Welcome to the world of triathlons. The general rule of thumb on an open water tri is if the water is below 75 degrees wear a wetsuit. You will be much more comfortable. Also, wetsuits can make you faster, as well as having a little bit of floatation built in, so when you are fatigued, you can float a bit. This will be my 3rd year in triathlons, I love them. I learned a lot, maybe this year I will get everything right on.

A couple of quick pointers.

1. Practice transitions.
2. Be early, scout out the course so your comfortable with directions.
3. Remember sunscreen.
4. Practice BRICKS, biking a distance and the running right after.
5. Have fun, and enjoy the post race stuff.

Good luck and happy training.

Jen L