Originally Posted by
roadie gal
The first one is for the experience. The ones after that can be for time.
I disagree about the wetsuit. I think that if it's legal then you should wear one. The flotation they give goes a long way toward making the swim faster and easier. If you wear one, practice swimming with it and taking it off. Wear it in the pool to get the feel of it. You'll think you look silly, but most people will understand that you're a triathlete practicing in your gear. Then practice getting it off. Don't be afraid to sit down to take it off. You don't have to hop up and down on one foot to get it off.
That's a very good point. I really enjoy swimming, even in open water, but if you're nervous for it, then a wetsuit can be good to give you a little extra flotation. It might also be helpful if the water's cold, but you usually warm up pretty fast either way.