Cold OWS help needed, please!!!

My only suggestion would to be get in the water before your wave goes off and try to get used to the feeling of having your face in the cold water.

I am also an Texas immigrant and did 2 races last year in cold water.  Once I swam around a few minutes, I was fine.  It really didn't bother me during the swim.  My biggest problem was that once I got out of the water, it was difficult to get my hands and feet to function because they were cold.  Once I got through T1, I was fine.

I will be there; looking forward to a warm and sunny race day. I did a race two weeks ago at Boulder Reservoir and the water temp was 53...or perhaps colder. It was not pleasant, but not life-threatening (for a sprint distance anyway). I expect the water temp at Jackson Reservoir on Sunday to be low 60's. I don't tolerate cold very well but I'm not worried in the least about it.  I figure if I survived Boulder 2 wks ago, I'm bullet proof.  I'll probably go with a double swim cap, but no booties or gloves. I do think it helps to get in the water before the start to get used to it. I'm not necessarily talking about a 10 minute warmup, but at least a couple minutes, so it's not a shock when you put your face in. Expect your hands, feet and face will probably be a bit numb, and don't expect a PR on the swim...it's harder to get a good pull with numb hands. Also, expect T1 might be a little slower as your hands won't work quite as well (wetsuit removal, buckle helmet, shoes....) But, the forescast is for good weather and you'll warm right up on the bike.

Good luck.

The first 100 meters will be the toughest.  Once the face gets relatively numb, it gets better.  Like others have said, the double cap helps a bit.  Also, some Vaseline(Aquaphor) on the exposed face area helps a bit as well.

 Keep in mid, the other people with ya, are feeling the same misery.

Good luck and have fun!