NEW MEMBERS and beginners

BTC has a New Member Liaison and a Buddy System to help and support new members. If you have a question or need some advice, please contact us.

Alternatively check out our New Members and Beginners FAQs or our general FAQs to help put your mind at ease. 

Our Buddy System

For Our New Members:

Overall, club buddies help foster a sense of belonging and teamwork, enhancing the experience for new members.

In the buddy system, a buddy serves as a supportive partner or companion, helping with navigation, safety, and social interactions with other club members and at social events.

  1. Support: Providing guidance and practical assistance, helping the new member feel more comfortable and confident with swimming, cycling and running. 

  2. Safety: Ensuring the new member understands the club’s rules on safety, particularly those relevant to group cycling. Buddies (and other club members) can watch out for the new member and assist in emergencies.

  3. Encouragement: Motivating the new member to participate in club training sessions, races and social events. Helping them navigate their first race or achieve the goals they set for themselves.

  4. Communication: Facilitating open communication, making it easier to share concerns, experiences, and feedback. Assisting with navigating club communication channels and transferring knowledge.

  5. Integration: Helping new members integrate into our club groups or clubhouse, particularly if the new member feels isolated.

For Our Current Members: Become a buddy

We are looking for members who are:

  • Inclusive and welcoming

  • Good communicators

  • Have been consistently participating in triathlons for 3 or more years

  • Available to assist new members during training sessions

  • Familiar with club rules (e.g., bike safety)

If you believe you are a good fit for this role, please get in touch HERE. We will then match you with a new member based on their age and gender to ensure the best fit.

For members who become a buddy than this will qualify you as having ‘volunteered’ for the season and qualify you for the Age Group competition

 

NEW MEMBERS AND BEGINNERS FAQ

  • BTC relies upon volunteers to be able to keep providing events to club members. We always need volunteers at our club races and events. You don't need any prior experience, it's a great way to see what the events are like before you take the plunge yourself, and you'll get to know some other club members too! Take a look at the Volunteers page for more info and to register as a volunteer. text goes here

  • BTC training session attendees have a wide range of abilities and pace, and we have new attendees joining us at training sessions throughout the season. Training sessions are organised by our coaches so that you can complete the session in a manner that is appropriate to your pace and ability. Where necessary, attendees are grouped into fast, medium and not-so-fast groups. here

  • Enticer distance: 300m swim, 10km bike, 2.5km run

    Sprint distance: 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run

    Olympic (standard) distance: 1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run

    Half ironman (70.3) distance: 1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21.1km run

    Iron distance (Ironman): 3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42.2km run

  • This is an entirely personal choice. The short BTC Club Races offer race and transition practice in a friendly and supportive environment. The races run by Warringah Triathlon Club at North Head and Hills Triathlon Club at Penrith are also popular beginner’s races.

  • This depends upon your target race, the level of proficiency you want to achieve and your base level of fitness. As a general rule of thumb you should build up to at least 2 runs, 2 bikes, 2 swims and a stretch (or yoga/pilates) session each week. It is considered good practice to have one day per week as a “rest” or no exercise day.

  • Again, this is a personal choice. At the beginning you may want to come to all of the club training sessions and seek the advice of the Energy Link coaches. Some club members like the discipline of following a set training plan and will engage with the coaches directly to organise a personalised training plan. You can also research training plans online.

  • You need a pair of swimmers, goggles, bike, helmet and running shoes. If you only have a mountain bike, don’t worry - it is common for people to start out on mountain bikes or commuter bikes. A tri suit (one or two piece) is also handy for racing. Take a look at BTC club kits here.

  • Race nutrition refers to the food and drink you consume during races and training sessions, including energy gels, sports drinks and energy bars. Each athlete and each race distance has different requirements so it is worth researching and then testing your nutrition before race day.

  • Please see our suggested packing list. Please be aware that not all items are needed for shorter race distances.