Resting on Kayaks

If you need to rest, please do, nobody will mock you. Finish the swim and be proud. But, you should be disqualified, forward progress or not.

Most events I've finished did not involve a DQ for those choosing to rest on kayaks as long as the swimmer did not make forward progress while touching the kayak. That said, clearing goggles and taking nutrition can be done without touching a kayak using either an egg-beater kick or rolling to your back.

I think if you have sense enough to realize you need the help of a kayak to feed or clear your goggles, then you should also consider that maybe it was not to be your day. No shame in DNF. Either you can complete the swim safely or you can not. If you need help during the swim, then you could not. (At least on that day.)

Practice clearing your goggles by rolling over on your back. Or, just stop, tread water, take care of the issue. Nutrition, well, you're not going to be taking nutrition on during the IM swim (or, IMHO you shouldn't be). You shouldn't need in-swim nutrition until you start going over the 5K mark. As for cramping, well that gets into medical issues. You'll need to assess whether it's a type of cramp you can resolve on your own or whether you'll need assistance. If you need assistance, then the DQ rules apply. OK, the following is a bit of a rant.. This isn't directed at the OP in particular, and may not apply to you.... and not intended to come off harsh sounding... These rules do not apply to WTC ironman swims, HOWEVER.... and I say this as someone that actually needed the assistance of kayaks to prevent me from possible drowning after getting hit with severe, un-anticipated vertigo at Ironman AZ that knocked me out of the race and into bed for several days -- the kayaks are not there to be your resting buoys, nor to provide something to hang onto when taking nutrition. They are there for the people that need immediate medical assistance, and if they are being used as resting pods, they are not able to help those that may need it. So please, make sure you are comfortable with the distance and that you do not have a Plan A, B or C that includes "I can hang onto the kayaks if I get tired" as part of your plan. I read of many many triathletes that go into races thinking "the swim is only 10% of the race, I can skate by on minimal training" If something unexpected happens, or you get kicked, or panic or hyperventilate due to the crowds or water temps, and you need a bit of break, that's different. But please don't think hanging onto a kayak is any part of a proper IM swim "plan". It doesn't sound like it since you are talking about cramps, etc. but you did say "rest on the kayak" as well. That's just my .02, opinions may vary, etc.

Within USMS - For “escorted swims” where each swimmer has a personal escort craft “Swimmers shall not receive flotation or propulsion from any escort craft nor make intentional contact with any craft.” In general open water swims, with many boats for many more swimmers, there is no rule that prohibits touching boats, however “Receive assistance by pulling on the cable or buoys.” and presumably boats is grounds for disqualification. I suggest you train to do the swim without resting on a boat. But if you need to take a break, TAKE IT. Your are better off finishing and being disqualified instead of not finishing.

You tread water while clearing your goggles or feeding. But really, you should be using new goggles that will not fog in the hour or two needed for the 2.4 mile swim. Same thing with the nutrition, you should consider just going without.