Looking for recommondation for 1/2 Ironman

[GA Wil]

I'm looking to do my first 1/2 ironman looking for a course that is newbie friendly. This is for a personal challenge as I am turning 50. I completed my first Olympic race last week with a finish time of 3:50 - so I am not super speedy.

[Douglas Hartung]

I wouldn't get too wrapped up in your race selection. Sounds like you're just in it to finish, which is perfectly fine for a first attempt. Instead of worrying about specific race conditions, why not just pick a race based on where you want to be for a few days pre- and post- race?

I don't think there's really such thing as "newbie" friendly at that distance, so go somewhere you want to be, and have fun.