KAYAKING WEAR: What's in Use?

This spring, I'm planning to venture into the salt for the first time and would appreciate information on what some of you folks wear for cool, wet weather conditions.  Like everyone, my primary concerns are comfort, breathability, and safety (in the event I tip it...).  If it matters, my rig is a Hobie Outback. 

Thanks for the input.   

Well, if you're in a Hobie Outback I'd suggest some nice peddling wear made of spandex. 

Actually there are a lot of options ranging from "very comfortable and expensive" to "will do the job and cheap".

Starting with the best, most expensive option... a full dry suit.  Shell out anywhere from $500-$1200 (depending on material) and slip the dry suit over some warm layers and you're golden.

The next option is the dry top / chest wader combo.  There is some controversy in this option in that many think waders will drag you to your death.  Actually matched with a nice dry top and PFD this is almost as dry as a wetsuit for about 2/3 the price of a dry suit (less if you already own good chest waders).  Dry tops run about $250-$400 and waders anywhere from $60 - $300.

Finally on the cheaper end of things are wetsuits.  They will keep you warm but aren't as comfortable.  If you already have one of these to surf or freedive in then this is your best option.   I like to wear a paddle jacket or other wind breaker over mind because you can get some evaporatative cooling with exposed wet neoprene.  A cheap wet suit/farmer john costs $150 and a paddle jacket another $100.

There are a few posts on this site with more detail.  Do a search on "dry suit" or "wader" etc..

Brian

yup. dito. I wear a dry suit in the ocean year round. the only thing that changes is how much fleece I wear underneath. I spend allot of time in the surf getting pummeled , so I'm in the water quite a bit.

when fishing on the ocean in cold weather, I wear allot of thick fleece under the dry suit because exertion levels are low, and I'm not generating allot of body heat.

for action sports I wear less, because I'm working hard and sweating.

-Jason

Although I haven't ventured out into the salt yet, this is what I've been wearing on the lakes this winter-

3.5mm neoprene chest waders
lightweight long underwear top/bottom(polypro)
wool/poly socks
fleece shirt
Gore-Tex mountaineering shell (can't afford a dry/splash top yet)
PFD

Here,on the east side of the Cascades, I don't do too many surf launches so the wader/drytop combination has worked very well. Most of my salt water fishing in P Sound. If I was fishing the surf more regularly, I'd make a real drysuit a priority.

I helped Kokatat design their new line of Tempest fishing pants and tops and I absolutely love them. They strike a great balance between waders and a drysuit.  Very versatile, very comfy, VERY dry. They will be in stores in January. 

Great info!  Based on the replies, I'm going with the neoprene / dry top for now...  If I strike the winning lotto numbers, then things change!  Thanks all.  See you out on the water.