I finally got another one after years without one, and I can't believe how silly it was not to have on here. If you've just entered the sport and you already FEEL THE PASSION-- A drysuit is the way to go.

 

Because when you are just beginning, you should LOVINGLY EMBRACE the FACT that you will swim. A LOT. And to get proficient as a paddler in the northwest, dependeing on the other obligations in your life, you should plan on paddling AS MUCH AS YOU CAN (year 'round).

 

Otherwise, go for a farmer John, drytop and drypants!

Welcome to the sport! Learn how to Paddle, and don't imitate all of the colorfull pieces of plastic driftwood that clutter the river!

This is what I wear with a dry top and it works well.  I don't do the hard core creeking so I'm not out of my boat scouting a lot, but I do get out and take breaks when there is snow on the ground.  Also, I do swim some, but not a whole lot, but I never get super cold in the winter time even after a swim.  Having said all that, I wish I could afford a drysuit, but with two kids it is not in my foreseeable future either.