Ditto.

Have had to yank paddlers out of ice-out cold water wearing such gear.  Even WITH life preservers on, they could barely keep their noses above water due to water filling the boots after the spill.

Personally, in cold weather where there are few portages, I'll go with my Chotas.  That's what I'll be wearing during my upcoming base camp (mostly) pre-Memorial Day week trip (assuming I'm not sledding in mukluks across Cirrus Lake).

During my trip much further north in late June, I'll wear Chota neoprene "socks" (leggings?) under my OTB drainage boots.  I roll them down while paddling.  I make the switch in boots due to the expected amount of portaging/bushwhacking during 2nd trip.  No matter what the manufacturer says to the contrary, my Chota boots simply don't afford me the ankle support I get from my OTB's.

Anyway, waders are a bad idea when paddling.  I also roll my Chotas down when paddling (especially in cold water conditions), such is my concern about the consequences of an inadvertent spill.

All it takes is but one time watching someone flail about the lake in water-laden boots.  It's the kind of nightmare vision that sticks with you.

Jimbo   8-)