Vancouver subaru 2013

Hi Naimi, congrats on taking the plunge and registering for your first Tri.  I can't help you much with info on Vancouver but I did buy my 1st wetsuit last year in Kelowna.  I bought a nice Blue-Seventy that I really like but it cost a bit high at $350-ish.  There are less expensive options and many people even buy online.  How long will your swim be?  If it is not too long and you are well prepared you might choose to swim without a wetsuit for your first Tri but you do gain some flotation and streamlining with a wetsuit.

Take your time shopping and learn as much as possible by looking at gear reviews here on BT and any Tri friends or just other friendly triathletes (like when you're at your local pool to swim and you strike up a conversation.  You could also check manufacturers websites for info as well.

In prep for your Tri you'll want to get in some good open water swim practice as it does get hard for some people for the 1st few swims.  Some people hyperventilate and wind up swimming breaststroke instead of freestyle.  I've even seen a few people switch to backstroke.

If you get a chance to travel to the Okanagan bring your wetsuit and try out our lakes.  On the beach here in Penticton there is a swim channel along the beach and lots of swimmers to meet all summer.  The water from mid june to mid Sept is quite comfortable, clear and shallow.

I rented a wetsuit for my first tri--is that an option for you?  I didn't want to spend a ton of money at the time, so the rental was a good option.  I also used Tri-Geeks--I got to try on 3 or 4 of them before I chose.  I ended up buying that model a few months later for $100-ish online (it was the prior years model of an Orca Equip and I love it).  I went full sleeve, but I think that can come down to personal preference.

Re open water swim practice: I did several swims with the Vancouver Open Water Swim Association last year.  It was great--lots of swimmers, so always someone of my speed, lifeguards on paddle boards, and $5 drop in fee.  There is also Sasamat lake where there are usually quite a few triathletes, but I don't think the swims are organized.  And since Subaru is in the ocean, the VOWSA is great practice!

@wenceslasz thanks . I actually went in Penticton for camping (and wineries) last year and, by chance I watched the Ironman at the same time. This is a beautiful place, the lake is warm and nice.  I will come again this year and will do some more swimming. For the triathlon I registered for the Sprint one so the swim won't be long but I'd rather use a wetsuit.

@airborne I will go and take a look at triGeeks, thanks!