Standard Equipment
noun - Standard Equipment of Marathon Swimming is a list of approved swimming equipment for marathon swimmers and channel swimmers who are attempting unassisted marathon swims as defined by the rules of the Marathon Swimmers Federation.
Contents
Standard Equipment
- One swimsuitmade of porous, textile material. For males, the suit must not extend below the knee or above the waist. For females it must not extend below the knee, onto the neck, or beyond the shoulder.
- One bathing cap made of latex or silicone.
- Goggles, earplugs, and noseclips.
- Sunscreen and grease.
- Safety lights for night visibility.
- Simple timekeeping device (chronometer).
- Escort boat, pilot, and crew.
- Nutrition, and equipment to transport it between the boat and swimmer. The swimmer may not be supported or towed by the feed equipment.
- Paddler(s) and support swimmer(s).
- Observer(s).
Note: The swimmer does not need to declare the use of standard equipment (i.e., it is assumed). Any equipment not specifically listed here is considered nonstandard equipment.
Non-Performance-Enhancing Equipment
Standard Equipment of Marathon Swimming differs from Non-performance-enhancing equipment as defined by the rules of the Marathon Swimmers Federation. Non-performance-enhancing equipment provides no obvious benefit to performance, but nonetheless is not considered part of the standard equipment of marathon swimming. Swims using such equipment may still qualify as unassisted, but the equipment must be specifically declared in the swim rules and documentation.
Examples of non-performance-enhancing equipment
- Swimwear with increased coverage - e.g., stinger suits, rash guards.
- Wildlife deterrents - e.g., shark shields, shark divers, jellyfish sweepers. Note: harming marine wildlife violates the spirit of marathon swimming.
- Wearable electronic devices that log data but do not transmit it to the swimmer.
