Early Season Cold water OWS question

Good luck!!  I live in NJ and am a certified WWW (Warm Water Wussy).  I wear a YMCA when the water temp outside is 50 (or below 70 for that matter).  

 I guess I haven't lived here long enough.  I lost all respect for the mystique of The Hamptons, when I was invited out to visit during 4th of July weekend, stepped into the water and heard "foomp!"  The "foomp" sound I heard was "the boys" inverting themselves to try and find warmth.  You'd think a beach in July would be a typical place to find nice relaxing warmish water.  Not in NY/NJ.    However, shallow lakes are a bit warmer.  The NJ State Tri lake last year was practically a bathtub in late July.

As was mentioned already, a neoprene cap to keep the noggin warm. 

I try to wait until the water is alteast 55 degrees  before diving in. 

SevenZulu - 2009-03-03 1:26 PM You're nuts.  I've been going in 48 degree water, but there's no way I'd do it without booties, socks under my booties, and scuba gloves.  And it still hurts.

Can't go by what San Francisco swimmers say.  There's a reason hard core SF swimmers refer to the divisions in Alcatraz swims as "Naked" and "WuSsies" (wetsuits)

I'm in a similar situation to the OP, and a quick search for neoprene swim caps brings up some different models, all with a chin strap feature.  Is that what you use, or is there a brand you can recommend?  Thanks!

I have gone in at temps greater than 50 with only my wetsuit . I wear double caps and ear plugs. Without the ear plugs I get dizzy and cant do it! I also have put vaseline on my face but I take care not to get it on my wet suit.

Good luck!!!