Randy, I know Doug meant nothing more than passing along years of experience and I often do the same. The drysuit decision for most paddlers is about money. Everyone would have one if that wasn't the consideration including the person who started this thread. I know you are safe paddler and have your head well glued on.

Read the article "The Farmer John Fallacy" under paddlers info from the home page.

I used to do a lot of dead winter paddling and we always rolled. The water doesn't feel cold, it actually burns. Even a cup full running down your chest cavity is enough to make you yell. It's dead serious stuff. I wouldn't even want to swim in the winter with a drysuit because the exposure to your neck and head can really do some nasty things. Plus, it's tough to wear enough insulation for a long swim without overheating when paddling so most paddlers are on that edge of protection from a short immersion. One time for winter practicing I just wore a lot of insulation and other than my face, I felt nothing. But I would not be able to paddle that insulated.