According to the rules of the Marathon Swimmers Federation, "standard equipment" inlcudes the following:
- One swimsuit made of porous, textile material. For males, the suit must not extend below the knee or above the waist. For females it must not extend below the knee, onto the neck, or beyond the shoulder.
- One bathing cap made of latex or silicone.
- Goggles, earplugs, and noseclips.
- Sunscreen and grease.
- Safety lights for night visibility.
- Simple timekeeping device (chronometer).
- Escort boat, pilot, and crew.
- Nutrition, and equipment to transport it between the boat and swimmer. The swimmer may not be supported or towed by the feed equipment.
- Paddler(s) and support swimmer(s).
- Observer(s).
A partial list of equipment that is included in the "Assisted" category:
- Wetsuits
- MP3 Players
- For males, suits that extend above the waist, or below the knee. For females suits that extend beyond the shoulder for women, or below the knee. All suits must be made of porous material (allowing water to flow through the material) and do not increase buoyancy or heat retention. Suits that are "FINA approved", may not necessarily be porous suits. This isn't the Olympics, so just get a normal suit.
- Neoprene booties, cap or gloves
- Hand paddles, or pull buoys
- Goggles that include a HUD, that provide direction assistance or pace/timing information.
- Snorkels
- Paddles
- Fins
ALL SWIMMERS MUST HAVE A SUPPORT BOAT! This is for your safety. There are many boats out on the water. Some sailing enthusiasts have warned us that they often cannot see a swimmer unless there is a support boat along side them. Swimmers without a boat alongside them will be disqualified.