(my first "swims" will be of the OMGthiswateristoodammcoldletmeoutrightnow variety)
KNOT: That is how my entire first triathlon swim went!
They told us it would be 70-72 in the water -- it was about 10-15 degrees colder . No wetsuits for most of us. I only remember my head hurting, I couldn't figure out why I couldn't breathe in, and I couldn't feel my feet again until about 2 miles into the run. Yike.

Bought a wetsuit this week... looking forward to finding out the difference. AND, I bought booties and gloves. I am going to be WARM and feel my fingers and toes after practice swims!!!!