Dry/wet suits

I've been looking at dry vs. wet suits.  Obviously, dry suits will keep you warmer depending on the undergarments.  Wet suits are cold with little to no warmth. 
Looking for recommendations before I spend my kids inheritance on a dry suit.

thanks,

bob

Wetsuits are warm for most - make sure it fits snugly, and don't get sucked in to buying a lighter suit like 2 or 3 mil when 6 or 7 may be what you need.

Drysuits aren't very warm on their own, and they're not totally waterproof - watch out for figuring you'll be warm enough if you're in the water for a significant period of time.  Water leaking in through the gaskets and at the ends of the zippers won't take long to soak all your gear under the drysuit.

While dressing for immersion is an extremely important priority, having the right boat for the condtions is huge too.

Good luck.  Have fun.  Be safe.  Share your experiences here.   

I am always warm in my wet suit. 3 mil for fishing and 7 for diving. 

my .02.  Long before I bought my drysuit, I rented wetsuits.  On hot summer days, I'd rather have a fj wetsuit.  Drysuit for sure during the fall/winter. 

Started with a FJ suit for the first year.  Sold it & made the leap to Drysuit on my AI.  All depends on what YOU find to be within your budget & comfort level.  Got tired of being wet with a FJ suit.

I have been looking at drysuits to add another option to my gear choices and it seems you can get a good two piece wetsuit for one-half the price of a drysuit. . .

If I were fishing just lakes, then something like dry pants & jacket might be a better option at about 1/2 the cost of a dry suit.

Thanks guys. 

Back in my old surfer days (long wooden boards w/fiberglass, late 1960's) we wore wetsuits.  All I remember was that they didn't keep me very warm.  After watching the video on cold water immersion, I think about our coastal areas and even during the summer, the water is way too cold.  The idea of the dry suit sounded good and as I was looking at them, learned that they do leak a bit and as someone said, it won't take long before your under garments are wet.
I'm going to try both to see what works best. 
As always, thanks for the info.

bob

don't worry, be happy

I use a drysuit and I recommend a wetsuit if you go "one or the other."

There are situations where a wet suit is the only thing.  Dress for immersion does NOT mean a drysuit.

So, I have both and use the wetsuit if it's sketchy at all (solo north coat go-outs, long paddles like salmon outta Moss landing, Big Sur wehre there's no "plan 'B' landing spot etc...)

if you are only getting one, get a wetsuit 4mil farmer john, and a good paddling top or jacket to go over it.  you can wear thermals under a wetsuit also, if the air temps are cold.

get a wetsuit and then get a drysuit when you've gotten more experience and had the time to save the money up.

Bushy

Super good advice/perspective from Bushy there!

There are thin polypropylene thermals available and some wetsuit manufacturers make 1mm neoprene tops with titanium for extra heat retention.

I am very happy with my Kokatat Angler Drysuit, yes its expensive but keeps me dry and warm. The relief zip is a must and the cordura around the leg area prevents punctures.  I got mine at outdoorplay.com
If you sign up on their mailing list you get information on coupons and promos. 
I bought mime last year around Thanksgiving when it was 20%.  I use it mainly for saltwater.

You can also consider a Farmer John 3mm wetsuit with a paddling jacket on top.  Or waterproof pants like Kokatat Tempest Pants paired with a paddling jacket. 

Got a good deal on my drysuit from Headwaters in Lodi.  Talk /w Dan ... maybe he has some closeout ones or something?

I used a wetsuit for well over a decade. Got my dry suit and never looked back. My .02.
Dress for immersion..but....how long do you plan on being in the water??
Practice self rescue religiously and it shouldn't be too long.
I akin it to wearing a seat belt.
Yes, it aids us in a accident, but so would a helmet, fire retardant under garments and a specialized jumpsuit. Who really wears that? Yet we drive every day and hear about traffic deaths almost every day.
I am much more comfortable in my dry suit, can dress appropriately for conditions, and have much greater range of motion in my dry suit.

Get a FJ wetsuit, some paddle pants, and a spray jacket. Wear the pants and jacket over your wetsuit. You'll be warm, safe, and dry! You can find paddle pants and spray jackets for relatively cheap on sale (like $50 each). Plus, it's more versatile...e.g., if you want to fish a freshwater lake in the summer--just wear the pants & jacket.

It's different for everyone. I love my dry suit. I've worn wetsuits surfing my whole life and they are great for being in the water. I don't plan on spending much time in the water while I'm kayak fishing. I'm 100% confidant in my ability to self rescue and I know my limitations. I also carry approximate safety gear and know how to use it. So for me it's dry suit all the way, way more comfortable on and off the water. Like others have said its not the dry suit that keeps you warm when you go in, it's what's under it. Poly fleece is your friend cotton is your enemy.