RI 'Yak advice for total noob, please!

[Adrian]

Welcome aboard!

As already stated, dress for immersion.

Do a google lookup on "cold water paddling" and you'll find lots of good stuff.

[Raven]

so ..... we're talking wetsuit yes....?

thats what i have been thinking lately

and so that'll add 300+ bucks to my yak price.
or more?

[hooked]

Breathable waders with a drytop is my preference. If the top has latex gaskets around the wrist and neck and a good waist seal (neoprene with velcro flaps) you can stay pretty dry if you dunk. You should be able to find a decent top for about $150.