Do I need a wetsuit?!?

you'd be okay to wait, but plenty may still have them on in May if it's wetsuit legal.

I think the bigger concern would be you ramplng up your training from sprint to HIM. Adding that kind of volume usually also comes with some body changes (some weightloss, some muscle build).

I'm in AZ and I have 3 wetsuits....

Oh, yeah...I've got a spare also, but it's hard finding dudes as small as me. (5'8, 151)

If you plan on competing in future triathlons, you might as well take the plunge.  Even though you don't need it for your upcoming race, they're great for training or there will be a race you might want to do on a moment's notice, and it will be nice to have a suit that you already feel comfortable in.  

Granted- it's not my money... but just get one.  As mentioned above, Xterra wetsuits are ALWAYS 50% off.  It's their marketing thing.  I've always just assumed that their $400 wetsuits are really $200 wetsuits.  But, that in mind- there's little reason to spend a lot on a high end wetsuit.  They're all the same speed.

Fit, however, is important.

Totally understand that.  I've only been training for a month and have already dropped 11 pounds, with 55 days left til my first tri (Tempe International).  Hoping to drop at least another 10 by then.  For the record, I weighed 219 when it started and now weigh 208.  

JasenGuy - 2012-03-19 10:14 PM You can definitely wait if you'd like because Xterra has great deals on their suits pretty frequently...And I guarantee there are a few people on this forum (myself included) that would eagerly schedule an OWS. There are a few people here who are already meeting up, but if you want to go this early I'd definitely recommend you get a wet suit!  

 Where and when do you guys go swimming?  If I know I will be able to go pretty frequently (once a week preferably), I'd for sure get a wetsuit just for the experience.  

With a company like XTerra, any idea how they fit?  Using their sizing tool, I'm 2 pounds above a large (209 but large says 207), so I'd prefer to just pick up a large since I know I'll drop at LEAST those 2 pounds before the suit even gets to my door.  I wish I could try one first, but the only option seems to be ordering from them and hoping I choose the right size, and if not, sending it back and getting the other in return, which would take more time.  

We'll go to either Saguaro Lake (Butcher Jones Cove) or Bartlett (Rattlesnake Cove). There are people who do it both during the week and also during the weekend. In fact, Wannatri is doing an open water swim clinic on March 31st that I'm sure will be really beneficial especially if you've never swam in the open water. Definitely hit me up if you want more info...

If you have the time drive to TriSports in Tucson. They have an endless pool in the store where you can try out the wetsuits they sell. Check online first what they have in stock.

I believe they're opening a TriSports in Tempe soon too!!! The building is huge...Can't wait to check it out.

If you want to do some OWS races there are plenty in Tempe Town Lake coming soon:

1,2 and 4 km swims with DCB Adventures: http://www.dcbadventures.com/Events/Swimming

Four Peaks Racing Splash and Dash Series events in the spring and fall, usually 750/1500 or 1000/2000 m swim events followed by a 5k run.  These are not expensive, well run, relaxed and friendly, a lot of fun, and a great way to get into OWS: http://www.4peaksracing.com/

You may need a wetsuit for the earlier events, unless you can tough it out, but you could always rent one, locally or online.  I would try out a bunch of wetsuits at local tri stores, as fit is really important, deciding to go no-sleeve/full-sleeve etc.  TriSports are great (I got my Zoot Synergy wetsuit from them, 40% off at an end of year sale), and I believe their Tempe store will be opening in June?  I did the Rio Salado Tri last year (it's a couple of weeks before Tempe International), and I wore my wetsuit for that one (as did many many others), but then I am a complete and utter wimp when it comes to the cold!  I didn't wear it for Nathan in September though, it was way too hot then!!!!!

A wetsuit, or adult floaty, is always a big decision.  Stronger swimmers think they hate full suits or a suit in general, week swimmers use it like a crutch.  However, with that in mind I would offer this:  I too live in Arizona, but did my first HIM in Boise, Idaho.  In that particular race a suit was “required”.  When I add to that that the two IMAZ events that I participated in kicked off in November, I grew to appreciate the warmth that a suit will give someone.

400 meters in the warm soup of Tempe Town Lake in May is probably not the best time to have a suit, but having it in the inventory will help you plan your race calendar a bit better.  Try swimming in Flagstaff’s Lake Mary in March before making a decision – not all of AZ is warm. 

Yeah, but you are a nut job Tom!!

I have raced Mtn Man the last couple years, and wore a wetsuit every time, and was very comfortable.  I know people who did not wear wetsuits, and their feelings afterward differ.  Some swore they would never go without a wetsuit in Lake Mary again, whereas others had no worries.  It will be low 70's water temp, which for me personally is wetsuit automatic.