This will be my 1st spring to fish out of a kayak and I'm not sure which kind of waders I should be looking to purchase to stay dry and warm until the water temp comes up. What's the difference between PVC and neoprene? Do the ones with built in boots work better than the stocking footed ones? Not exactly sure what I need to be looking for or how to ask. Lol. Any and all info is appreciated!

I would not wear waders in a yak, if you roll it or just fall out and they fill with water and you have a problem if you can't stand up.

invest in a good rain suit like bps 100 mph or cabelas guidewear etc. and learn to layer with fleece/longjohns to what temp dictates.

you can remove layers as you warm up.

Hop ,how many times have you fallen out of your kayak and your waders filled up?

For full disclosure, I do not wear waders in the kayak, nor does my son.... so take all of this with a grain of salt.

However, my son trout fishes in Arkansas and I bought him a nice set of waders for 2020 Christmas. Because of this, I did a lot of research before dropping several hundred bucks!

The PVC waders (what my son bought for himself a couple of years ago) are relatively inexpensive. They will do the trick but they are thinner and are relatively easy to tear.

The neoprene waders are much thicker and will be much warmer... however, If you have a pedal yak, they will limit your leg movement a little and will be too warm in Texas (in my opinion).

I ended up buying him a set of Gore-tex type waders from Orvis (and yikes, they are pricey!). The Orvis waders are not branded Gore-Tex... different brand with Gore-Tex like application. I felt these were the best of both worlds.... thicker, but not too thick. My son LOVES them.

The ones with stocking feet are a better fit. However, you need to purchase a pair of wading boots to go with them and that will cost an extra $75 to $250 (depending upon what you buy).

Lastly... the waders will not fill up with water if you fall out. Especially if you wear a chest strap.

Saying this, I am curious why you want waders in a kayak? In my opinion, they are not necessary in Texas. They would be nice to have in January and February... but my old butt stays off the water when it's cold. LOL.

I dont really know if I need/want waders or not. Trying to figure out how to stay dry/warm in my yak. Maybe I should ask what people wear to keep their feet warm/dry since my upper body will stay warm from casting/paddling? I'm just trying to figure things out because I'll start hitting the water at the end of the month.

I have never worn waders in a yak. If it is cold, I prefer to wear a rain suit and warm base layers underneath it.

never wore them in the canoe or c-1, I have helped rescue a few in colorado that just fell in while wading. I wore a wetsuit and then layered over that.
fill em up sometime and try swimming, video scores extra points and a pm from derek or mudshark (I do have to pay them to pm ya tho)

dive boots for shoes, warm and if they do get water in them they are still reasonably warm, sorta. https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/magellan-outdoors-mens-neoprene-wading-boots-200611143?gmc_feed=t&campid=71700000050238199&adgroupid=58700004916746674&device=c&keyword=92700057163983502&Channel=pla&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlNDO_KjT7gIVPx6tBh2RMAWpEAQYCSABEgK-F_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#repChildCatid=14409&ogmap=SEM|PLN|GOOG|SHOP|c|OUT||NonBrand-Shopping-HighIntent-Outdoor|Outdoor-Fishing||71700000050238199|58700004916746674

Obviously, waders keep your legs dry when you get in the kayak. However, they also keep your legs and most of your torso dry when you fall out. The latter is most important in cold water conditions.

Saying this, the latter is not terribly important to me because I shy away from the cold air temps. I realize that you can still get hypothermic regardless of air temp. However, I don't fish below 50 degree air temp(ever)... Im a 60 degree plus wimp.

When I do fish cold water, I don't go far from the truck (even if the air temps are warm).... this way I can get back quickly if I fall out. Right or wrong, I figure I can muscle through a 5 to 10 minute pedal if I get soaked so long as the air temps are 60+ degrees. I also keep a lighter in my pocket... this way I can start a fire if get separated from my kayak and cannot get back to my truck.

My kayak always has a lighter, paracord and large yard heavy-duty trash bag 100% of the time. I doubt I ever need it, but you never know.

You can keep your feet/legs dry when entering/exiting the yak by picking a steep bank or by using a launching pier at a boat ramp.

When it's warm (even if the water is still cold), I simply suck up the cold water for 30 seconds and walk knee-deep at the boat ramp.

I have waders, and I like them for wading; but much prefer these in a kayak (more comfortable, more range of motion)
Water proof
Warm
Layered (can remove layers as the day warms up)
Hi Vis

Northern Tool in Denton

Tractor Supply in Wichita Falls

If you want to get a pair of waders get breathable not neoprene. IMO waders in a yak are a pain because they trap air and puff up. I bought a pair of wading pants and like them much better. I now only wear my waders when I'm wade fishing.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RZK2RRH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Never wore my waders in the yak. Will wear hip boots if I know I will need to walk part of a creek.

I use waiders in a kayak. Personally, i get the cheapest set of breathable waiders i can find. I use them a season or two and get new ones. I end up with holes all in them from hooks and fins. The downside is taking a leak. You have to get up on your knees and it can be a pain. Ive tried rain type suits but is not great because I always end up walking out deeper than boots will work.