categories

A. Marathon Swim

A swim that follows the traditional rules of marathon swimming, which have remained in large part unchanged since 1875, when Capt. Matthew Webb first swam across the English Channel. Swimmers are permitted to wear a standard textile swimsuit, one standard cap, goggles, ear plugs, a nose clip, and grease. Artificial aids – which are considered to be anything that improves speed, buoyancy, or heat retention – are prohibited.

B. Assisted Swim

A swim that follows all the rules of a Category A (marathon) swim, with the exception that the swimmer may wear a swimsuit and cap of any material, thickness, and coverage (e.g., wetsuit). Assisted swims are not eligible for course records or “firsts.”

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