A. We’ve put this question first for a reason. It’s the biggest misconception in the sport! In order to do a triathlon you do not have to be Superman or Wonder Woman. Our events are to celebrate the achievement of competing AND completing. If you’re brave enough to make it to the starting line, we’ll do everything we can to get you to the finish line. If this is your first triathlon we strongly recommend coming out the day before and seeing the set up, asking questions, and doing a trial run. Remember, we have staff and volunteers all throughout the course and in transition ready to help! Still on the fence? Contact us, we’ll connect you with someone in your community to help get you to race day.

A. At each RipRoar race there are lifeguards in the water who can help. Athletes are spaced 5-10 seconds apart as they are sent into the water. In our open water races our team sets the turn buoys so that most participants can touch if needed but swimming is the most optimal. Please note, at our Johnston’s race athletes cannot touch the bottom, but we will have kayakers, lifeguards, and a line of pool noodles to help aid athletes.

**No floatation devices are allowed**

Unfortunately, flotation devices are not allowed on the swim. Athletes can stop at the stationed lifeguards in the water to catch their breath. If you have more questions about safety of swim please check out the FAQ above or get in touch with our RipRoar team.

A: No. Wetsuits will not be needed for our swim courses. We will monitor water temperatures and make sure that it is a safe temperature for kids to swim in without the need for a wetsuit.

A: No special race equipment is needed, aside from a bike. Additionally, a bike helmet is required for the bike portion of the race. During the swim, participants may choose to wear swim goggles though they are not required. Athletes will be provided a swim cap as part of their race day packets that must be worn during the swim portion of the event. Kickboards, noodles, and swimsuits with floatation devices are not allowed but each of our swims will line the water with lifeguards and we do a time trial start putting athletes in the water one at a time so we can always have an eye on them and ensure that they enjoy the swim as much as their worried parents.

** Please note that under USAT rules aero bars, disc wheels, and aero helmets are no longer allowed**

USAT states that youth athletes cannot race with aero bars, aero helmets, or full disc wheels. If you have questions on what is/ is not allowed on race day, please review USAT rules or email our information account.

A: Sadly, no. These chips track athletes as they cross timing mats placed throughout the course. Timing chips go around your ankle, are attached with velcro, and are distributed at the swim start.

A: It is an athletes responsibility to count their own laps on the bike course. We count laps by reviewing timing data after the event. If an athlete has missed a lap they will be disqualified from the results regardless of whether the error was intentional or not. Parents can help count laps for their children by making signs, yelling very loud, or other means.

A: Nope. Whatever your heart desires.

A: While it’s not realistic for us to push the event to a separate day or weekend we will do everything to hold the event on the scheduled race day. We plan for this ahead of time by working with the city on the maximum amount of time we can utilize roads and facilities. Rip Roar also has the advantage of having one of the most experienced staff in kids’ triathlon in the country and are well versed in “controlling the controllables” and putting on a safe event. In the event of changes due to weather these will be made on our social media channels as well as on-site.

A. While we do make exceptions to our “no bikes out of transition rule” on a case by case basis, the time to establish this is prior to the event. We have a staff member in the transition area that can help or you can send us an email. However, please do not attempt to enter the transition area at the event and get your bike without talking to us prior to this as this can result in a disqualification of your child.

A: There are many reasons for this rule. First, it helps us to maintain order in an environment with hundreds of kids literally running in all directions. As you can imagine, order is important. Second, it keeps people’s personal items safe until we have a chance to “check out” the bikes in an organized way. Finally, our event has three divisions. We feel that the community of youth triathlon is one of the most important attributes that we can foster at our events. Thus, preventing bicycles from leaving transition before all athletes have finished supports an environment in which we cheer for each other's success.

Only race equipment is allowed in the transition area. All other items must be removed before the race begins. Athletes may place a small towel or mat by the front wheel of their bike, but marking spots is not allowed—any marking items will be removed without notice.

The USA Triathlon Youth State Series will consist of numerous localized youth race series across the country. Each localized series will be owned and operated by the local community and supported by USA Triathlon.

Please find more information and results from the 2025 Iowa Youth State Series here.

RipRoar Relay has the option for 2 different relays.

The Parent/Kid relay allows any athlete above the age of 19 to race with a RipRoar triathlete. While the race is called parent/kid relay anyone can race together. This means that if a child wants to race with a coach, parent, mentor, babysitter they absolutely can!

The Kid/Kid relay is our other relay offered. Here two athletes that competed in an event earlier in the day can join forces and race the relay for extra fun.

You absolutely can race with multiple children. During registration use the “Add On” option to add additional children.

The relays take place after the youth events. We go on a rolling start, meaning if we get ahead we stay ahead of schedule. We anticipate the start to be around 11:45am. Parents/adults will be the first to take the water.

The relay works in such a way that each athlete will compete in a mini triathlon. We use inspiration from the Olympics Tri Mixed Team relays.

The relay will be the same course as the Juniors course.

A: Yes, we require participants have a valid annual or single-day USA Triathlon membership. This is your “race insurance,” and it ensures that we are following all USAT rules as well. We realize triathlon entry fees are more expensive than the average run or swim meet, but your entry fee covers much more than just a participant shirt and medal. We hire lots of extra staff to make sure this race day is safe and exciting. The fees also cover police to completely close the bike route to cars, lots of lifeguard to help in the pool ot lake, and rental of the entire park for the morning. Saying that, if the only thing standing between your child and the start line is entry fee-write us- we will get you to that start line.

A: Registration on race day is an option available for any athletes that decide last minute that they want to take on the day. Race day registration will close at 7:15 AM the morning of the race.

A: Unfortunately we are not able to refund registration fees or transfer them to another athlete or event. Please do not “give” your registration to anyone else as they will not be able to check in and we will not honor the transfer.

A. Unfortunately, we cannot do that. USAT’s rule 3.2 “Age Group Competition” states that All age group athletes must participate and compete in the age group division corresponding to the athlete’s age on December 31 of the year of the event.

A: At all USAT races an athletes age is as of December 31st of that year. Thus, for this season athletes will compete in division representing their age as of December 31st, 2025. This holds true for awards as well. If an athlete would like to race "down" an age division because the distance is too much, please contact us ahead of time. Athletes in this scenario will be disqualified from awards, but we're more than happy to give them a finisher medal and unbeatable race experience.

A. You can find a link to the rules of triathlon here. Please note that while we will uphold rules in the name of safety, we look to teach the sport of triathlon and ultimately the enforcement of rules and penalties lies solely with the staff of RipRoar. It is VERY important for parents and coaches to know that USAT identify's you as an "agent" to your child at a race and are therefore to represent yourself in such a manner. Disrespect on behalf of a parent or athlete will result in disqualification of the athlete from the event, results, and depending on severity all future RipRoar events.

Wanna hear a joke? What is a dentist favorite time? check out 2018 results for answer