I finally bought a drysuit. I bought a cheap wetsuit last fall, but I was cold in it and it was a trial to remove it. This past year, I felt less stable in my canoe and a couple times, I felt unsafe and afraid. Going forward, with the drysuit, I can fish sooner in the spring and later in the fall and come home at the end of each trip. Any tips from those of you who wear drysuits?

I reccomend Thermal Layering (The "Three-Layer" System)

A dry suit itself provides minimal insulation; warmth comes from the air and clothing trapped inside. 

• Base Layer: Wear a snug, moisture-wicking layer (synthetic or merino wool) to pull sweat away from your skin.

• Insulating Mid-Layer: Add one or two thicker layers, such as high-loft fleece or purpose-built dry suit undergarments, to trap air.

• Avoid Cotton: Never wear cotton, as it absorbs moisture and will drain your body heat if it becomes damp.

• Extremities: Use thick wool or synthetic socks, allowing enough room to wiggle your toes to maintain blood flow. 

• Don't forget to add adequate head and neck protection.

  Stay Safe

  A-Jay

What he said pretty much covers it, just remember the life jacket too.

My kids got me a new pair of dry pants for Christmas, my old pair was leaking and there was a sale on NRS.

I use those in combination with a dry top and belt.

The coldest I've gone kayaking was 11 degrees, but that was over 10 years ago.

Just remember that it's the temp of the water not the air.

You might want to look up old Jeff Little video's etc. I had never heard of a dry suit until I saw some of his stuff. This was around 2013. I believe he made a video or two about his system for wearing, layering etc. He was winter kayak fishing under some extreme conditions.

16 minutes ago, herder said:

Just remember that it's the temp of the water not the air.

I can't forget this. I can feel the cold of the water creeping through the thin hull of my canoe.

24 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

1. Base Layer: Wear a snug, moisture-wicking layer (synthetic or merino wool) to pull sweat away from your skin.

2. Insulating Mid-Layer: Add one or two thicker layers, such as high-loft fleece or purpose-built dry suit undergarments, to trap air.

3. Avoid Cotton: Never wear cotton, as it absorbs moisture and will drain your body heat if it becomes damp.

4. Extremities: Use thick wool or synthetic socks, allowing enough room to wiggle your toes to maintain blood flow. 

Easy to do the above since your list is my standard fishing clothes. I only different with socks. I wear wetsuit boots or water shoes, so I don't wear socks.

When a friend and I purchased them years ago, we put them through a test. We both walked into the water up to our upper chest and stood there in 38-degree water for several minutes to know what to expect. It was impressive how warm we remained. Had we dunked our heads, that would have been different, but I do recommend this test, even if after your first trip in the drysuit. Knowledge is king right?

One thing we learned, you do get hot in a drysuit so layer your clothing accordingly. You want to avoid getting into a sweat situation and getting cold from the sweat.

My only other thoughts, if it came with zipper wax, keep up on the maintenance, those zippers can get difficult to zip. If not, pick some up. Chapstick works in a pinch.

I was recently looking at a few, my have the prices changed! Ugh!

2 minutes ago, Craig P said:

One thing we learned, you do get hot in a drysuit so layer your clothing accordingly. You want to avoid getting into a sweat situation and getting cold from the sweat.

I am worried about overheating. I want to wear just enough to be comfortable. I can't imagine shedding layers on the water.

Cool that you did that test. I might too!

Dry suit vs wetsuit are for two different applications. A wetsuit relies on a thin layer of water between your skin and the neoprene. This layer is warmed by body heat keeping you warm. They are temp rated as well. That determines the mm thickness of the wetsuit. A drysuit is intended to keep you completely dry in water. I know this is probably already known, but just in case…

As for removal? There isn’t a good way. You should try removing one after you just swam 1.2 miles and know you’ve got a 56 mile bike ride and a half marathon coming up right after the ride…😳😳

I ran the KS Half Ironman Tri in like 2010 or 2011. One and only time with a wetsuit (well, not really - I was a triathlon nerd heading into that tri and quit right after)

Burp the drysuit.

Be very aware of zipper management. I keep mine clean and lubricated. And I don’t bend mine. I fold everything around the zipper.

For men: the tiny front zipper is a game changer.

37 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

Burp the drysuit.

I had no idea, but I watched a couple videos about burping a drysuit thanks to you.

I don't own any of them, but a couple years ago when I was still breaking skim ice to kayak fish I decided that if I went one more season, I would go the float suit route, as opposed to dry suit. Seemed like a better choice for fishing.

1 hour ago, Swamp Girl said:

I had no idea, but I watched a couple videos about burping a drysuit thanks to you.

It is sometimes the funnest event of the day. Haha.

Oh. Pics are mandatory

I fish all winter in either a dry suit or waders and a dry top. The advice to keep the zipper lubricated is spot on. Also treat it gently when you are off the water. Try not to fold it up - especially across the zipper. Underneath I wear layers so that I can peel them off if the day warms up. That is much easier with waders and a dry top which is why I sometimes go with that combo instead of my drysuit.