Wet suit is fine used in combo with a dry top. I have been doing white water
for years year round down to 15 % and windy and always been comfy, even in
my first season when I took some cold water swims. Add a neoprene balaclava,
gloves ( or pogies ) and neoprene booties, and you're all set. Now if you're
talking expansive open water where you could be in it for a long time, that
is you do not have a roll, then dry suit for sure. Also, if you are wearing
a spray skirt and gloves, hang a LARGE carabiner on the grab loop. This way
when upside down, the weight of the biner will extend the grab loop and make
it easy to find.
"Rick" wrote in message
ink.net...
sparks wrote:
Greetings,
Some friends and I are thinking about doing some winter time kayaking.
This
will be the first time we have paddled in the cold water
(Indiana..pretty
chilly right now). What can you recommend for clothing? I really cant
afford
to go out and buy an expensive dry suit (the ones I found on the
internet
were $400 and up ). We really want to go this winter but...if not being
able to afford a drysuit is going to be a safety concern then I will
wait
until spring : ) Anyone have any cheaper alternatives?

Thanks!
Sparks


Sorry to disappoint you Sparks, but in the conditions you describe, a
dry suit is a must. A wetsuit to meet your needs would be too thick to
paddle in and insufficent once you were immersed. You may be able to
find one used at a modestly reduced rate.

Good luck,

Rick