Neoprene Waders ?

I have a Hodgeman neoprene chest waders w/ stocking foot, suspenders, and belt.
Would I be safe using it on the ocean? w/ PFD of course! or is this unsafe?
I will be at GS III as an ocean newbie to see if I can stomach swells and learn from the wisdom of the more experienced. Will the waders allow me to try the ocean scene before I drop $ on a wet suit?

I think that would work if it is a snug fit and you wear a wading or paddling jacket. If it is a loose fit, you may want to wear a wading belt. If you have a local swimming pool, put on your outfit and jump in. That will tell you how well it prevents water entry. and keeps you warm.

scott

GB2 has is correct. I would suggest a wading belt regardless of fit. Its a bit more insurance against water intrusion.

my 2 cents

  Although I have never gone out on the ocean yet, I have used  my same waders many times on my kayak.  I'm not to concerned about getting wet, with them on, I know I won't sink! However, if the waders did get water in them, from falling off my yak, I might have some difficulty gettin back on the yak due to trapped water inside. (Reason for belt which I don't use) I think you'll be fine using your waders to get you started. 
  I finally got a FJ wetsuit and booties to use when I do go out on the ocean.

Rent a wetsuit bottom. it is cheap.

Rent a wetsuit bottom. it is cheap.

Never thought of that, Thanks guys!

Rent a wetsuit bottom. it is cheap.

Never thought of that, Thanks guys!

The only reason I say that is because the ocean is nothing to mess with. You are admittedly an ocean newbie. There are enough risks involved if you find yourself in the water on the ocean. You will not be adding any extra risks by wearing a wetsuit bottom; with waders you would be.

What size wet suit do you take? I have one here I'll let you use for the hook up free if you like. It is an XL. Also you can find very good deals on them on craigslist. check Monterey & Santa cruz areas. (Lots of guys selling wetsuits in the Santa Cruz area cuz there is no fish there  )

Ebyekewabjeget

Also check dive shop rental departments.  I was able to pick one up with fair condition for $25 during one of their sales.

As long as you keep the PFD on you should fine with the neoprene wader or wet suit bottom. If you go over w/o the PFD you'll be fighting to keep your head out of water (I've seen it happen). I think the belt would help keep some water out and make it easier to get back on your yak. I use the breathable waders so I won't have to contend with the neoprene bouncy if (when) I go over.

Safety first, ocean newbie with waders, recipe for disaster (or at least a really bad day).  If you go in the drink and keep the water out of the waders you might be OK, if they do get a significant amount of water in them, you're gonna have a hell of a time getting back on the yak even with help. 

Wet suit rentals are common, almost every dive shop does it,

Before you make a final decision about wearing waders in a kayak and/or in the surf, check out the video Jim Sammons (LJKF) made awhile back on the subject . . .

Before you make a final decision about wearing waders in a kayak and/or in the surf, check out the video Jim Sammons (LJKF) made awhile back on the subject . . .

No wind, nice weather, experienced in getting back on and I am willing to bet the water in that pool isn't below 50 degrees.
Oh yea, no gear on the kayak, no swells, nothing pushing the kayak into his face or away from him and minimal time spent in the water.
I hope my next 'self rescue' offers those exact same conditions....
Seems to me the only thing missing was a margarita poolside.
I still think a newb should wear a wetsuit instead of waders on the ocean.

Good points Don, you are correct, particularly for a newbie.

 Thanks all for you input and concern for my safety. I was thinking of doing a test like that on my own (still might) at a lake up here. Since my waders are neoprene, it seems that they would add buoyancy to the equation.

 I'm assuming the problem is when water fills the wader, it has no way out with a stocking foot configuration. What if I was to cut the feet off the waders?, thus allowing water to exit. I would wear dive booties with the set up.
Like I said this wader arrangement would only be used to sample ocean yak fishing at GS III, if it turns out I like it and hunger for more I would surely invest in proper gear.

 I've noticed that wet suits come in differing thickness, If I was to rent or buy one what do you recommend for Nor-Cal waters? Being an inland guy, I don't see making more than 4-5 ocean trips a year between May and October.

 Thanks again, Tad