The third major difference is cost: drysuits are much more expensive than wetsuits. If you never plan to paddle in very cold water, and you are not intentionally getting wet, a wetsuit is probably sufficient.

The fourth, and perhaps most important, difference is comfort: waterproof/breathable drysuits are much more comfortable in a wide variety of air temperatures than wetsuits, especially if there is a breeze to help move sweat from inside the garment.

Unfortunately, wetsuits (and, to a much lesser extent, drysuits) make the user quite hot and sweaty when the air temperature is high. Therefore, the paddler must carefully weigh the chance of capsize and hypothermia against the discomfort faced when paddling in the suit. The most tolerable option is probably a Gore-Tex (breathable) drytop and shorts (but you'd better have a failsafe roll!).

Also, consider the alternative of combining a wetsuit with a drytop or paddling jacket. This way, you can Eskimo roll without fear of getting wet, but you are wearing the wetsuit as a backup in case you wet-exit the boat.

Cold-water paddlers will also want to wear other articles to maximize their safety. Most importantly, always wear your PFD, even if the sea is flat-calm. Remember the increased risk of hypothermia associated with treading water and swimming!

A spray skirt (preferably a neoprene model) is a necessity at all times, because it prevents water from entering the cockpit when leaning the boat or paddling through waves and boat wakes. The skirt will also decrease water entry when you are trying to pump out your boat after a capsize. If you can roll, the skirt also ensures that little or no water enters the cockpit.

Finally, neoprene booties for your feet and pogies or gloves for your hands will protect your extremities from the cold. To prevent water entering at the ankles, buy booties that zip over your ankle and overlap your wetsuit. When purchasing a drysuit, make sure it has integrated Gore-Tex socks, as your warm feet will eternally thank you!

The pogies vs. gloves argument may never end, but it comes down to this: Pogies allow a direct palm grip on the paddle shaft, resulting in better control. Your hands will also dry faster if they get wet. If you choose pogies, make sure to get the stiff neoprene variety where you can easily slide your hand into the opening without using your other hand or your teeth.

Gloves, on the other hand, will protect you better in colder weather, especially if you are immersed in the water. During my training session where my hands nearly went numb in 42°F water in 3 minutes, I was wearing pogies, which meant that once I stowed the paddle to do my rescue, my hands were unprotected.

If you plan to explore the joys of paddling during the off-season, spend a bit of time preparing during the summer. Learn what to do in case of a capsize in cold water: stay calm, don't thrash or swim, and adopt the HELP position. Take classes to brush up on your skills, practice braces and rescues with your paddling buddies, and work on your roll.

Outfit yourself with the proper gear, including a wetsuit or drysuit, and force yourself to use it every time the water temperature is, say, below 60°F. If in doubt, check the buoy observations.

Experiment with different combinations of gear until you've reached a system that works for you. You might want to bring a sleeping bag, matches, and lots of extra clothing if the water is very cold, just in case something goes wrong.

Most importantly, remember that your safety is in your hands. Use good judgement, especially if the water is cold. In whitewater paddling, a rapid's class goes up one point if the water temperature is below 50°F, and ocean paddlers should take the same approach.

As always, get a weather forecast before you launch for the day, and don't attempt anything more difficult than what you've tried before. If you haven't done a rescue in conditions that bad, don't go cold-water paddling in those conditions. Keep in mind that winter weather is often stronger and more unpredictable than in summer.

By using common sense and keeping these guidelines in mind, you can paddle safely all year-round and open yourself to an entirely new world of kayaking!