swim question

I would say the answers to your questions are all... it depends.

If you are comfortable in the water and don't mind all of the other athletes flailing around, then GO! If you would rather let the pack get ahead a little, wait 10-20 seconds so that you don't have to swim in the pack.

I would wear a wetsuit if it was wetsuit legal. Races in WI are always wetsuit legal. I'd venture to say that water is going to be pretty chilly, but the cold is only a small reason to wear a wetsuit.

It depends on the type of start. If a beach start, the FOP people will run out, dolphin a few times (probably) and then start swimming. Other people will wade out and start. If it is a deep water swim, you just tread water.

If this is your first race, position yourself near the back and outside.

You don't have to wear a wetsuit. Speaking for myself though, if it is legal, then I'm wearing it, but I swim in mine alot. I wouldn're recommend wearing your suit for the first time on race morning, get a few swims in it first.

Depends, but I'd:

1) Run out and dive in.

2) I'd stay wide, out of the fray

3) Wear the wetsuit