Wetsuit vs Drysuit for Kayaking: Which Keeps You Paddling Longer

I learned the hard way that choosing between a wetsuit and drysuit isn't just about staying warm – it's about staying alive. After dunking myself in 45°F water wearing nothing but board shorts (yeah, not my brightest moment), I became obsessed with cold water gear. Now, after testing dozens of suits in everything from Florida springs to Lake Superior, I'm here to help you avoid my mistakes.

The wetsuit vs drysuit debate has raged in kayaking circles for years, and honestly? There's no single right answer. Your perfect suit depends on where you paddle, how often you swim (intentionally or not), and how much you're willing to spend. Let me break down everything I've learned from thousands of hours on cold water.

The Real Difference: It's Not What You Think

Most people think the main difference is that wetsuits get you wet while drysuits keep you dry. That's technically true, but it misses the bigger picture. The real difference is how they keep you warm and when each one saves your bacon.

Wetsuits trap a thin layer of water between your skin and the neoprene. Your body heats this water, creating an insulating barrier. Think of it like a liquid sleeping bag – you need to get wet for it to work. I've surfed in 38°F water wearing a good 5/4mm wetsuit and stayed toasty for hours.

Drysuits work completely differently. They're basically waterproof shells with tight gaskets at the neck, wrists, and sometimes ankles. They keep water out entirely, but provide zero insulation on their own. You layer underneath based on conditions – from thin base layers in 60°F water to full expedition weight thermals when ice forms on your paddle.

The game-changer? In a drysuit, you can adjust your warmth by changing layers. In a wetsuit, you're stuck with whatever thickness you bought. Last March on Lake Tahoe, the morning started at 28°F air temp but hit 65°F by afternoon. My buddy in his 5mm wetsuit was dying of heat stroke while I just shed a layer under my drysuit.

Breaking Down the Temperature Game

After years of pushing boundaries (sometimes stupidly), here's my real-world temperature guide for dry vs wet suit decisions:

Water Above 60°F (15.5°C)

Skip both unless you're planning extended swimming. I paddle in board shorts and a rash guard, keeping a lightweight paddle jacket handy for wind or spray.

Water 50-60°F (10-15.5°C)

This is wetsuit territory. A 3/2mm full suit handles brief immersions perfectly. For longer paddles where you'll mostly stay dry, consider a farmer john wetsuit with a quality paddle jacket. This combo gives you flexibility – unzip the jacket when you're working hard, zip it up when you're cold.

Water 40-50°F (4.5-10°C)

Things get serious here. A 4/3mm or 5/4mm wetsuit works if you're actively playing in the water (like surfing pour-overs). But for touring or fishing where you're sitting still? Drysuit all day. The cold water shock at these temps is no joke – I've watched strong swimmers gasp and panic after unexpected swims.

Water Below 40°F (4.5°C)

Drysuit. Period. No debate. At these temperatures, a wetsuit won't prevent cold shock, and hypothermia sets in fast. I've rolled in 35°F water wearing a drysuit with good layers – uncomfortable but manageable. The same water in a wetsuit? Instant brain freeze and loss of coordination.

The Budget Reality Check

Let's talk money, because it's usually the elephant in the room when comparing kayaking wetsuits to dry suits for kayaking.

Wetsuit Costs:

• Entry level (3/2mm): $80-150
• Quality 4/3mm: $200-350
• Premium 5/4mm: $300-500
• Accessories (boots, gloves, hood): $100-200 total

I started with a $120 O'Neill 4/3mm that lasted three seasons of hard use. Not bad for the price.

Drysuit Costs:

• Basic models: $400-700
• Mid-range: $800-1,200
• Premium: $1,500-3,000
• Base layers: $100-300
• Maintenance: $50-100/year

My first drysuit was a $650 Level Six. After the gaskets blew out twice ($80 each repair), I upgraded to a Kokatat Meridian. Yes, it cost more than my first car, but six years later it's still going strong.

The Farmer John + Drytop Hack

Here's a setup most articles miss: the farmer john wetsuit plus drytop combination. It's the sweet spot between wetsuit and drysuit for many paddlers. My setup:

• NRS 3mm Farmer John wetsuit: $140
• Kokatat Tropos drytop: $300
• Total: $440 (way less than a drysuit)

This combo shines in 45-60°F water. The wetsuit provides core insulation and flotation, while the drytop keeps your upper body dry and blocks wind. You can adjust ventilation by loosening the neck gasket or opening the chest pocket. Perfect for active paddling where a full drysuit feels like overkill.

Just remember – this isn't a true drysuit. If you swim, water floods in through the waist. But for most recreational paddling with occasional rolls or swims, it's golden.

Real-World Performance Differences

Mobility and Paddling

Everyone says wetsuits are less restrictive, but modern drysuits have come a long way. My Gore-Tex Kokatat has better arm mobility than my old 5/4mm wetsuit. The real difference? Wetsuits compress at depth and restrict breathing slightly. Fine for short bursts, annoying on all-day tours.

Getting Changed

Wetsuits are a wrestling match, especially when wet. I've done the parking lot dance of shame too many times, hopping on one foot trying to peel off neoprene. Drysuits? Unzip and step out. In winter, being able to change in your car wearing regular clothes underneath is priceless.

Durability

My experience: wetsuits last 2-4 years with regular use before the neoprene compresses and loses warmth. Drysuits last 5-10+ years if you maintain the gaskets and don't drag them over barnacles. Cost per year often favors drysuits if you paddle regularly.

Emergency Float Time

This matters more than people think. In my rescue training, we tested float times:

• 5mm wetsuit: Floated effortlessly for 45+ minutes
• Drysuit with minimal layers: Started sinking after 20 minutes as air burped out
• Drysuit with thick layers: Better, but still not wetsuit-level buoyancy

Always wear your PFD, but know that wetsuits add significant backup flotation.

Choosing Based on Your Paddling Style

Sea Kayaking/Touring

Drysuit wins. Long days in the cockpit mean you want to stay dry. The ability to layer up or down as conditions change is crucial. Plus, most sea kayakers carry safety gear including spare clothes – easier to pack when you're not soaking wet.

Whitewater Kayaking

Depends on the run. For park-and-play where you're constantly rolling? Wetsuit. For river running where swims mean long cold floats? Drysuit. I use both depending on the day.

Fishing Kayaks

Drysuit, no question. You're sitting still for hours, often in cold morning conditions. Staying dry means staying comfortable means catching more fish. Plus, dealing with hooks and fish slime in a wetsuit sucks.

SUP and Kayak Surfing

Wetsuit all the way. You're getting wet constantly, working hard, and need maximum flexibility. The neoprene also provides padding for knee paddling and wipeouts.

The Myths I Hate

"Wetsuits keep you completely warm" - BS. Jump in 40°F water and you'll still gasp. They reduce heat loss, not eliminate it.

"Drysuits are foolproof" - Nope. Torn gasket = instant flooding. I've seen people nearly drown because they assumed their drysuit made them invincible.

"You need a drysuit for winter paddling" - Depends where. I paddle all winter in San Diego wearing a 3/2mm wetsuit. Context matters.

"Expensive = better" - Sometimes. My $200 wetsuit outperforms some $400 ones. Fit matters more than price.

Maintenance Reality

Nobody talks about this enough.

Wetsuit care:

• Rinse after every use (I keep a garden sprayer in my car)
• Hang dry inside out, away from sun
• Use wetsuit shampoo monthly
• Store hanging or loosely rolled

Drysuit care:

• Rinse and dry completely
• Treat gaskets with 303 protectant
• Check for pinholes regularly
• Annual professional inspection
• Replace gaskets every 2-3 years

I learned the gasket lesson expensively. First time mine tore was 2 miles offshore. The swim back taught me to carry duct tape and check gaskets religiously.

The Starter Kit Recommendations

Budget Wetsuit Setup ($250 total):

• O'Neill Reactor 3/2mm: $120
• NRS Maverick Gloves: $40
• NRS Desperado Socks: $30
• Basic neoprene hood: $60

Mid-Range Wetsuit Setup ($500 total):

• Patagonia R3 4/3mm: $300
• Xcel Drylock Boots: $80
• Xcel 5mm Gloves: $70
• Xcel Thermal Hood: $50

Entry Drysuit Setup ($750 total):

• Level Six Emperor Drysuit: $600
• Smartwool Base Layers: $100
• Fleece Mid Layer: $50

Dream Drysuit Setup ($2,000 total):

• Kokatat Meridian: $1,300
• Patagonia Capilene Set: $200
• Kokatat Surfskin: $300
• Sweet Protection Gloves: $120
• NRS Boundary Socks: $80

Making the Final Call

Still unsure about wetsuit vs drysuit kayak gear? Here's my decision tree:

1. Water temp below 45°F? → Drysuit
2. Paddle year-round? → Drysuit
3. Budget under $300? → Wetsuit
4. Mainly warm water with occasional cold? → Wetsuit
5. Sit-on-top in waves? → Wetsuit
6. Multi-day trips? → Drysuit
7. Hate being cold but love saving money? → Farmer john + drytop

The Test Drive Secret

Here's what nobody tells you: most good paddle shops let you test gear. I spent a whole day at my local shop trying different combinations in their pool. Some even do demo days where you can test in real conditions.

Red flags when trying suits:

• Wetsuit: Can't breathe deeply, numb fingers from wrist restriction, gaps at lower back
• Drysuit: Gaskets so tight you see stars, excessive bunching when seated, can't reach forward comfortably

FAQ Section

What temperature is too cold for a wetsuit kayaking?

Water below 45°F pushes wetsuit limits dangerously. While I've used 6/5mm suits in 40°F water for short surfs, extended kayaking at these temps demands a drysuit. Cold shock hits hard regardless of wetsuit thickness.

Can I wear a wetsuit under a drysuit?

Technically yes, but it's terrible. I tried it once - turned into a sweat lodge. Proper thermal layers work better and let you adjust warmth. Save the wetsuit for wetsuit days.

How thick should a kayaking wetsuit be?

For most three-season paddling, 3/2mm handles 60-70°F water, 4/3mm for 50-60°F, and 5/4mm for 45-50°F. Add boots and gloves below 55°F water temp. Remember, sitting in a kayak means less movement than surfing, so err on the thicker side.

Do drysuits actually keep you completely dry?

When working properly, yes. But gaskets can fail, zippers leak with age, and pinholes happen. I always assume I'll get damp from sweat if nothing else. Pack accordingly.

Is a semi-dry suit good for kayaking?

Semi-dry suits work for some situations but aren't my first choice. They leak at the neck (by design), which means cold water trickles in during rolls or rough conditions. Fine for SUP or calm touring, sketchy for anything aggressive.

Can you swim properly in a drysuit?

Yes, but it's different. Air trapped in the suit affects trim - your feet want to float. Practice swimming in your drysuit before you need to. In my rescue class, half the students panicked their first drysuit swim.

How long do wetsuits last for kayaking?

With regular use (50+ days/year), expect 2-3 years before noticeable compression. Weekend warriors might get 4-5 years. Sun, heat, and improper storage kill suits faster than use. My record: 6 years from a Patagonia R4, but it was pretty compressed by the end.

What do you wear under a kayaking drysuit?

Depends on water temp. For 55°F water: lightweight merino base layer. For 45°F: expedition weight thermals plus fleece. For 35°F: base layer, fleece layer, and sometimes a thin puffy jacket. Avoid cotton - it kills insulation when damp from sweat.

Should I get a kayak wetsuit or drysuit first?

If you paddle year-round in cold water, invest in the drysuit first. For seasonal paddlers or those in moderate climates, start with a good 4/3mm wetsuit. You can always add the farmer john + drytop combo as a stepping stone.

How do I stop my wetsuit from smelling?

Rinse immediately after every use - I mean within an hour. Use wetsuit shampoo monthly. Dry completely between uses. The nuclear option: soak in a tub with enzyme cleaner. My old surfing wetsuit could clear a room until I discovered Mirazyme.

The Bottom Line

After all these years and all these swims, here's what I know: both wetsuits and drysuits save lives when used correctly. The "best" choice depends entirely on your specific needs, not what some guy on the internet (even me) tells you.

Start with honest assessment. Where do you paddle? How cold does it get? What's your real budget? How often do you swim? Answer these truthfully and the choice becomes clear.

My garage has three wetsuits and two drysuits because different days demand different tools. But if I had to choose just one for year-round paddling? Drysuit, every time. The versatility of layering and staying dry trumps the simplicity of neoprene.

Whatever you choose, get quality that fits properly and maintain it religiously. Cold water doesn't care about your excuses. Respect it, prepare for it, and you'll paddle more days more comfortably than you ever imagined.

See you on the water - I'll be the guy actually enjoying winter paddling while everyone else waits for summer.