First off, ​tri-suits and wetsuits aren't the same thing. Tri-suits (or a tri top and tri shorts combo) are to be worn to swim, bike, and run- they're tight, dry quickly, and have a little butt pad for biking. The wetsuit goes on top of the tri suit for the swim and comes off right after.

Wetsuits are definitely a must since the water will be between 55-65 degrees! 

Many times they are mandatory for the race (mandated by the race officials). Wetsuits are also great because they help you float!

What to look for?

Triathlon wetsuits either sleeveless or sleeved(anywhere from 2-5mm thickness). Over 5 mm in thickness is illegal which is a no no. Dive/Surf wetsuits tend to be a little less flexible and looser, making it generally harder to swim. Triathlon wetsuits are designed to be buoyant and easy to swim in. Sleeves are good for warmth but can be restrictive to your stroke. If you don't plan to use the wetsuit for that many cold races and you want to buy it, I would go with sleeveless. 

Here are the options for getting a wetsuit:

    1. Borrowing from a friend!

    2. Rent the wetsuit for the race for about $45 on various websites (http://www.wetsuitrental.com)

    3. Purchase one on Amazon for about $90. This one I bought (it's mens) and works great!

http://www.amazon.com/Sport-Podium-Sleeveless-Triathlon-Wetsuit/dp/B00D4C4RXM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429672454&sr=8-1&keywords=neosport+triathlon+wetsuit

    ​Xterra.com also has some good discounts in the clearance section!

Tri-Suits - if you didn't order a team tri suit or tri top/bottoms, that's totally okay! You have a few options. 

    Men- A. tri top and shorts (or tri suit)

               B. swim trunks/jammer/speedo/bathing suit for the swim and throw shorts and shirt on top for the bike/run

    Women- 

    A. spandex and sports bra for swim, throw shirt (and shorts) on for bike/run

    B. sports bra and tri shorts, throw shirt on for bike/run

    C. tri shorts and tri top

The 3rd option, is the easiest, but most costly. Amazon sells tri tops/shorts made by a brand called 2XU and those are a great option. I got my shorts and top on Amazon for $29 each. ​Check out these options::

    women's top- http://www.amazon.com/2XU-Womens-Active-Black-X-Large/dp/B00DPIFEC8/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1429672613&sr=1-4&keywords=tri+top+women

    women's shorts-http://www.amazon.com/2XU-Womens-Active-Tri-Short/dp/B00DPI7AA2/ref=pd_sim_sg_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1K95KKGSD5KPKRK7KXGM

    men's top- http://www.amazon.com/2XU-Active-Singlet-Nautic-Medium/dp/B00DPIEUT6/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1429672475&sr=8-7&keywords=2xu+tri+top

    men's shorts- http://www.amazon.com/2XU-Mens-Active-Tri-Short/dp/B00DPI79AI/ref=pd_sim_sg_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1X9RT5VKV1XMP9KB8SC2