Rob,
I found that I just need to take a few seconds and get the right mental set to get the neck gasket on and off. It is generally harder taking it off, just get serious and grab it and pull. I don't know if the gasket has some stretch or you just get used to it but I don't notice it that much anymore. For base layers I just use my usual fleece, more layers for colder temps. A vest works well as one layer to keep mobility high and still keep the core warm. I recently discovered that fleece pants with the side Velcro are almost impossible to fasten again after you use the relief zipper(I had plenty of inspiration to get them un fastened). The booties are a big advantage. If your paddling shoes can open up enough to not compress thicker socks you can probably just use them, I do on all but the coldest days. I find that they stretch out within about 10 minutes. I have the NRS dry suit, the price was right, it is durable, and it breaths reasonably well. They came out with a lighter weight version this year that may be a good option. I think all dry suits made for paddling are well constructed, I would look for one that fits your body and your needs. If in doubt buy on the large side.

I attached some winter paddle images to give you more enthusiasm for the task. A dry suit by no means eliminates the risk of winter paddling but it does allow you to enjoy the experience without constant concern.
Scott

: A near death experience, trying-on a dry-suit in a changing booth, a few
: years ago
: left me huddled in a corner at home, clutching my wet-suit against my chest
: and sucking my thumb.

: Then I learned you're supposed to trim that #*@!!! neck gasket.

: Well, after lengthy therapy, I'm ready to give it a try again.
: But first, this time, a few questions for the dry-suit masters.

: If I go back to the scene of the crime, can I try on a dry-suit
: for size without the neck gasket in place?

: I read some of the posts in the archives about tightness and trimming
: gaskets and now I'm feeling like maybe I'll just wear the old wet suit.

: Can you take the neck gasket off and trim and test fit without the
: whole dry-suit? How expensive are spare neck gaskets?

: Anything more comfortable on the horizon????

: Man, I hate neck ties! Guess I'll just have to bite the bullet and
: learn to love neck gaskets. How tight do they need to be to be waterproof.
: Any test,like, one finger in the gasket's okay, two fingers and you
: black-out?

: I've seen the one piece union suit style polypro base layers. These make
: sense so you don't get "cold crack syndrome", but what about more
: layers?

: Do you just put them on and let them ride where the may or do folks use
: suspenders to keep things in place?

: I've done a fair amount of research and figured that since I overheat easily,
: to spend the extra for Gore Tex. Since these things are called dry-suits I
: thought
: I get one with the relief zipper instead of using the old wet-suit warming
: method.

: I'm looking a Kokatat Gore Tex GMER with relief zipper and integral gore tex
: socks.

: I assume you have to get over-sized water shoes to use with these socks,
: since you'd want regular socks inside. Is this so? How much bigger do you
: need to go? I don't want to win a Bozo the clown contest!

: Thanks,

: Rob