I am a kayaker now !

[dan hufferd]

Thanks every one. I figure if waders drown people it would not be good to have them near water at all (Joke)

I have dropped enough jack on this fishing thing so my kayaking will be on the cheap, for a while. All this is good to know.

You never know what might happen when you get all you need.

[dan hufferd]

On 10/4/2018 at 10:20 PM, Al Agnew said:

A wader belt is important.  Yes, you can swim in waders, but waders full of water will slow you down, not pull you down.  And slow you down climbing out of the water.  Wrench has a good point in that water pressure keeps the water from pouring into the waders when you first go under, but as you're trying to stay afloat and get to safety, the water starts coming in.  A belt slows it down considerably.  So does having a waterproof jacket over the waders.  But in the winter, you'll probably have a lot of other clothing under the jacket and waders that will wick in water.  It won't gush in, but eventually you'll be wet and there will be extra water in the waders.  So wearing a good PFD is an absolute must, and being prudent and aware of the dangers.  I can remember a couple times when I kinda forgot this and suddenly realized how close I was to probably dying.  Both were in my solo canoe in the winter.  The first time, I was walleye fishing down at the big, deep gravel pit hole on Black River at the 67 Highway bridge north of Poplar Bluff.  I suddenly realized I was out in the middle of the hole, hundreds of yards from either bank, and didn't have my life jacket on.  Even with it on, in 38 degree water the chances were I'd never make it to shore if I dumped, so I carefully paddled closer to shore and went around the pool to get to where I was going...and immediately put my life jacket on.  Second time was on the Meramec in the winter, floating above Onondaga.  There's a very narrow riffle running into some logs...no problem usually, but as I dropped into the riffle, I saw a new log with just the tip sticking up out of the water, and I was headed straight for it.  Had to do some really hard draw strokes to clear it, leaning way over the side of the canoe to really put my back into the strokes...and when I did clear it, I realized I wasn't wearing my life jacket.  Could have probably gotten out if I'd flipped, but I would have been soaked, four miles from the truck, and no change of clothes, in 40 degree weather.  The life jacket would have made getting out a sure thing, but wouldn't have helped with the hypothermia once I got out.  So now, if in the canoe, I always carry a change of clothing in a waterproof bag, along with some matches, when I'm out in the winter.

I will sure enough, try to be wise. I had to reread this just so it would soak in (no pun intended).

I love being on the water in the winter. It is all good until someone gets hurt.

One year I fell into the creek with a deer as I was dragging it out of the woods. Already cold from being in the tree before dawn, and there was 4 inches of snow on the ground. I was 2 miles from my car. Knowing that I was in trouble, I left my deer and headed for the car and dry clothes. Once dry I retrieved my trophy.

Getting dumped from a boat in the winter would be much worse. I still take much for granted. Thank you for the warning and advice.

[dan hufferd]

On 9/30/2018 at 5:49 PM, Gavin said:

Multiple pairs of gloves if below freezing. Usually have a 3-4 dry pairs ready and on hand. The neoprene glacier gloves with the short fingers and mitten top work really well for winter floats. I don’t have to change them out much, even if wet.

I use those too, I like them