I have a place at Oceanside next year, my first race in the US, combining with a family holiday in San Diego and surrounding area.
I’ve searched this forum and a few others for some info and what I’ve found has been helpful so far, I’ve a few outstanding questions I’m hoping people can help me out with.

Ocean swim, I understand this can get changed/cancelled due to swell/surf, what’s the upper limit before a no go decision is made? Is the swim just cancelled or is there sheltered water nearby that can be used? Any history of cancellations/moves?

Average water temp is around 16c I’ve read, I guess Southern Californians think that’s cold, I’m thinking a neoprene hood might be in order but I’m from England so that’s positively tropical although worth some acclimatisation swims in the 2 weeks before when we are down in Mission Beach area. Do OW swimmers in US typically swim with a pull along buoy?

Bike course, I won’t be able to access Pendleton before the race as I am not a US citizen and I’m not even sure USMC allow access any more anyhow, any good routes nearby I should check out? What’s the tarmac like on the course? Maybe a daft one but I’m assuming a TT bike with a rear disc would be the weapon of choice?

And lastly the run, in the pictures I’ve seen, the course looks very narrow and crowded in places especially waterfront, is it congested or is there enough space to make good progress? Pointy end of M50-54 AG, c1:30 half.

Thanks all, look forward to your insights and experiences.