Hi,
It's time to think about your cold weather paddle gear as our water temps are dropping. Our winter water temps get down usually to 48-50 degrees, sometimes a bit lower. I have found 50 degree water to be numbingly cold to step into in sandals. Air temps though are all over the place, usually 40-70 for our paddles. Ralph generally schedules protected water paddles in the winter to lesson the chance of a swim, but it does happen. I went for an unplanned swim recently on the upper Ashley River. The water was mid sixty's and felt pretty good, but by Dec it'll be in the low fifties.
My winter gear consists of a good paddle jacket with neoprene cuffs, a light 2mm wet suit bottom and either 7mm neoprene booties or knee high neoprene boots..With this top, in a swim I do expect it'll fill with water, (cold). I'd certainly upgrade to a drysuit if I paddled in open water a lot, but I don't plan to in the winter. What's your gear?
--Where can you shop for this gear. Locally think Time Out and REI, both in Mt P. At Tme Out don't forget to ask for your LCP 10% discount. Online I'd first go to NRS, Northwest River Supply. Great source. These are not the only options, but they are ones to check. I also suggest that you size up one size. Better a bit loose than too snug.
Dan