WADERS

Yeah I get IAS (itchy ass syndrome) when I wear a wetsuit. Did waders but it was a pain to piss with 'em. Now I use tempest pants 80% and a dry suit when really cold and nasty.

I'd go out in a rally thong if I felt safe enough.

Gentlemen, we've sunk to a new low. 
Safety is officially dead & gone. Long live the wader public!

Yeah I get IAS when I wear a wetsuit.....

Monkey Butt !!! A touch of ointment before launching has been reported to alleviate that....

Jim Sammons put out this video on the subject that is kind of interesting.

From his web site

. The advantages to wearing waders are the ability to wear layers underneath; you also stay dry inside of the waders, which adds a level of comfort. Because they are loose, they will impede your ability to swim if you go in the water, but contrary to myth they will not pull you under water. Because of the added weight and loose fit, you should always wear a PFD when wearing waders. I consider waders an option for bays or lake fishing only; I would never wear waders in a surf zone. The force of the waves is so strong that it will force water into the waders, which can cause you some real problems as you try to swim into shore.

My take, not that anyone gives a rats behind what I think, but when we go out in the pacific it is smart to plan for the worst.  I think that means separation from your kayak in 60-ish degree water for some period of time.  I think it is somewhat foolish to assume you are always going to be able to swim back to your kayak or to shore, when I know I have seen some of you out by the 1 mile bouy by yourself.  You dont have to be all that far from your buddies before spotting you in the water away from your boat becomes quite a task.  Not a nice thought, but it could happen.  Under these conditions it would take a thick, seam sealed, and tight fitting wetsuit or a dry suit with thermal underware to prevent hypothermia and ensure your survival even for only a handful of hours.  Of course always planing for the the worst can make for a miserable day when the sun is out.  I know how I prepare.  And I know we all feel and prepare a little differently.  Truth is we all have different levels of acceptable risk.  And under the more testing conditions if dumped and separated from our boat, some will live and some will not be so lucky.  Do what you can to shift things in your favor. 

As a SoCal newbie I'm reading this thread [and the older one] with interest.  The wetsuit makes the most sense to me, but down here, in LA almost all the kayak fishermen (and women) I've run into who fish the harbor wear waders.  I've asked about it. It may be a socal thing or maybe I've just not run into enough other kayak fishermen to see.  I'm embarrassed to say I'm still wearing jeans and canvas shoes but then I'm not running out through the surf on the "outside" for now, a self-imposed limitation.

dB