: Just started looking at dry suits. We suit would be adequate in our temps but
: a dry suit would be so nice! I found one I am curious about. I am assuming
: this is for Water Skiing or Surfing. It has no feet, just ankle seals. I
: assume your supposed to wear a good pair of neoprene diving booties. Just
: wondering if there is a draw back to no feet for kayaking I don't see?

: Second. Can you have (or do-it-yourself) a relief zipper added? Any idea the
: costs?

I'd go for a an extremely breathable suit, like Kokatat and/or any product with latex cuffings and GoreTex.

You could split up in jacket and trowsers, and also i love my mukluks (knee-long eskimo-type boots). MEC does a pair and also Chota (http://www.kayakforum.com/cgi-bin/Technique/index.cgi/noframes/read/3594).

A pee-fly is a must, can be added afterwards by most manufacturers or any decent shop. Also make sure the latex-cuffs does not get iron hard (as my replacements do), when it is around 0 degrees C.

I have done some winter-kayaking in my diving drysuit and wouldn't recommend it. Too bulky and stiff, but doable if you have a great sunny winters day and you feel the urge...

I think using a wetsuit or semi-dry for winter kayaking is relatively safe, as i did my scuba training in a semi-dry in Oeresund at 2 degrees C. Did several 30-45 min dives and came out cold, but still able to use hands+feet+brain plenty. Would opt for the semi-dry and forget all about the wetsuit.
A neoprene hood is a must as the pain around the unprotected cheeks+nose is immense - wouldn't like to speculate on the rest of the head ;-)

Just my €5.

Jesper,
Copenhagen, Dk