Best place to buy wetsuit in/around SF?

Sounds like you've done ALL the INVESTIGATING already.....wise choice!  can't go wrong with a FJ.
I already had a wetsuit(full), but it is a hasle to "relieve ones self" while on the water in it.....FarmerJohn w/lower zipper is what I NEED! 

A neo farmer john suit is fine for lake fishing. Whereas, they're suited perfectly for saltwater. The only issue I have with neos: crotchrot! LOL! I have an old Drifter too...you'll see. Maybe its just because I spend 8+ hours in my yak per trip.

But eventually you should try to find some waders (preferably breathables) to wear while lake fishing. I got an awesome deal on some neo stocking-foot Remingtons w/Cabelas wading boots on eBay for 35 bucks (after shipping). They look and feel (and smell) brand spankin new. Now I have 4 pairs of waders! Talk about overkill. But its just to make sure that friends of all sizes can go fishing with me.
But, yes, it may be tough to find a pair of waders that fit a tall, skinny dude with sz 14 feet...so good luck with that! LOL!

Good luck,
PK

Waders.......in a boat.....

I would like to hear a discussion about that.

I grew up on a farm on the bank of the Willamette River.
Adults taught me---in no uncertain terms---that if I fell into the river (any deep water) with hip-boots on, I would drown.

They said: 

1) The boots will fill up and you can't swim.
2) The boots will fill up and weigh so much no one could pull you back into a boat.
3)  The water "sucks them to your leg" and there's no way to get out of them.
4)  You can't swim in them at all, not even slightly.
5)  If they don't fill, they hold so much air you can't force your feet down to the bottom to stand.

Everything they said, makes sense to me.
I can visualize it.
The warnings have the ring of probability to them.

I've read newspaper stories about fly fishermen in hip-boots (or waist-high waders) who stumble, fall in a vigorous flow.   Die.

From pictures I've seen, I have the impression that a large number of SOT fishermen wear waders of all styles.

CURIOUS::::::!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!::::::::::.......in summertime, in a setting that you deem safe and secure, have you-all jumped into the drink to find out what those waders mean with respect to.......you know........you ultimate safety...????????........

Judd

A good friend's father was a fly fishing guide and all-around outdoorsman/hunter/sportsman... lived in Grants Pass, Oregon all his life.  About 10 years ago he died on the Rogue River doing what he loved... fly fishing... cause of death was drowning... he slipped on a rock while wearing chest waders and was swept away and couldn't keep his head above water.  This was a highly experienced and safe indivdual who's life was taken due to a combination of complacency and unecessary risk (the waders near deep water), along with a helping of the unpreventable  (i.e., an accident).

I've wondered the same thing jwsmith, because I too learned from many people I respected as a youth that waders and deep water were a dangerous combination.  I personally will never wear waders in a kayak... any small amount of comfort-wise suffering that a farmer John wetsuit causes is worth the peace of mind that I'm not taking unecessary risks for the sake of comfort.

Just my 2-cents...

Backcountry

I would like to hear a discussion about that.

Have at it pal.  Knock yourself out.  There were several other discussions but these two had the most in-depth discussions.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,162.0.html
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,3096.0.html

Personally, I just started wearing waist-high breathable waders.  I too was a little leery but I ratchet down the belt and carry a knife on my lifejacket.  I'm fairly confident that I could hold my breath long enough to slice holes in the waders should they fill up and I'm not able to remount on the yak.  It should also be noted that I only wear them in still water.

Michael

Dilbeck....thanks for the links.
They cover the ground.

Judd