[monkeyhatfork]

if your going to start training with a club, maybe just go and ask them first hand, they are likely to have a variety of gear you may be able to try out before making purchases and they will know specifics for gear needed in your area i.e how thick wetsuit, socks , weight, etc. maybe give you tips on obtaining gear from your area. The most important thing with most gear is fit so trying on as much as possible will cut down on blowing money on the wrong stuff.