What is a triathlon?
Triathlon is a swim, bike, run event. UCSB Triathlon is the coolest, most fun, competitive club sport at UCSB, with the best looking team on campus (or anywhere else for that matter).
How long is a triathlon?
There are a range of standard distances in triathlon from sprint to Ironman.
An Ironman is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and a 26.2 mile run - we DO NOT do those.
In collegiate competition we race at the sprint and olympic distances.
A sprint distance triathlon is roughly a 500 meter swim, 12 mile bike, and 3 mile of run.
The Olympic Distance triathlon is 1.5 kilometers, 40 kilometers, and 10 kilometers, or roughly 1 mile, 25 miles, and 6 miles.
Who can join the team?
Any UCSB under graduate or graduate student can train, race, and score for the team. The team is open to anyone in the UCSB community from student, to faculty, to staff.
SB City College students can also be on the team.
Some of our most active members, socially and athletically, are from SBCC, however, in competition, SBCC students can not score for the UCSB squad.
The team also welcomes visitors and guests, and we often have alumni, family, and friends join us for training.
I don't have a bike, can I still join?
Yes! There are team bikes for loan. Furthermore, Mateo structures training for newcomers using the Rec Cen's stationary bikes.
I don't know how to swim, can I still join?
Yes! Everyone starts somewhere... Coach Mateo holds clinics for stroke technique, flip turns, even open water swimming. Training is modified as needed for the individual.
Some of our fastest athletes could barely swim a length of the pool at the beginning of the season!
Is it a team, club, or varsity sport?
Collegiate triathlon is a competitive club sport. We compete in regional conferences and national championships.
As a club sport we are open, inclusive, developmental, and recreational. We also engage in the highest level of competition. Our team is currently the West Coast Conference Champion, and ninth in the nation!
I go to City College, can I still join the team?
Yes! Contact us or just come to a meeting and introduce yourself!
I'm a recent grad, can I still train with the team?
Yes! If you're visiting you are welcome to join us as a guest, if you wish to be an ongoing member of the team there is a special team rate for you!
Do I have to wear a speedo for swimming?
No. But you will look much cooler and get way better tan lines.
Go for the GOLD!
Can I wear a speedo for cycling and running? (What about team parties?...)
Only in Alabama.
What if I just want to swim (run, cycle...)?
Sure... HOOK IT UP!!!
I'm afraid to swim in the ocean because I've heard that there are (pick one: sharks, killer jellyfish, man eating algae, shrieking eels, etc.) can I still join the team?
You just have to be faster than the person next to you.
I'm slow... will I be able to keep up?
Yes, but you might get eaten by shrieking eel.
Can I do a triathlon as a relay?
Absolutely, relays are another way to participate and be a part of the team without having to race all three disciplines.
I'm here for one year from Norway (Mexico, etc...) can I still join the team?
Yes! Its a great way to see Santa Barbara and other universities and towns. Plus, its a super fun social group with team dinners, celebrations, camping trips, etc.
Can I get a scholarship for triathlon?
Unfortunately, since triathlon is not a varsity sport, there are no scholarships.
I'm really good, can you help me with admissions?
Yes, contact our coach Mateo! He will answer your questions and direct you through the process.
How does the whole sponsorship thing work?
We have a sponsorship coordinator and companies such as Specialized and Blue Seventy, as well as local businesses like Hazards Cyclesport generously support our team.
Does the team do anything besides train?
Everything... seriously!
Is there really a triathlon house, and how can I live there?
There are two triathlon houses (Alpha and Zeta)! If you want to live there, you probably will.
I've heard that coaching is very important, is Mateo a good coach?
Best coach in the WORLD!
Can I train with the team and not race?
Of course. But if you're fast we'll make you race. (just kidding... but we're serious.).
There is no way I can get up for 7am practices, can I still join?
If you live in a tri-house your team mates will bang on your door, call you names and berate you until you give in, get up, and go to practice.
And, if you have morning class or work, plenty of people use the team google group to meet up and do the session later in the day.
I don't have time for all the training, can I still be on the team?
Yes. Do what you can, be in communication with Mateo, and HOOK IT UP!!!
When are the meetings and do I have to go?
The meetings are every Tuesday at 8pm in Girvetz 1004. You only have to go if you want to recieve team updates, have a good laugh and see your friends from the team.
I don't have any triathlon gear, can I still join?
Yes. There are regular donations to the team, usually available at team meetings. Also, the team places group orders on uniforms, gear, bikes, wetsuits, etc. at big savings.
What races does the team do?
Our official season is from October to late April. We race at events hosted by other colleges in the conference from Stanford and Cal to San Diego. We host our own race and we go to Collegiate National Championships.
We also have an unofficial summer season with some longer races (Santa Barbara Triathlon, Half Ironman, etc). And we use running races and other events as fun training, tune-ups, and grudge matches with the Santa Barbara Triathlon Club!
Do I have to be fast to go to races?
Races are open to team members of all speeds.
Do you race/train in the summer?
Yes and yes.
I want to do a Half Ironman, marathon, Ironman, can I still be on the team?
Yes to all of the above, just be sure talk about it with Mateo
I'm trying to decide between the cycling team and the triathlon team. Which should I pick?
Either one is cool - not! Choose the triathlon team! ;)
I was thinking of joining masters swimming, which should I choose?
Um... lets see... coolest team in the world... or... a bunch of short course swimmers... hmmm.
Why should I join the team?
We brought sexy back!
I'm transferring to UCSB next year, can I get on your training program now?
Yes.
I'm still in high school, can I do some of your training?
Yes.
What do I have to do to join the team?
Email. Call. Come to a meeting. Show up at practice.
Triathlon seems expensive, how much is this going to cost me?
Goggles - $15
Running Shoes - $90
UCSB Triathlon - priceless.
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