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Let's assume worst case scenario--there is liquid water on both sides of the membrane. This can happen when we've been working hard, so there is some sweat condensed on the inside of the dry suit, and now we're swimming. So on one side of the membrane is the liquid water of the river (cold) and on the other side is the condensed sweat (not as cold due to body heat). Since the vapor pressure of water rises with temperature, the warmer water on the inside of the membrane will evaporate into the water on the outside of the membrane, effectively moving moisture from the inside to the outside. It won't be very fast, but it happens. This is why so many anglers use Gore-Tex (or similar) waders today.
Next time you're at OR, if Gore is there see if they will do the "wet hand" test. They get your hand wet, seal it in a Gore-Tex glove, and you stick it in a tank of cold water. Your hand dries inside the glove.
Gore-Tex works well for paddling because while we're wet, most of the time we're in the air and wind. This chills the outer fabric, which enhances the temperature gradient and improves breathability. If the fabric is totally wetted out the garment will feel heavy and wet, but it is still breathing.
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It's true New 
BoaterTalk 
