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

ronbo613 · 03-10-2010, 06:05 PM

Wear a PFD and if you use waders; always wear a wading belt.
I lived in North SD County most of my life; but since I moved up to the PacNW; I've learned a lot about what to wear in cold and wet weather. You can see what we wear for cold and wet weather here.
50F water here is tropo; it's mostly windy and rough. Almost always on your own.
Take a tip from the Boy Scouts; Be Prepared.

Old Man in the Sea · 09-20-2013, 02:20 PM

Thank you Jim for posting this - Great video....thanks for the proof!!!

03-10-2010, 06:05 PM	#2
ronbo613 Waterman At Large Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: On the Water Posts: 199	Wear a PFD and if you use waders; *always* wear a wading belt. I lived in North SD County most of my life; but since I moved up to the PacNW; I've learned a lot about what to wear in cold and wet weather. You can see what we wear for cold and wet weather here. 50F water here is tropo; it's mostly windy and rough. Almost always on your own. Take a tip from the Boy Scouts; Be Prepared. __________________ Kayak Fishing Photos and Video

03-10-2010, 12:19 PM	#1
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

09-20-2013, 02:20 PM	#3
Old Man in the Sea Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Bay Park Posts: 569	Thank you Jim for posting this - Great video....thanks for the proof!!!