[Paddlewise] Protection for immersion...

I have a question regarding what is the appropriate dress when immersion in 
cold water is a possibility.  For example, as many of you may know NRS 
makes your standard 3 millimeter neoprene wetsuit and then they make the 
Hydro Skin.  I love the Hydro Skin as it is much more comfortable and 
doesn't have that clammy feeling against your skin.  The downside however 
is that it does not have the R-factor of the neoprene, meaning it does not 
provide for as much insulation, something important if immersion in cold 
water is a possibility.  Where I run into trouble is when I'm trying to 
figure out what to wear on a July 4th paddle in Lake Superior.  The air may 
be 80 degrees, but darn that water is still plenty cold.  Certainly I'd 
love to be wearing Hydro Skin on such a warm day, but if immersion were to 
occur, I'm guessing that the Hydro Skin would not provide sufficient core 
warmth.  Do some of you always wear a dry suit to protect against 
immersion, regardless of the air temperature?  Is there a recommended water 
temperature where it is appropriate to always wear a dry suit, not just a 
wetsuit?  I've often heard the 110 degree rule, meaning if the water and 
air temperature combined are under 110 degrees Fahrenheit, you should be 
wearing a dry suit, but is this too simple a rule?  I have whitewater 
kayaked for eight years now and dressing for that is simple since I find 
myself upside-down plenty.  However, I find myself struggling against 
dressing appropriately for a warm day on cold water when sea 
kayaking.  Cold day, cold water, no problem.  Warm day, warm water, no 
problem.  There's probably no one answer, since each person weighs risk of 
immersion differently.  What would you suggest to a novice paddler getting 
into the sport and asking for your educated suggestion?

Thanks and happy paddling.

Mark Mastalski

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