911 Pro Angler Goes Down (and a warning about waders)

[cybertrouts]

(after ditching your waders)

spot on - remove your waders in the water before trying to re-enter your yak

[Kybosh]

I have fallen in a fast flowing river wearing waders and had them fill with water in spite of wearing a belt. It was a real effort to get out and climb up the steep bank because of the water in the wader's legs. I have a set of shark skins now for the yak, but before I got these I thought about cutting the feet of a pair of neoprene or breathable waders. I also thought about fitting a waterproof zip to the lower leg/ankle to drain the water if they ever filled up. Could be a solution as neoprene waders are real cosy to wear.
John

[FECKIT]

Must admit I was shocked when I caught a glimpse of the title of this thread with 911 in the title my mind didn't jump to emergency call centre numbers but more the fallout in the Yak community after it's revealed by the conspiracy theorists that Achmed the terrorist was actually flying a PA when the twin towers went down.
(sorry - I'll go to bed now)

[Babylon]

I think Julian has run out of medication Cheers Jim

[ELM]

I would really like to see "all" you guys remove your waders after being dumped in the drink, with a 20 knot wind blowing. What is going to be your first priority when your kayak is taking on water, and let me tell you, no belt is going to seal your waders, they are going to start filling while you try to right your kayak. Then while you are trying to get them off how will you stay in contact with your kayak because if your waders are around your ankles and you let go of your kayak, its gone, kiss it good bye and wave!! Ow but then you can't your still trying to get your waders off.

Which also reminds me, why are you taking "OFF" clothes that you are wearing that are supposed to be protecting you from cold wind, water, I just don't get that bit ???
Please explain!!!

You would be far safer in neoprene Long John wet-suit with some sharkskin socks and dive boots, at least any water that does enter the suit can drain out the legs allowing you to get back on a lot easier and your feet will stay dry warmer with the dry-socks.

Waders whether neoprene, rubber or cheap plastic are a trap!!!

[Windknot]

Yes agreed.

I'm ditching my neoprene waders and I'm in the market for a wetsuit, including booties.

If the worst comes to the worst, you want something designed for swimming in, not something designed for wading in. It's quite possible that you won't get a second chance in an emergency situation.

Hypothermia is also a huge danger for a kayak fisherman in the drink, particularly in Victoria's winter. A wetsuit could just save your life.

Mick

[maverick]

Achmed the terrorist was actually flying a PA when the twin towers went down

You're being silly now Feckit, there would have been substantially more damage if it was a PA.

[madfishman]

I got an old wet suit from my surfing days, cut across the belly and took them to a little sewing place and got them to put a zip in the front for emergency bladder release, works well and cost me $30.
You could go around to all the cash converters and find a cheap wet suit and do the same, perfect ...save some money..

[twavvy]

Exactly. I couldn't believe last time the waders issue came up there were people saying "no worries- They have a belt" etc. Many people die each year due to having waders on rock fishing and surf fishing - My Dad got taken out once when trying to get those extra few metres by wading out to cast in the surf. It isn't worth it - Wearing a steamer wetsuit and booties (Well, I'm cheap and use explorer socks!) under your clothing is all you need when kayaking in winter.

Great thread

[blahger]

Slight off topic deviation (out of character?)

As I'm usually a fat man trapped in a thin man's wetsuit, any other paddlers get chaff grief? Or am I just not lubing up enough. And I'm talking about the shoulder region after lots o' paddling.