Mary-
One suggestion about drysuits (and maybe Kevin will jump in here)- I have an older style "rubber" (ie non-breathing drysuit) and it IS bulky with lots of "extra" material in the torso. At the recommendation of a friend I got a breathable dry suit made for kayaking (stohlquist Maytag model) which has a form-fitting band around the middle for the kayak seal to attach to. This greatly cuts out the bulkiness and air trapped inside the suit. I have heard one danger of dry suits (especially the "bulky" ones) is inversion- ie floating head down - which can happen if your legs get above your head as you go into the water- all the air rushes to the legs part of the suit- One reason not to leave/let too much air in.

Kirt