Frequently Asked Questions

Please review the following frequently asked questions. Did we forget something? Please email us at Mike@ByTheBeachProductions.com and we will post a response to your question ASAP. Thanks!

1. Are there some basic skills my child must have in order to register or this event?
2. How many kids attend this event?
3. What is the course like?
4. What bikes are allowed?
5. Is there anything I should do for my child's bike?
6. Can my child participate with their friend?
7. How competitive is this event?
8. Where do the kids put their bikes?
9. How do we know where to put the gear?
10. Do the kids need to label their stuff in any way?
11. What do we do with the equipment during the awards ceremony?
12. What is body marking?
13. How should my child prepare for his event?
14. Are parents allowed in the transition area?
15. How do I watch the event?
16. What equipment does my child need to bring?
17. Are flotation devices allowed in the water?
18. Can parents assist their child across the pool?
19. Can we take pictures?
20. Will there be an event photographer?
21. Does anything happen after the race?
22. Where can I learn more about kids and running?
23. What exactly are "wide tires"?

1. Are there some basic skills my child must have in order to register or this event?

This event is appropriate for children of all abilities. We provide close to 90 volunteers that will assist the younger children in the water, in the transition area, on the bike course and on the run course. Our priority is to make sure your child's experience is a positive one. Our volunteers are available throughout the day to assist the children and to make sure their experience is safe and fun!
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2. How many kids attend this event?

360 kids attended in 2001 and 304 in 2002. We expect over 400 at this year's event and we can accommodate up to 560 SuperKids.
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3. What is the course like?

We have developed a course that we feel is appropriate for each age group. Please refer to the course maps.

Each course is age group specific. We will provide assistants in the water for children age 6 and under, and with advanced notice, we can provide an assistant for children 7 and older.

The course is a "closed course" (no cars).

Children 6 and younger ride and run in the Swim Center parking lot.

Children age 7 and older will ride and run on a State Parks fire road, adjacent to the Swim Center parking lot. There are two hills that some kids find easier to walk their bikes up than to ride. You may want to discuss this with your child prior to the event. We will have volunteers at the bottom of each hill to assist your child if needed.
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4. What bikes are allowed?

Wide tired bikes are required. Training wheels are allowed. Tricycles or Big Wheels are permitted for the younger SuperKids. More on wide tires.
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5. Is there anything I should do for my child's bike?

Please make sure your child's bike is mechanically sound. We recommend that you take your child's bike to our 2003 bike shop sponsor for a quick check up and possible tune-up.
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6. Can my child participate with their friend?

Absolutely! This event is for fun and we want this experience to be a memorable one for you and your child.
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7. How competitive is this event?

Our motto is Fun First, Food Second and Competition Third. We issue finisher medals to all the kids and we eliminated overall age-group awards many years ago. Children will leave this event proud of their accomplishment and excited about returning next year.
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8. Where do the kids put their bikes?

The bikes and run gear are kept in the "transition area". There will be signs in that will direct you to the correct location to setup your child's gear.
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9. How do we know where to put the gear?

We will issue a lane number and bike rack number (same) to each child. This number will be the lane used for the swim and this same number will be the specific location in the transition that the bike needs to be placed. Two wheeled bikes are to be hung on the bike racks in the transition area, although it is okay that if room permits, bikes may be laid down. Bikes with training wheels, tricycles or bikes with kickstands do not need to hang on the bike rack.
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10. Do the kids need to label their stuff in any way?

You may want to write your child's name on the bike helmet and any other equipment that could get misplaced. Some parents write their child's name on a label and place it on the bike.
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11. What do we do with the equipment during the awards ceremony?

Bikes may be stored in the bike corral while you enjoy the post event awards and festivities. We will provide security to keep an eye on the checked-in equipment. Please bring your child's race number to the bike corral to remove your child's equipment.
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12. What is body marking?

We will have a volunteer write your child's race number on his/her arm and leg. This will help to identify your child on the course. Body marking is done at all the "adult" triathlons and makes the kids aware that they are in an "official" triathlon.
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13. How should my child prepare for his event?

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department offers a kids triathlon camp (1 week), 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Swim Center the week of June 16. Call 454-7900 for more information.

Maps are posted online to provide you an opportunity to review the course with your child.
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14. Are parents allowed in the transition area?

Parents may help their children set up their gear in the transition area before their child's race. We will allow parents of children 6 and younger the opportunity to assist their child on the course. Please review the SuperKid Rule Section for more information.
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15. How do I watch the event?

Please watch from the designated spectator areas. We will use pennant flagging around critical areas that spectators must stay behind. There will be plenty of viewing room behind the flags to watch your child. We need spectators away from the action for the safety of the kids and the safety of the volunteers.
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16. What equipment does my child need to bring?

Helmets are mandatory. Please refer to the SuperKid Rules Section.

Other equipment includes:

• Goggles
• Running shoes
• Swimsuit that is comfortable to ride and run in
• Bike helmet (Mandatory)
• Extra towel
• Warm clothes for post event attire
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle cage on the bike for older competitors (10 and up). It is important they stay hydrated on the bike course.

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17. Are flotation devices allowed in the water?

Children 6 and under:
Flotation devices are allowed for children 6 and under. We will provide floatation devices but if you bring your own, please get the device approved by a lifeguard prior to your child entering the water. We will supply volunteers in the water and they will assist your child across the pool, usually on top of a kick board.

Children 7 and Older:
Please contact Mike@bythebeachproductions.com to discuss.
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18. Can parents assist their child across the pool?

For children 6 and under yes, but please do not assist the child to provide an unfair swimming advantage. Assistance for children 7 and older is required by a volunteer or lifeguard.
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19. Can we take pictures?

Yes, absolutely. We will have flagged off areas that you need to stay behind, but you will still have a number of vantage points to take photos. We will also have the kids in each age group go up on stage so you can take a photo of your child with the other children in the same age group.
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20. Will there be an event photographer?

We did have a photographer last year and we are arranging the details with our 2003 photographer. We will have more information soon.
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21. Does anything happen after the race?

No. Generally by the time the children race, enjoy breakfast/lunch and getting their medals on stage, they are ready to go home. Each age group award ceremony will take place approximately 45 to 60 minutes after the last child in that age group finishes.
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22. Where can I learn more about kids and running?

Visit http://www.kidsrunning.com/krlinks.html
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23. What exactly are "wide tires"?

Kids seven and older should have mountain bike type tires. Something with a tread, not a "smooth" surface.

Kids six and under should have tires similar to the bikes in this photo:

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