Can be dangerous. Paddle pants are not
Posted by: g2d
on Sep-30-12 3:55 PM (EST)
set up to keep volumes of water from getting in at the waist if you take a swim. Goretex socks will prevent that water from escaping.
I have a Palm "bib" with breathable socks. It mates to a drytop fairly securely, so if I swim, water can't get into the pants. But I would never wear the bib alone.
So be sure that your plan for sealing the top of your drypants can be expected to work. Talk to some fishermen about what happens if lotsa water gets into the top of their waders.