What to wear

Being older, I don't take the cold like I used to. I was thinking of getting a 2mm or 3mm wetsuit, but I'm kind of worried about being constricted when peddling. What are the alternatives. Trunking it in the winter is just to cold for me. I guess I'm just a wussy anymore.

I don't know where you are located, but if you are concerned about ending up in the water too, I would suggest a good "dry suit or semi-dry" that has a built in relief zipper.
Its easy to layer under the dry suit with poly clothing so you stay warm and the "suit will breath".....keeping you warm and dry. Don't wear cotton clothing.
A good skull cap and finger-less gloves really help.
I wear two pair of good socks so my feet are kept warm.

In the early spring and late fall or during the winter on the Columbia River, I wear a Stohlquist semi-dry suit, NRS poly farmer johns and two pair of good wool socks. Kokotat is another quality maker of dry/semi-dry suits too.
These suits will not only keep you dry and warm, in all kinds of weather, but will prevent hypothermia if you fell/ended up in the water.
They are not cheap initially, but are cheap insurance and usually will last for years of normal use. So, over time, the cost is very reasonable.

Like you, I am older/past 70 and get chilled sooner than I did even 12 years ago......flexibility, warmth and comfort is good!

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

I started kayak fishing in the ocean off of NJ back in 2009. It was early April and water was cold, so it was absolutely essential to wear protection until the water warmed up. I looked at the prices of the dry suits and started to look for alternatives when my wife said.... so how much is your life worth. I am really glad i went the drysuit route, i have a 1 piece kokatat with a relief zipper. Just keep the zipper waxed and always rinse if off. Depending upon the temp, i will wear layers below of moisture wicking clothes

Geese guys, now I really feel like a little girl.{no offense to any little girls reading this.} You guys practically live in the arctic. I Live in So Cal, where it doesn't get really really cold, but just cold. I was thinking of getting one of the NRS Farmer Johns, but was wondering about the constriction when peddling my Outback. Back in the day, surfing with a full wetsuit, I remember my arms tiring faster with the wetsuit on. I think I'll try the 3mm John they have. Hopefully thin enough to not constrict movement too much, but enough to provide some protection from the elements. I can layer my upper body over that. Any other ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

MikeyM......I started my reply to your question "I don't know where you are located, but if you are concerned about ending up in the water too, I would suggest a good "dry suit or semi-dry" that has a built in relief zipper."
I also know some guys in SoCal do wear dry/semi-dry suits because they are "roomy and comfortable" to wear during the winter when it gets colder.
The choice is really personal and in many cases, budget limited

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

If you fall overboard, you have two choices; dress like the Michelin man and wait to be rescued or learn how to get back in your kayak and dress like the millions of surfers you see every day. Even if you spend hours in the water in SoCal, you don't need a drysuit. Rarely does the water get below 55° and most ocean fishing is done in the warmer months where the water is in the mid to high 60's. A 3mm farmer john wet suit is fine, probably too warm in the summer. Full zip is a must for relief. Some will say wet suits are cold unless you are in the water, well, wear something(like a windproof/waterproof jacket or shell) over it, then it's rubber underwear. A PFD is a good idea.

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Waterman at Work - Kayak Fishing Photos, Video,Kayak Rigging - Blog

"Different strokes for different folks"....Here is a very good article below to draw your own conclusions and help make decisions on how much protection you need......remember, the original question related to an "older guy" who gets colder sooner....me too. During the early spring, one of the lakes I fish at 3300', has a water temp of 36-39F.

Agree never go on the water without wearing a PFD. You never know when you could get separated from your kayak.

http://www.coldwatersafety.org/WhatIsCold.html

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Get a drysuit you will find that you will take your kayak out more often. I use my kayak almost every week rain or shine. It is my exercise, I use to pedal bike now I pedal a kayak and so far I have not had to worry about somebody texting or spilling their coffee in their lap and running me over. So far the scariest thing was having whales under me and not knowing where they were. Back to the drysuit, I wear the thinnest polyester/wool long underwear underneath and layer up to 3 layers depending on how cold it is. I wear wetsuit booties over the feet to protect the drysuit socks. I kayak in the Puget Sound the water is 50 to 60 deg. When the sun is shining and it is a little warmer I just get in the water and cool off. Or roll the boat over and practice getting back on. I bought my drysuit from Mythic Gear check out their web site http://www.mythicdrysuits.com/collections/drysuits there is a lot of good info there. The drysuits are made by a fellow kayaker that wants to make drysuit more affordable. Their best one is $460 if you are a smaller person you can get into one for $350. Call, the owner normally answers the phone he will help you. Check out the videos on the site under the resources tab. I am older too 58.

All good advice. Thanks.