1st OWS-1st Tri Questions

Did my first OWS on Friday in Madison, WI, on Lake Wingra. The weeds, zero visibility, deep water, and sighting were not much of a problem. My heart rate was a little high to start but went down quickly once I figured out there was no way I could drown.

The wetsuit (full wetsuit) was my main problem. My shoulders became fatigued very quickly. Once I slowed down my cadence and concentrated on relaxing and rotating, I was a little less fatigued. My swim coach told me the fit of my wetsuit was good. He helped me with some adjustments that helped a little.

Wetsuit or not? Switch to a sleeveless in the future?

I am very tempted to do the swim sans the wetsuit because of the fatigue factor. I really don't want to flip on my back to rest during a 400 meter swim (first tri on Saturday in Pardeeville). I may only have time for one more short practice session before the race. I don't know what the water temperature will be, best guess low to mid-70s.

I am relying on everyone's experience since I have zero with any of these issues!

Thanks!