BEST cold-water mitts

MEC.ca (only ships to Canada I think) makes incredible mitts designed for winter kayaking.

They are 5mm neoprene and pre-curved (to hold a paddle).

MEC Hot Mitts are lined inside and let a BIT of water in through wicking, but your fingers and hand warms up the liquid so much!  It's like finger soup!

I have tried 6mm gloves (every finger gets numb quickly) and even 6mm 3-finger "lobster-claw" gloves but with those, even the lone / individual finger gets numb.

These offer less dexterity, so if you might need to cut yourself away from entanglements, etc - think hard... but if you're in a controlled environment - these are GREAT!  I can use my camera, pinch my nose, etc. all fine.  LOTS of room to wiggle your fingers and keep them warm.