Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the schedule for event weekend?

The schedue for event weekend is posted under Event Details here

When and where is Packet Pickup?

Packet pickup will take place from 9 am - 6:00 pm at the Vendor Expo on Friday, May 12th at the Beaufort Historic Site - 130 Turner St, Beaufort, NC 28516Packet pickup will NOT be available on race morning.

Will there be any Participant Informational Sessions?

Yes!  Participant informational sessions will be offered at the Vendor Expo location at the following times:
  • Friday, May 12, 5:00 pm - Beaufort Historic Site
At the informational sessions, participants will have the opportunity to pickup course maps, receive safety and instructional information about the event, and ask questions to event staff.

Participants are not required to attend informational sessions but they are strongly encouraged to do so.

Is it possible to request a deferral?

All deferral requests must have been received on or before April 21, 2023.

Can participants drop off their bike and race gear at the transition area on Friday?

No. The transition area will not open until Saturday morning and there will not be overnight security there. Bikes and race gear can NOT be left at the transition area until Saturday morning. The transition area opens on Saturday at 5:00 am for participants to begin arriving and preparing their gear.

What nutrition and hydration will be offered at the aid stations?

The aid stations will offer water, Gatorade, and Gu.

What is the deadline to request a registration deferral?

We offer a one-time deferral option for individuals who registered for the 2023 event but are unable to participate.  The request must be received on or before April 12, 2023.

Why are there pirate references in the Crystal Coast Triathlon event name and logo?

North Carolina's Crystal Coast has an extensive history involving pirates. Blackbeard himself lived in Beaufort, NC for a brief period of time after his ship "Queen Anne's Revenge" ran aground in Beaufort Inlet. Beaufort, NC was also the stomping ground of another famous pirate, Stede Bonnett. Beaufort's Maritime Museum allows visitors to learn much more about the pirate history of Beaufort, NC and neighboring areas. So, furl your duffle and bring your mateys to explore Beaufort and the Crystal Coast.  There is booty for landlubbers and old salts! 

When can I try out the course?

We are arranging a practice day for participants to visit Beaufort and practice on the event courses. Visit the "Practice Days" tab under "Event Details" for all the available information.

What is the refund policy?

The Crystal Coast Triathlon offers a one time deferral (to the 2024 event) for registrants who are unable to participate. A deferral can be requested by completing the deferral request form at (DEFER). No refunds are offered.

Note, the USAT membership optionally purchased during the initial Crystal Coast Triathlon registration does NOT transfer. 

To complete the 2024 registration, participants must visit the 2024 event site after registration opens to activate their 2024 deferral and satisfy USAT licensing requirements.


Is this a USA Triathlon sanctioned event?

Yes!

Will this be a wetsuit-legal event?

The Crystal Coast Triathlon is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event and will comply with all USAT wetsuit rules:
 
Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wet suit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

The water temperature will depend on many factors including the spring weather in the area. The surface sea water temperature in Gallants Channel where the swim will occur averages 72.1 degrees on event day with the average temperature range between 68.7 and 75.5 degrees fahrenheit.

You can read full details regarding the USAT wetsuit rules at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Triathlon/USAT-for-Me/Race-Directors/Race-Director-Blog/2018/June/04/111113-Westuit-Rules  

If I choose to wear a wetsuit for this event, which type of wetsuit is recommended?

Wetsuit choice is very much a matter of personal preference. It is suggested to talk over the pros and cons of the various wetsuit types with experts in the use and sale of wetsuits. Inside-Out Sports, a primary event coordinator and sponsor, is a good place to ask these questions.  

As far as recommendations, either a full or sleevelss style wetsuit will probably be fine. If the water is above 75 degrees, some triathletes prefer a sleeveless wetsuit. However, if the water is below 70 degrees, most triathletes opt for a full-sleeved wetsuit.  In between these ranges (as will likely be the case for this event), either full-sleeved or sleeveless should be OK.

Will there be any bike services offered at the event and/or event Expo?

Inside-Out Sports will provide bike service support at the Crystal Coast Triathlon. Inside-Out Sports is a full service bicycle shop carrying an extensive inventory of parts for most bicycles and offers free estimates for any type repair work. Several bike service packages will be available at the event Expo. See the bike services page for complete details.
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