First race, first OWS...

You should not wait for the first OWS to be your first Tri. You don't need to swim all 800 in your first practice.  Just get out there, start getting used to the temperatures, and the idea of swimming without seeing the bottom of the pool.  Also, have you practiced sighting? 

You might want to try putting the wetsuit on, and pouring some lukewarm-ish water inside your suit (AFTER you put it on, okay?) so the water in there is already warm instead of getting the rush of icy water in your suit when you get in.

Also, did someone already teach you how to put on a suit and how it's supposed to fit?  If you don't pull the sleeves up properly, your shoulders will get tired REALLY fast.

I would suggest taking the plunge.

I had issues with the tightness of the suit and cold water in my ears that made me sick. It took about 3-4 OWS to work out the issues. (earplugs,and getting used to the suit)

I would not want to be throwing up and dizzy on race day with hundreds of others in the water with you.

There is also a big difference between going for a solo swim and the excitement of an event.  I am more comfortable when there are other people around when I am swimming in open water.

Biggest bit of advice, give your body 5 minutes or so to get used to the water temperature before you start swimming.  This can help settle your breathing down from the shock of the cold water.

Go with a friend.  Ideally a friend who has some experience.  Ask him/her to swim behind you and occasionally bump into your feet.  Then go alongside you and bump into you from the side. 

You need to learn how to sight (pick up your head every now and then to see if you are on target) and be comfortable in the water, especially occasional contact from other swimmers.

Do it now and thank us later.

Be careful.  If the temps are still in the 50's, there is no way to tell how your body will react.  

I would never do my FIRST OWS in those conditions.

My first OWS was at my first tri.. water temp was about 60 degrees. Not the best option, but I made it through.

The best advice someone in transition had was to go out an hour before the race to paddle around a bit.  If you aren't able or willing to OWS before the event this is a great recommendation.  The first moments in the water were very unpleasant even though I am a pretty good swimmer.. I had to force myself to keep my head in the water.

If you can get 1-2 OWS in before the race that is ideal, but you will make it either way!

I was an idiot and did my first OWS in surf, 55 degrees, wearing an old triathlon suit (NOT a wetsuit) that was 4 sizes too large.  XD  Good old (stupid stupid) days.  Hypothermia?  It's southern California, I thought every day was all good for OWS! 

I bought a wetsuit about a week after doing this.

Also, tip for OWS start success

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3S0wu4Zbfk

Well...I sucked it up today and drove to the lake where the race is being held (since the water temps there are in the high 50's rather than low 50's where I live).  All in all, it was better than I expected...still friggin frigid but I managed. My biggest concern is that my feet were pretty much numb after swimming for 15-20 minutes. I can't imagine that will be very good going into T1 since it took an hour for me to get full feeling back in my toes. Should make for an interesting bike/run. Other than my feet everything else seemed ok. Keeping my face in water that cold will be a mental hurdle too.

I didn't wear booties since I don't plan on using them in the race...would they make enough of a difference for me to consider wearing them? I think the ones I have are 2 mil.

I think they make a difference in the swim. I've never had to wear a pair during a race, but many times during late winter practice.  It's sooo much nicer once the water inside gets warm.

Also, wear tuck them in under the wetsuit. The first time I wore them I put them on like boots over my wetsuit and it started collecting water XD XD XD

Your feet will still be a bit numb when it's that cold, but if you manage to put the cycling shoes on okay, you should be fine after you warm up in the cycle (just be careful clipping in and out) since you pedal with leg power anyway.  Hopefully the circulation is going strong by the time you run and it's got more feeling.

Tparkin---before I started doing triathlon I freedove 150days a year.  My suggestion is to go to  www.speardiver.com

and buy a 5mm pair of OPEN CELL freedive booties to fit you.  You will be way happier.

Hope this helps