Bullard's Bar and Safety

I had my budget director read this post to authorize the purchase of my first drysuit,...a new Kokatat Supernova Angler Semi-Dry (neoprene collar) is on it’s way to the house now. Gonna take a minute to pay it off,...but I’ll take those minutes.

I have several solo multi-day camp’n’fish’chill weekends planned for the year up in the mountains. Feels silly at first having a buncha self rescue gear (rescue step, paddle float, throw rope, bilge pump, large first aid kit), but reading stories like this, as well as others on this site and across the internet,...a lot can go wrong real quick. Scare myself quite often thinking back on the crazy risks I took. I like to think it won’t happen to me, and I don’t live everyday thinking it will. But at the very least I’ll be prepared with the tools for myself, or another who might need em.

Thanks again, for the post, all of the reminders, and for this community.



I have one. Going on three years. Great suit. Wash it every time with fresh water and it will last a long time. Except for some fish blood stains, mine is just like I bought it. I got the one made out of Gortex so I stay cool even in the heat.

As everyone else has said, really thankful that you were willing to share this and came out ok.  I have to admit that I often don't take lakes as seriously as the ocean since I'm generally close to shore and conditions are better.  But this is just another reason why you have to take every outing seriously.  Without people sharing their mistakes, no one learns. 

Last few times I've been out in a lake I've worn fleece and synthetic stuff, but I've been too lazy to throw on my 3mm wetsuit.  However, even if it's not too far to swim to shore, I need to remember that even 10 minutes in any water right now is going to ruin a day unless you're in a wet or drysuit. 

My issue with drysuits is that you have to keep them sealed, and too often I see people leaving them open for breathing; when a drysuit isn't sealed, it becomes a hazard in the water.  Wetsuits don't have the same duration of protection, but you don't have to worry about buoyancy or getting water inside your seal.

Add to this, What looks like it’s close enough to swim can be a problem when the cold water starts to shut your body down. I figure if I can't walk out of the water it's too far from shore.

wow, what a story.  Yah, I try to go out with other Kayakers when I can, but not always possible.  I typically where some 'plastic' clothing (i.e. under armor etc,) and wool and plastic fleece - but getting back in the boat is critical unless you have a good wet suit.  Glad you made it out!  I'll need to give my clothing some additional thought.