Triathlon - first tri, swim leg advice

So I am competing in my first tri. It's a short distance .98s/25r/6r. I feel comfortable with all aspects of the race except what to wear for the swim. It's New England and the water is cold. I am thinking of purchasing a wet suit and wearing a tri suit underneath. What do you think? I don't want to go the bike short or bib route, and staying warm on the swim is important.I can honestly say this not going to be my last tri. I think I would be a great contender and this is right up my alley. I just need some advice. thanks in advance.

It has been said here befor. Many shops will rent them, this way you can be sure you will like it first...

+1 - rent...find out what you like.....purchase

I'm all for renting as well...that's what I did for my first tri last spring. Out of curiosity, what tri are you doing in New England, and when and where is it? Don't forget New England gets its warmest water in September and October as it circulates north from the Gulf of Mexico. Last year I did my first two tris, and the one in June I had to wear a wetsuit because of the temp, but the one on the same course later, in late september, I didn't have the need for the wetsuit because the warm waters had finally come up from teh Gulf of Mexico. Either way, good luck with the tri, and when you are wearing the wetsuit, don't forget it will help keep you buoyant so you can just concetrate on forward motion and not staying afloat as much also. At least the wetsuit I use helps me float, otherwise I can start to sink like a rock.

It's the Beverly tri. I am going to see if there is a wet suit rental around. thanks for the help.
Any recommendations for wet suits and/or tri suits?

Fit for wet suits is alot like fit and bikes. they are all alittle different and will all fit different people the same. That's a good reason to rent. even among the same brand, different models will react differently. Chaffing in one and not another. Just make sure you get one for tri and not for something else like surfing, etc. I currently own a Promotion (supporting an Oregon business, semi local) but they are mail order only if you can't get to the store. But try a few out, and see what fits. same with tri suit. Good luck on the tri. enjoy

Ya, rent, and good luck dude.