Just one correection Elm.. If you have used the cylinder to inflate a PFD1, you CAN reinflate it by using the provided mouthpiece. It is therefore possible to deflate the bladder if necessary to aid re-entry, and then reinflzate it by the mouthpiece, without compromising the saety of the PFD1 (of course it would need to have a new cylinder before the next outing).

In addition, while a manually triggered inflatable PFD1 won't automaticlly inflate if the user is unable to pull the cord, it is also possible to put in a few puffs of air with the mouthpiece if conditions are deteriorating, offering some help should a capsize occur. Obviously adding too much by the mouthpiece could result in a ruptured bladder if the cord is subsequently pulled on a partially inflated bladder, so some commonsense is required.

Looking at a 'semi-dry' suit on aliexpress.
Neoprene arm/neck seals (less sealing than rubber, but more than adequate for kayak fishing purposes)
diagonal front entry.
Cordura socks.
about $260 delivered, another $30 odd for a relief zipper.

Looks toasty, and would allow all-year fishing/sailing on the AI.

In the meantime, I have a multi-layered approach:

Sealskinz knee high socks (yes, they are awesome aren't they!)
1mm neoprene vest
2/3mm longjohn wetsuit.
long sleeve bike top
Neoprene booties
Spray pants (some jarvis walker fishing pants the missus had somewhere)
Rain/wind/spray coat (cheap)
(PFD on top, of course)

I get a bit hot. I can still swim in this setup, the raincoat is pretty tight and the PFD stops it ballooning with water.

My recently aquired Lovig dry pants, feel like I'm wearing trackies, nice and comfy. Neoprene booties over socks feel like slippers, though probably need some quick draining sturdy and grippy shoes for rock scrambling up rocky rivers.

Still got to find a reasonably priced water proof jacket, that satys warm and dry after a prolonged soaking.
Some decent gloves that are not hook magnets

I bought a jacket something like these ones. Cost under $50
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/FOZ-Mens-Sof ... 20dc9e0066

tonystott wrote:I bought a jacket something like these ones. Cost under $50
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/FOZ-Mens-Sof ... 20dc9e0066

what are they like to swim in - do they soak up water and get heavy if you end up in the drink

I haven't tested them swimming. If that is a requirement, you should get one of the lightweight breathable cycling jackets, which do not have any thick lining.

tonystott wrote:I haven't tested them swimming. If that is a requirement,

I was just making a point that this jacket may not be kayak frendly - if someone takes an unplaned dip both swimming and remounting the yak are requirements
if the jacket makes swimming hard you may loose energy and then if the fleece fills with water it may make the remount harder or impossable

Even though a good paddling jacket cost more they are realy the go - I picked up a Hobie braded top a while ago from SLH and it has been the best thing since sliced toast

there are many other kayak padding tops around that are light weight -stop water and wind they dont get heavy if you take a dip

Many thanks for this article.. comprehensive and well written means its easily understood and very clear.

Apprecite the thinking that went into its preparation,

Andrew

Hvalross wrote:Many thanks for this article.. comprehensive and well written means its easily understood and very clear.

Apprecite the thinking that went into its prparation,

Andrew

Take note of sun protectection, you dont move around on a yak like you might on a boat so you can end up facing the same direction to the sun for hours on end.

How easy to find are those face protector things? Are they UV resistant? I'd prefer not to use sunscreen because I reckon the fish don't like it.