Realistic immersion gear advice (waders vs wetsuit vs drysuit)

This one I think is a pretty good example of an experienced kayaker making a small mistake that caused him to yard sale on the way back in. The launch was pretty intense but he nailed it, had a good day on the water, then wiped out. The lessons learned at the end of the video are good ones we all learn after making mistakes ourselfs.



Oh and the music is friggin classic  . Gonna have to steal that song for later. 

Why did he get off the kayak so soon?  Did he think that he was in much shallower water?  Am I missing something?

Did he think that he was in much shallower water?  Am I missing something?

I bet that's what happened.  Judging the water depth as I come in for landing is the hardest thing I've struggled with.  I've gotten out when I thought it was 2' deep to find out it's 6' deep way too many times.

For years, I used a poorman’s drysuit—which is a farmer john wetsuit with cheapo paddling pants and paddling jacket over the wetsuit. The paddling pants & jacket will keep you dry and comfy while the wetsuit keeps you warm and immersion-ready. You can even go with disposable rain poncho pants if you’re extra-frugal.

For years, I used a poorman’s drysuit—which is a farmer john wetsuit with cheapo paddling pants and paddling jacket over the wetsuit. The paddling pants & jacket will keep you dry and comfy while the wetsuit keeps you warm and immersion-ready. You can even go with disposable rain poncho pants if you’re extra-frugal.

+1

Speaking of immersion

Some video I took at steamers the other day

My son trying out his new padillac

For years, I used a poorman’s drysuit—which is a farmer john wetsuit with cheapo paddling pants and paddling jacket over the wetsuit. The paddling pants & jacket will keep you dry and comfy while the wetsuit keeps you warm and immersion-ready. You can even go with disposable rain poncho pants if you’re extra-frugal.

I still use this setup.  Works great, and easy to shed layers if I get too warm.  And, no puncture hazard to a dry suit. 

Speaking of immersion

Some video I took at steamers the other day

Great videos, looks fun!

Can you see any fish while doing that 

I’ve been thinking about taking a weight belt and speargun but need to keep the camera rolling on my son

Some more immersion fun

I've never had to loosen up or take out the drain plug on my 'yak.  Check it, yes, but always ensuring that it is screwed on, and tightly sealed.

All that shit onboard, but no radio or bilge pump?

WARNING!  Adult content around 11:00 mark.  Seriously, take the sport more serious. 

Alright, I'm gonna bring up an idea again that I had years ago. CO2 hooked to a quick release pin mechanism, hooked to a made to fit bladder. Two of these set fore and aft inside the hull with a through hull string release. Pull the string, triggers the pin that punctures the CO2, inflates the bladder(s), ejects water from inside the hull, you limp back without submarining.
I don't have the time or resources to make something like this, but seems easy enough for someone with time on their hands and more brains between their ears than I have.

You should delete that post and get a patent going

Although I think once you make an idea public it’s no longer patentable