I've been doing my OWS practice swims with a kayaker, which helps me feel more secure. As long as I can see the kayaker and spot where I'm going, I feel better. We have BRIGHT RED kayaks and try to stick to the end of the lake, so at least we have a chance against the skiers and wakeboarders. The wakeboarders seem to be the ones that circle the perimeter of the lake the most.

It always feels so nice to swim in a pool after open water. I feel so smooth, and I don't feel like my technique sucks as much as it seems to in open water. I'm still debating the wetsuit, I really appreciate the warmth and buoyancy but it's a little strange on my arms and I don't know if it's worth the effort to get off for a sprint -- on the other hand, I'm trying to get used to swimming in it, so all of my OW swims have been in it. I too have a tri on July 15th, so I have another ~2 weeks to decide.