Frequenty Asked Questions
This section contains answers to questions that are frequently asked by both first time participants and those that have been in the sport of triathlon for a while. Please make sure you read through all the FAQs prior to sending questions.
Registration
See REGISTRATION INFO page for details.
Yes, as long as they fall into the listed age race for the event based on their age on race day.
There are several options if you can't make the registration date:
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- Refund registration fee (deadlines apply)
- Transfer your entry to a different date (deadlines & restrictions apply)
- Defer your entry to next year's event (deadlines apply)
- Put in a claim for your registration insurance.
For details about these option please see the Athlete First page that is agree to when registering.
The Athlete First Initiative is a collection of athlete-friendly policies designed to give you flexibility, protections, and perks from the moment you register. Check out the Athlete First Initiative page for details.
Registration insurance is offered through a third party provider and must be purchased at the time of registration. The insurance covers your registration fees if you are unable to attend the event for a variety of reasons. To make a claim you must follow the directions sent to you by RegShield.
There are a variety of situations that are protected against with RegShield. Please see the separate email sent to you for details.
Please follow the instructions sent by RehShield in your insurance confirmation email (separate from your event registration confirmation email). We cannot process any claims or answer any specific questions about registration insurance. It is all handled through the third party.
Yes, we have added an INVITATIONAL division to the Saturday event for elite-level athletes. See the INVITATIONAL RACE INFO page for details.
The Saturday events include: SHORT COURSE TRIATHLON, SHORT COURSE PARATRIATHLON, ASSISTED TRIATHLON, SHORT COURSE SPLASH & DASH, ADAPATIVE SPLASH & DASH, and the ASSISTED SPLASH & DASH
The Sunday events include: SHORT COURSE TRIATHLON, LONG COURSE TRIATHLON, INVITATIONAL TRIATHLON, LONG COURSE PARATRIATHLON, SHORT COURSE SPLASH & DASH, and LONG COURSE SPLASH & DASH.
We are offering discounted registration for those who want to compete on Saturday and Sunday. Those completing both day's events will earn special recognition at the awards ceremony.
Packet Pickup
See the PACKET PICKUP page for details. Packets cannot be picked up before or after the times listed on this page unless you've purchased race morning packet pickup or opted to have your race packet shipped.
Limited spots for race morning packet pickup is available for purchase. Only those that have purchased race morning packet pickup will be allowed to pick up on race morning, all others must be picked up at one of the scheduled packet pickups.
You’ll need to purchase race morning packet pickup or select the option to have your race packet shipped.
No. Per event rules, only legal guardians of a minor 17 years or younger may pick up a packet for a registered participant. You must show legal photo ID. See PACKET PICKUP page for additional details.
Please see our RACE NUMBER PLACEMENT diagram for details.
Timing chips will be on your designated transition race spot during EARLY BIKE CHECK-IN and on race morning.
No, we order all the items in advance and base our orders off your selection during registration, changes made at packet pickup may result in someone else not receiving what they ordered. If you wish to exchange an item, you may try to do so after the event at the volunteer check-in tent if we have leftover items.
Race morning packet pickup info can be found on the PACKET PICKUP page.
Yes, you can pick up your packet anytime. Please make sure you let the crew know that you had purchased race morning packet pickup because they may have already pulled those aside. If you decided to pick up your child’s packet early, there are no refunds for the race morning packet pickup fee.
Race Day
See the SCHEDULE OF EVENTS page for details.
We have secured the Typhoon Texas parking lot for all event parking. No other parking lots in the area should be used and your vehicle may be towed at your expense.
Once you park at Typhoon Texas Waterpark take your bike and other equipment directly to the transition area in the Typhoon Texas parking lot, see RACE SITE MAP for details.
One parent, wearing the provided wristband, will be allowed to enter transition with their child to help setup the transition area. Once transition closes before the start of the race, no parents will be allowed into the transition area until after the race. NO PARENTS ARE ALLOWED IN TRANSITION DURING THE RACE.
Check out the TRANSITION SETUP diagrams we created for a quick guide. We'll also be hosting PRE-RACE CLINICS and other EVENT PREP courses to cover the basics of triathlon.
The lazy river at Typhoon Texas is between 30"-40" deep and approximately 12' wide.
We take your child's safety very seriously and our goal is for everyone to have a great time while maintaining a healthy and safe environment. We are known for going above and beyond what is required by certification and sanctioning organizations at our events. To ensure a safe course for everyone please make sure you always pay attention to where you are walking and always listen to instructions provided by course officials, race staff, volunteers, and event security. EVEN IF THE RATIONALE FOR THE INSTRUCTIONS IS NOT IMMEDIATELY APPARENT TO YOU, OUR CREW MAINTAINS A TOP-LEVEL VIEW OF THE EVENT AS A WHOLE SO WE CAN MAINTAIN COURSE SAFETY.
Our safety and course crew includes the following:
- 10 certified medical professionals with a minimum of EMT certification
- 5-10 certified lifeguards provided by Typhoon Texas Waterpark
- 1 SAG (support and gear) vehicles
- Nearly 20 race crew and coordinators overseeing various aspects of the race site
- Over 100 volunteers stationed at strategic points on the course and throughout the race site
Transition will be opening as soon as the last cyclist has exited transition and started their run. The child or the parent/guardian with the numbered wristband will need to be present so we can verify race and bike numbers.
Starting with early bike check-in we will have security to watch over your child's bike until the race ends. Once the race ends you MUST pick up your child's bike prior to enjoying the waterpark. By 9:30am all participants must have all bikes and gear cleared out of the transition area.
Equipment & Gear
Your child will need goggles and the provided swim cap.
Your child will need a bike, helmet, and shoes.
Your child will need running shoes and we'd recommend a race belt to hold their run number.
No, per event rules, no floatation devices, gloves, or shoes are allowed during the swim.
No, per event rules, no floatation devices, gloves, or shoes are allowed during the swim.
No, many athletes will wear normal play items while participating. Please keep in mind that there is no place to completely change clothes so they should be able to wear the items through all three events; swim, bike, and run.
No, your child's normal bike will work just fine.
No, training wheels are not allowed. Any bikes with training wheels will have to have them removed prior to being allowed into transition.
No, aerobars are not allowed. Any bikes with aerobars will have to have them removed prior to being allowed into transition. Those participating in the INVITATIONAL DIVISION are allowed to use aerobars.
No, disk wheels are not allowed. Disc wheels will have to be removed prior to being allowed into transition. Those participating in the INVITATIONAL DIVISION are allowed to use aerobars.
No, shoes must be worn on the bike and the run for your child's safety.
Early Bike Check-in
Early bike check-in is where we allow kids to bring their bikes to the transition area the day before the race at designated times. See EARLY BIKE CHECK-IN page for details and the SCHEDULE OF EVENTS page for times and locations. This is also a great time to do a walk-through with the kids because the entire race site will be set like it will be on race morning.
No, only bikes will be allowed into the transition area during early bike check-in.
Yes, we will have staff on-hand to inspect your child’s bike and provide any assistance needed.
Yes, we will have security overnight to keep an eye on everything.
We'll be making sure the bike has functional brakes and meet the event rules regarding no training wheels, aerobars, or disc wheels. We'll also be checking to make sure bar end plugs are installed.
Waterpark Tickets & Opening
The waterpark will open for public admission once the event concludes and the race equipment is removed from inside the waterpark. The waterpark will remain open based on their published schedule, https://www.typhoontexas.com/houston.
One ticket is included in the registration fee for the participant to use after the race. Additional tickets may be purchased either as an add-on during race registration or at the ticket office on the day of the event. Season tickets can be used if purchased prior to the event from Typhoon Texas.
Yes, you will either need to purchase additional tickets or utilize your already purchased season tickets.
Yes, Season Tickets can be used for entry into the park.
Included and additionally purchased tickets can be used anytime during the summer of the event year.
No, while the actual event is happening (transition opening to the conclusion of the awards ceremony) no ticket is needed to enter and exit the waterpark. After the awards ceremony the waterpark staff will have everyone exit and re-entry will be allow through the main gates with a ticket.
We update these FAQs regularly based on the questions we receive via email and through Texi. If you have a question that isn't answered here please either reach out to Texi or our team by clicking the button below.
