going out in the cold cold Pacific ocean?

I got a question about going out in San Fransisco bay and the water being so cold and I don't have a wet suit. can it be done without freezing to death? I am not talking about flipping in the water, I expect that to be cold.  Or should i be wearing a wet suit?

Jerbear

I'm no expert but what I have read from the guys is to be prepared for the worst. I'm new at all this so I'm sure others will post with more precise info.  I went out to the garage and got out a pair of neoprene waders that I use for stream fishing. I think they will work out fine for yak fishing as well. I do know that the water doesn't rush in like conventional waders and the float like wet suits.  Hope this helps some.

JerBear,
if you do a search on the forum, you'll see lot's of discussions re: wetsuit use for the ocean.  There's also a lot of discussions re: wetsuit vs. waders as well.  I personally wouldn't go without a wetsuit at any time, b/c you will "flip" at some point and if you do, prolonging hypothermia for even 20-30 minutes is going to be a huge deal.

Also, I hear that sharks don't like the taste of neoprene.   

Kayaking in the ocean without a wetsuit is not recommended.

Either is jumping in off a rocky perch in just shorts...   

Live life, but don't die trying to do it with unnecessary risks.  Good luck and welcome.   

can it be done without freezing to death? I am not talking about flipping in the water, I expect that to be cold.  Or should i be wearing a wet suit?

If you are talking kayaking, then you are talking "flipping".
If you are aboard a yak, the standard response is "dress for immersion". Time to pony up for a wetsuit.

Wet Suit and waders are around the same price, sooooooo.......... Dress for the worst, hope for the best! You will feel more comfortable if you feel safe!

Jer, get a wetsuit.  I've gotten hypothermia on several occasions doing supervised swims in the bay with no wetsuit.  Its not fun (unless near death experiences are your thing LOL).  It kicks in pretty fast, even in "summer".

Even if you aren't actually submerged in the drink up to your head, wind/chop can spray you to the point where you are totally wet anyway, leaving you wishing you had a competent thermal barrier.  There's a reason why hoodies are such a hit with the tourists at Fisherman's Wharf, right? 

Either is jumping in off a rocky perch in just shorts...   

Threadjack:  B'Ab, that's a helluva NICE cove.  Where that be at? 

Wetsuit for sure!

that guy in the pic is CRAZY I see everyone on the shore wearing jackets

Let me take this one step further:  Get a wetsuit, and get one made for yak fishing.

You don't want a super warm divers wetsuit. It will be too hot, and too confining for paddling.

You don't want a surfing or swimming wetsuit. You don't want to pee in your suit if you're not swimming- and mostly, you're not.

Those will work for a day out, just to see if you like it sort of thing. No problem really, and safe.

You do want something like the NRS Farmer John. Look it up. They are pretty affordable.

I get shaky cold...even with one sometimes...

Definetely wetsuit.  I was yaking the ARW yesterday and the water temp was only 54.  I was wearing my farmers and was comfy.

does anyone know of another amputee using a wetsuit? if so did it fit over his prosthetic leg or legs OK?

Wetsuits can be custom fit or, an off the rack suit can be altered if need be, both options can be a bit pricey compared to a standard off the rack sized suit but it can be done.

We have a Heros On the Water contact here, try sending a PM to DANGLIN with that question and see what you come up with.