there's a kit thread (started by carl). or if you email lindi, there might be time to get in to the main order.
failing that you could always borrow one.
training isn't rocket science. imagine a marathon training schedule with three runs a week, one long and slow, two shorter but a bit faster. do that, plus the same on the bike, where the bike sessions take twice as long (wrt training time, not distance). if you can build up to weekly 4 or 5 hour rides by Feb, that will be fine.
fit in two or three swims a week (on bike or run days). at first, just technique, following the drills your teacher gives you. then after xmas, drop one technique session for a long, slow swim.
you also will need to start swimming in open water asap - which will be as soon as the lakes open next spring, now.
one rest day a week. complete rest, no trampolining (despite what barlos might recommend to the contrary)
it's easy if you commit yourself to it, have enough character not to quit when the training doesn't seem to be going your way, and have enough patience to keep plugging away slowly over the cold winter months.
