You don't need to spend bundles of cash on all the latest tri gear. A few of the basics are all you need to get started.
Swim
Novice events tend to be pool based, although some may involve open water swims. The type of event will di
ctate what kit you need. A swimming cap lowers water resistance and saves you vital seconds in the water so it definitely counts as a triathlon essential.
Open Water - Goggles are a Godsend when you're swimming in a pack of enthusiastic triathletes. Being able to see what's going on is the difference between getting stuck in the pack or making a breakaway lead. Cold British open water swims mean you can't overlook wetsuits - they're compulsory with water temperatures below 14 degrees. Summer is officially the triathlon season but a full-length wetsuit is still advisable.
Pool Swim - Even in pool based events, good fitting goggles are a must. There is no need for a wetsuit and there's a fair choice in swim wear. Some triathletes wear a swim suit / trunks but others favour the one or two piece tri-suit (with or without added support for the ladies). This is by far a personal choice.
Bike
Needless to say, a road worthy bike is pretty essential but there is no need to break the bank. Many novice participants start off with whatever bike they have and it's not unusual to see people on mountain bikes or hybrid bikes. By their nature, it makes road work a bit more difficult so a road bike is by far the best choice. They can be bought or even hired for the season (TriUK shop hire bikes and wetsuits).
To take part in any club ride or any event a helmet is mandatory.
Many a discussion has taken place as to the comfort or discomfort of the saddle with differing opinions. The sadlle is entirely an individual's choice and what suits one person may not suit another. Male / female specific saddles are praised and the use of chamois cream and cycling shorts help provide a more comfortable cycling experience
Clip in pedals help greatly with speed but they are not required. You can buy shoe / pedal combinations in any good cycle shop or on line but they take a bit of getting used to at first. Everyone in the club has a story about getting caught up at junctions or falling flat on their face in a car park.
Run
Without doubt a good pair of running shoes is essential and the most important investment. The majority of triathlon running is on road so it is well worth being properly fitted for shoes. As to other clothing, it's down to what you want to wear and once again you can spend as much or as little as you like.
The majority of particpants wear trisuits, an all in one suit, specifically made for triathlon that can be worn for each discipline, saving you time at transition. Transition is sometimes referred to as the fourth discipline as there's definitely a skill in this area. Minutes can be skimmed off times by simply having sleek, disciplined transitions. Even with tri suits there's a variation in price from basic suits through to 'intelligent fabric' which helps with muscle recovery.
Any ladies out there - you may be interested to know that a few of us carry out a test to check on suit transparency! We discovered that some suits leave nothing to the imagination when under stress so perhaps have a look in the mirror at your rear before making a purchase - yup - and stay well away from white suits!
Other Kit
During an event a transition box is handy, it helps keep your belongings in one place. You'll see competitors setting out their kit in an orderly way at set up. Energy drinks and gels are handy whether you have them taped to your bike or lying free in your transition box, although try them out before you ever use them in an event - trying to consume sugary glue when gasping for breath between disciplines is not the best experience! A number belt is handy as this save you pinning numbers of different tops. The number has to be displayed to the rear when on the bike and to the front when running so having that belt helps.