waders VS wetsuit

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I could use input on what is working best out there? I started fishing with lug sole neoprene boot waders and need to upgrade.  Thinking of stocking foot waders & sandles or shoes.  Think this will be cost effective and dry.  Also wondering if oversize sandles would act as mini fins and give the older and belly handicapped folks a little extra help in self rescue?  Sandles could work for both stocking feet waders or wetsuits. 

[Usagi]

You can use the search button to find a lot of discussion on this subject.  If you're not in the mood to sift thru the threads however, the short answer is...?   

First, you need to define "out there".  If out there is a local lake, then waders will be fine as long as you're wearing a PFD. 

If out there is the Big Blue, then you should ask yourself if you want to chance immersion in the cold NorCal waters in just waders.  Many people on this group do use waders in the ocean, but most TMK use wet suits or dry suits with proper insulating clothing underneath. 

The safest approach is to prepare for the worst.  Picture yourself fishing solo and getting separated from your kayak for whatever reason...if you're smart enough to be carrying a radio on your PFD you can call the Coast Guard for help.  But while drifting there in the cold water waiting for the rescue chopper you'd be wishing (among other things I'm sure!) that you'd chosen something other than waders.  IMHO.

[scallen]

Waders wear a belt or keep the pfd tight.

Sammons and PAL did a video on the safety factor for waders.  On here somewhere.

Wetsuit still the safest.

Oversize sandals as flippers=funny

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I ment 3.5 waders and thought they would have similar insulation qaulities as wetsuit and also stay tight to your body.
Ocean fishing 49 to 58 +/- degree water.
And I'm not talking clown sized shoes, just oversized to fit over neoprene?

[PISCEAN]

wetsuit

[scallen]

I'd say go for the clown shoes.....

Waders will not serve as well for thermal insulation.

I have used both as well as paddling clothes with long johns underneath (or not).

However, when I'm going out in a dnagerous spot (big sur......) or paddling alone, or going far out, I always (ALWAYS) wear a wetsuit.

Worst case scenario is you lose your boat in which case hypothermia is a very real danger.  Wetsuits work for retaining body heat, waders not so much, not what they're built for.

Allen

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I am gona try the clown shoes,
What about going pee, iv'e gone twice so far, straddle yak, pull down waders and peed in yak but it wasn't easy.  It seems cutting a hole or making a flap in waders......wait a sec, the zipper on a wetsuit would be an easy way to free Shamu.  A Free Shamu and added safety feature for hypothermia sounds like wetsuit is the ticket as long as farmer johns have zippers

[Frankfishing]

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,23795.msg249556.html#msg249556

[SteveS]

who needs a zipper...ahhhhhhhhhh....warm.......

[Zee]

This topic's been beaten to death. Do a search on the site and you'll find lots on this subject.

Z

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Frank,
I don't know if that was ment as a self rescue class reminder or go with the wetsuit. It worked for both.

Z man, half way though this post i started looking for brands, thicknesses and zippers on farmer johns, thanks -  

[Frankfishing]

Good, If you find yourself in such a situation which would you want to be in! I have had the experience of being in the water that long until we were reached by the CG. The Yak was 3/4 submerged with only the tip out of the water and totally vertical. I was prepared and glad I had a wet suit on,radio,and had a self rescue class.

[MANBEARPIG]

Wet suit and waders are about the same price $130 or so, Better safe than sorry!!!

[dpshim]

I have to agree with the majority that wetsuit is the way to go. I still consider myself a newbie to kayak fishing, although I have surfed and fished for many years. Before I set foot (or ass you can say) otw for the very first time on my kayak, I made sure that I had all the proper gear for a SAFE TRIP: vhf radio, mysterioso top and bottom, booties, PFD, and a wetsuit.

On a recent outing, my friend capsized without wearing a wetsuit; all he had one were under armour, and layers of clothing, and his PFD. Being wet in this cold water is not fun, nor safe. Lucky things didn't get worse, and he has learned a lesson.

With that being said, I know that everyone here is trying to look out for your safety and well-being; they are definitely not trying to bag on you. Some of our brothers may be blunt, while other brothers may be subtle. I've taken every comment constructively, and I hope that you do the same as well.

Have a great weekend brother, and we look forward to seeing much success from you for many many years to come

- Daniel

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Hi Daniel,
Thanks for your perspective on the wetsuit and the info about the mishap of your fishing partner.  I'm kinda scratching my head on the rest.
Bill