Neoprene Waders ?

.....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? .....

 Thanks again, Tad

A lot of us that Ab dive use combination suits, one example is a Tilos 7/6/5mm:
7mm chest, upper back, butt, lower front & front lower legs
6mm shoulders, sleeve inserts & side leg panels
5mm underarms, sleeves, crotch & back lower legs.

This suit has a lot of super stretch neoprene on it otherwise it would be very uncomfortable for any extended seat time in the 'yak. After 3-4 hours, I need to stretch out some. There are many variations of thickness, stretch and materials in the same brand and in others as well. Some guys will chime in that they use a much thinner suit as the heavier ones are too much for them to paddle in the boat. I would say that you need to suit yourself up to be able to withstand the water temp for an extended period of time should the unwelcome occur and that any suit not warm enough to dive in is not the right suit to go out beyond what you could swim in 10 minutes.

I have used waders at Russian Gulch on glass days and stayed inside the cove area proper. I would not use waders at Elk, Fort Bragg or Gualala as I go further out and the water is bigger, rougher and can very quickly change.

Even if you do cut the fee off the waders, the waders are usually tight fitting and water is not going to flow down and exit as quickly as you think.

Hi Tad, I wish I had an extra suit to loan you.  I got one of the 3mm ultra johns from NCR, I like it; although my torso is a little long (snugs up in the crotch).  I have that trouble with most suits, The European long torso and short legs. 

Here are a couple good deals for entry level suits:

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___45340

http://www.diversdirect.com/scuba-diving/evo-3mm-farmer-john/

Hals Diveshop and Hammerhead Dive shop in Redding both have suits, but they run 5-7mm.  It can get fairly warm out of the water with that size of a suit.  A rental is usually 20-40 dollars, so it isn't too much more to buy one.

I will be happy to come to the lake to spot you with the waders.  Remember at Gimme Shelter, help will not be far away.  It isn't like you will be in the water long, or floating out to sea.  A rescue will likely occur pretty quickly, imagine 70 plastic kayaks paddling to your rescue.  The benefit of the buddy fishing system    I do think the wetsuit is much more warranted for solo or buddy trips, where help may be delayed.

Each application waders/wetsuit seems to have a strong following.  I have gone under while duck hunting in my neo waders several times, and hardly got any water in.  With the wading belt, I floated pretty well.  The neo waders are pretty boyant, unlike the older bag waders.  Also they fit tighter preventing water from coming in.

Matt

MattS, Hojoman, jhfish, Tote, eby... etc., and others,

 Thanks for the wisdom! I'll work something out, one way or another.
I'm really excited about GS III and meeting all the mates that have helped me through this process.
Looking forward to getting a taste of ocean yak fishing!
Look out Lings!
Tad

waders keep you dry in a wet situation, a wetsuit will keep you WARM&ALIVE in a WET&COLD situation.......put your own price on it.

all the above and combos can and have been done, but planning for the worst thing is best. in the ocean the temp is your enemy.

SEE Bajareefers' post in the Ocean Sticky thread.

i would keep in mind the water flowing over the top if you fell in and the drag it would ccause on your legs

Remember at Gimme Shelter, help will not be far away.  It isn't like you will be in the water long, or floating out to sea.  A rescue will likely occur pretty quickly, imagine 70 plastic kayaks paddling to your rescue.  The benefit of the buddy fishing system    I do think the wetsuit is much more warranted for solo or buddy trips, where help may be delayed.

I agree with the buddy system but it's not a reason to be careless. If you have to ask other people if waders are OK then don't wear them.

waders keep you dry in a wet situation, a wetsuit will keep you WARM&ALIVE in a WET&COLD situation.......put your own price on it. .... in the ocean the temp is your enemy.

Word, most succinctly put Adam! Here is the page with the post that FisHunter refers to: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,14820.30.html

thanks for the clean-up, jh~~i thought i did that?

Thanks All,
 Looks like I'll be wet suit shopping.
Next question, since I'm an inland, guy my trips to the ocean will be during the warmer months (May-Sept.) and only 4-5 trips a year on the north coast, will a 3 mil. farmer john be adequate? With PFD and gore tex top of course!  I have 5 mil. boots ordered.
 Thanks in advance!
 Tad

i think YES! and you made the wise choice.

You should also get a baselayer to wear under the FJ like a
http://www.rei.com/product/767317?cm_mmc=cse_msn-_-datafeed-_-product-_-767317&mr:referralID=b46249d2-130c-11de-a8aa-000423bb4e95
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=25513&deptid=950
http://www.kokatat.com/product_detail.asp?code=icl

Here is a good article

http://www.nrsweb.com/cold_water_layering.asp

Just ordered a 3 mil. farmer john!
Thanks All!
Tad

Best move I ever saw man. (Top Gun) 
You will be very happy with your decision. Especially now that you have it at your fingertips whenever you want/need it. Give a sigh of relief and relax.
Speaking of relief; did it come with a relief zipper??

Speaking of relief; did it come with a relief zipper??

another TOUCHY subject...you're good Mike