My previous and present compassion to Adam stands, from what iv'e read and seen you (Adam) have coped with this better than i could ever hope to.  know it or not I also feel bonded because you let a newbe tag along with you and and provided a welcome.  That's was awsome for a novice who knew he was in the triangle (a reallly good spot in the corner, that's getting better as the elaphant seal population does the same).
"shock and awe shark shields". Do they have merrit on this thead? 
We survive more attacks than seals and fish because we use our heads to escape and have companions to assist during and after an attack.  If my family or friend was getting attacked and i wa close buy in a yak i would wish to stop the shark thoroughly.  How or if that could done is debatable.


 
           

Maybe it's time for a new kind of shark shield. How about M100's with waterproof wicks and a 9mm glock. 

I'm guilty of safety negligence, being out there alone and taking a dunk to boot, but that was before a member told me about this sight, I now have a new perspective.  Like to believe they didn't know better and hopefully have learned a valuable lesson, thanks to you. On the lighter side...."What were you thinking?" and "with freinds like that who needs enemies?" come to mind.

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
 

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

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. 

Frank, your a dog person, another plus in my book.  We have a three year old blk lab that's part of the family and loves to hunt and fish.
Congradulations on your coming litter, Bill

Lets say going swimming in my case was a lack of skill which comes from experience and getting back in safe was not lucky but a combination of wits, determination and awareness.  Gods Pond was calm on Saturday and for my fourth time in a yak i feel i had the odds stacked in my favor as best i chould. My first post may have embellished the scary side of the adventure but at no time did I fear for my life,....... except for a small time........ for the Devels Teeth......and anyone who swims, boards, dives, yaks or trails fish from a yak on the central and north coast is in the same boat in that regard. Don't see myself taking a self rescue class, at this point it seems redundent. I greatly appriciatte the welcomes and let (not) the onslaught begin
1) Read and practice the saftey guidlines on the NCKA home page 2) take a self resue class or practice in safe area until you are completely capable of self rescue 3) keep your beer belly and your shoulders near the center of gravity 4) don't take your yak out in rough water 5) wear a knife to cut yourself out of a tangle 6) if you do go swimming stay calm and