Checking out the 'Technique' page will probably do a bit better for you -- some of these questions have already been asked there.

I, too, was somewhat of an avid skinny-tire cyclist, about the same number of pounds ago (unfortunately, kayaking doesn't burn quite as many calories as cycling does.) I have a titanium Eddy Merckx that's collecting dust, thanks to the relatively new kayaking/kayak building interests.

You would have to define 'around here' for us to help you out. 'Around here' for me is Michigan, where it's about 50 degrees for a high. If 'around here' for you is Hudson Bay, clothing needs would be a bit different.

I got a 'farmer-john' wetsuit for only $60 through the Performance cycling catalog. It's a long-legged, sleeveless wetsuit that was made for triathalons. It has a smooth surface (for less resistance when swimming) that isn't as durable as the standard neoprene, but it's cheap and will last if you're careful not to catch it on sharp stuff. I also have neoprene booties ($30) and gloves ($35) and a GoreTex dry-top ($310.)

Dean

> It is finally getting a bit chilly around here. I did not intend on doing
> any paddling this winter but if the weather stays fairly mild, I might
> give it a whirl (besides it is relly fun!). Being a former ('bout 25 lbs
> ago), "avid skinny-tire bicyclist" I know a bit about how to
> stay warm in the wind and cold, and that low tech fabrics like cotton are
> not your friend when the chill hits, but How do you dress for canoeing and
> kayaking? Neoprene? And what about the feet? How about the boat...what
> would I need to outift the canoe appropriately? The thought of a still
> water paddle on a cold winter morn is intruiging, but I would not want to
> become an instant pop-cicle in the process. Sorry for getting off the
> topic of building....gar