First time OWS in ocean race

I think it would be very wise to wear your wetsuit.  Especially if this is truly your first OWS.  One never knows how (s)he is going to react in their first OWS.  Especially when it is in the ocean.  If something unexpected happens and you need to take a break to recover, catch your breath, the suit will let you float without exerting yourself.

And besides, you will be faster in it.  So wear it.  Best of luck. 

Wear the wetsuit the the reasons stated above.  I think if you could get a few practice swims in before the race you'd see how much better off you'll be.

Jean,

I did my first OWS (in a lake) last Saturday.  I was unsure about the wetsuit as well.  I decided to NOT wear a wetsuit and it was a huge mistake!!  Have you done any kind of open water practice?  If you have not, wearing a wetsuit will be helfpful.

They say swimming in open water is a completely different feel from a pool.  That is true!!!  You will not believe the difference.

If you have a chance to practice OWS before your race, please do.  For me personally, I became overwhelmed at the amount of bodies around me, the temps, sighting, and currents of open water.  I also tired easily of the amount of "work" I had to do to swim.  

Wear your wetsuit, BE PREPARED, and stay calm.  Good luck and enjoy your race. 

I did my first OWS practice this past weekend in the ocean. Totally threw me off. Once I got a drink of the salt water I was so thirsty I couldn't concentrate on anything else and I was just afraid that I was going to get carried out to sea. 

Going to try it again tonight, but try to get in that water for a swim before the race. Even if its just to drink some of it so you're not so surprised.  

Figure out whether or not you can swim straight, or how straight you swim to determine how often you need to sight.

Then..  when you're out there, know you are going to make the distance, be patient and don't fight the current

Thank you all for your advice, I will opt for the wetsuit then. Happy training