I am by far not experienced but I did do my first tris last summer in water that was very, very coooooold brrrrrrr.

If you decide to invest in a wet suit really check out the different brands. I found the fit is much different depending on the brand. I got a 2xu because I am wider hipped and smaller chested and the way the sizing went I was in the middle of the size. Other brands I was at the top or the bottom between med and lg.

As all others said - practice in it and getting it off. The best advice I had was to take it off right upon leaving the water before all the water drains out. Much quicker.

If the water is really cold - consider ear plugs also. Without them I was very dizzy getting up - with them - no problem.

Hopefully by this time of the year the water won't be too cold

Good luck!