IRONMAN SWIMWEAR & WETSUIT POLICY

After I got hypothermia at my last Ironman swim I looked into the policy of using neoprene socks. The Ironman website said they are legal if the water temperature is colder than 65 degrees. Turns out I could have used a neoprene skull cap & socks on the swim! I got this article from their web site:

What are the current legal swimwear/speedsuits?

Effective September 1, 2010, all swimwear/speedsuits at Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events MUST be comprised of 100% textile material such as nylon or lycra and may not include rubberized material such as polyurethane or neoprene. Swimwear/speedsuits may NOT cover the neck or extend past the shoulders or knees. Swimwear/speedsuits may contain a zipper. A race kit or trisuit may be worn underneath swimwear/speedsuits.

What is your new rule regarding swimwear/speedsuits?
Effective September 1, 2010, the following guidelines will apply to swimwear/speedsuits in non-wetsuit swims:
Swimwear/speedsuits MUST be comprised of 100% textile material such as nylon or lycra and may not include rubberized material such as polyurethane or neoprene.
Swimwear/speedsuits may NOT cover the neck or extend past the shoulders or knees.
Swimwear/speedsuits may contain a zipper.
A race kit or trisuit may be worn underneath swimwear/speedsuits.What swimwear/speed suits are allowed after September 1, 2010?The following swimwear has been approved by Ironman to date. (This list is NOT all-inclusive. If your suit is NOT on this list and you do NOT know whether your suit is 100% textile material, please contact the manufacturer.) *Please continue to check back for updates
De Soto
Micro Tri Short – Femme
Liftfoil Speed Trisuit (non-rubberized)
Forza ITU Trisuit
78 Degree Swim Top
Forza Tri Short
Forza Tri Short Low Rise
Forza Riviera Tri Short
Carrera Tri Short
Carrera Tri Short Low Rise
Profile Design
Mako TXT

Skinfit
Speedsuit II
Plasma

TYR
Torque Pro
Torque Elite
Tracer C Series
Tracer B series
Tracer Light
Fusion2
Aquashift
Aquapel

Xterra Wetsuits
Velocity-M
Velocity-Y

Zoot
CompressRx SpeedsuitRocket Science Sports
FU Racer
Rocket Racer
Elite Racer
RJ RacerZerod
oSuit
iSuit
uSuitBlueseventy
PZ3-TXKiwami
The Amphibian
The Konami
The Trinergy
Oomphsports
Oomph!
Men's Classic SpeedsuitOomph!
Men's KONA LE SpeedsuitOomph!
Unisex 'ProPel" SkinsuitSLS Tri
SLS3 FXC Fobic Speedsuit

WETSUIT POLICY

What is the current wetsuit rule?
Effective September 1, 2010, at all Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events the following changes to our current wetsuit rule will apply:
Wetsuits cannot measure more than 5 millimeters thick. A standard variance will be allowed to account for seams and jersey material (non-buoyant).
Wetsuits are permitted if the water temperature is up to (and including) 76.1 degrees Fahrenheit (24.5 degrees Celsius) or colder.
Wetsuits will be prohibited in water temperatures greater than 83.8 degrees Fahrenheit (28.8 degrees Celsius).
Athletes who choose to wear a wetsuit in water temperatures between 76.1 degrees Fahrenheit (24.5 degrees Celsius) and 83.8 degrees Fahrenheit (28.8 degrees Celsius)will not be eligible for awards, including World Championship slots.
Full wetsuits are permitted (arms and legs covered).
NOTE: Rohto Ironman 70.3 Hawaii is a non-wetsuit race.
Which wetsuits will be prohibited after Sept. 1, 2010?
The following wetsuit has been prohibited by Ironman:
De Soto Water Rover wetsuit is PROHIBITED
*Please continue to check back for updates
How will your new wetsuit rule be enforced?
Race Officials will monitor the transition area and swim venue on race morning. Athletes caught using a wetsuit on the list of prohibited wetsuits will be DQd.
Can Age Group athletes wear a wetsuit that is on the prohibited list, even if they are not pursuing awards or entry slots for the Ford Ironman World Championship/Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3?
No. Athletes are never permitted to wear a wetsuit on the list of prohibited wetsuits. However, athletes can chose to wear a legal wetsuit in water temperatures between 24.5 degrees Celsius/76.1 degrees Fahrenheit and 28.8 degrees Celsius/ 83.8 degrees Fahrenheit, with the understanding that they will not be eligible for awards and/or World Championship slots.
Are neoprene swim socks illegal?
Neoprene socks are allowed ONLY when the water temperature is 18.8 degrees Celcius/65 degrees Fahrenheit or colder
Originally from: http://ironman.com/faq/rulesfaq#ixzz1eohfLCAC