Dry Jacket + waders= - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

dsafety · 03-10-2010, 12:19 PM

From my experiences, everything posted above is true. It is a no-brainer to always wear a PFD, (even for you bullet proof 20-something year olds). I am a very strong swimmer but when I get dunked in 50 degree water, the initial shock gets my attention and for a few moments I feel a bit of panic. The PFD will keep you afloat until the shock wears off and you get your wits back. If you become separated from your yak or are injured, it could save your life.

The wading belt is another really important accessory. It has not come into play for me in a kayak yet but when I slipped off the edge of a rock while fly fishing a fast moving stream, (no PFD in this situation), the belt kept most of the water out of my waders so I was able to float downstream to safety.

As for paddling jackets, I am sure that they are nice to have but the good ones are really expensive. The inexpensive ones wear out very quickly, (one washing for the one I used to have). I ended up picking up a waterproof nylon shell with a waist drawstring and Velcro at the wrist. REI has a good selection of these. This shell keeps me dry during the wettest launches. It stops the wind an is easy to take off and store away when conditions warrant.

Bob

03-10-2010, 12:19 PM	#7
dsafety Olivenhain Bob Join Date: May 2008 Location: Olivenhain, CA Posts: 1,122	From my experiences, everything posted above is true. It is a no-brainer to always wear a PFD, (even for you bullet proof 20-something year olds). I am a very strong swimmer but when I get dunked in 50 degree water, the initial shock gets my attention and for a few moments I feel a bit of panic. The PFD will keep you afloat until the shock wears off and you get your wits back. If you become separated from your yak or are injured, it could save your life. The wading belt is another really important accessory. It has not come into play for me in a kayak yet but when I slipped off the edge of a rock while fly fishing a fast moving stream, (no PFD in this situation), the belt kept most of the water out of my waders so I was able to float downstream to safety. As for paddling jackets, I am sure that they are nice to have but the good ones are really expensive. The inexpensive ones wear out very quickly, (one washing for the one I used to have). I ended up picking up a waterproof nylon shell with a waist drawstring and Velcro at the wrist. REI has a good selection of these. This shell keeps me dry during the wettest launches. It stops the wind an is easy to take off and store away when conditions warrant. Bob