Well, I rented one for my first OWS, a sprint Tri in a cold lake. I then bought one a few weeks before my next tri (that was also wetsuit-legal) and tried it out twice before the race.<br><br><br><b>Moonie</b>'s suggestion to try different kinds is very good advice. I haven't worn mine in about 3 months due to the warm summer water and probably won't use it again till later this fall.<br><br>
It sounds like you are pretty new to swimming, so if you are spending most of your swim time in a pool, don't worry about a wetsuit or now. (chlorine + wetsuit = BAD) BUT, if most of your swimming is in a lake, river or ocean that is cool enough for you to want something to keep you warm, rent a few and get one.