Pacemaker Fishing Forum

Bruce · Feb-14-12 10:51AM

I am new to kayak fishing and I've been advised to get waders that are "kayak appropriate". I already own Hodgman wading shoes (non-felt bottoms). I wanted to see what you guys recommend that I buy and where to purchase from. Thanks for the help.
Bruce

Bass Hunter · Feb-14-12 1:21PM

I just bought a pair of these for winter kayaking and they fit great. The material is great quality and lightweight...The rubber ones feel heavier and don't breathe as well. When you start sweating, it can get uncomfortable.

http://www.amazon.com/Hodgman-Mackenzie … amp;sr=8-4

GregF · Feb-14-12 3:41PM

I have a question about those kind of waders when kayaking. Don't they have the potential to fill up with water if you fall in? They just seem dangerous. I know people talk about a belt around the waist to prevent this. But that just doesn't seem like enough to keep water out.

I keep looking at these and I figure I can wear underlayers to keep warm when needed. There are cheaper versions as well. What are the pros or cons of these versus the ones Bass Hunter recommended?
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp? … eptid=2019

NOVAhunter · Feb-14-12 6:08PM

Two quick videos to dispel the wader filling up myth. The older rubber style may have death traps, but the new ones don't seem to be. I have a set of neoprene ones I use and a set of cabelas breathable one. Which one I wear depends more on the air temp than anything. If its not too cold out and I'm going to do some paddling, I go for the breathable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYwG52p4yjs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtgYP3Xrhdo

Last edited by NOVAhunter (Feb-14-12 6:15PM)

GregF · Feb-15-12 9:04PM

Those are great videos. Thanks for posting. Definitely sold me on the safety of waders. I was glad to see in the first video that he tested them without the kayaking/dry shirt and even without the wader belt since I wouldn't necessarily wear the shirt too often.

Bruce · Feb-16-12 11:05AM

Wow...great videos that I made my wife watch to cofirm the safety of these waders since she worries everytime I go in the kayak. Anyway, I've spent many hours researching the internet for breathable waders for warm weather usage. I already have a pair of neoprene waders for the colder seasons. Wanted to get stockingfoot waders. Seems like the best value...combination of user reviews and price...is the Frogg Toggs Hellbender Breathable Stockingfoot Chestwader. Best price was on Amazon for $107 (including shipping). Does anyone have experience with them.
Thanks,
Bruce

NOVAhunter · Feb-16-12 6:38PM

Just remember to always wear your life jacket. These guys were right by a change into warm clothes so keep that in mind. If you dump you may be 30 minutes from dry clothes and that can be plenty of time for hypothermia to set in.

Redfish12 · Feb-17-12 2:38PM

I opted for the waist high waders on the kayak. They are a little more comfortable and I wear a dry top (http://www.ossystems.com/surface/amargosa-drytop/) that has a double waist with them. One layer below, one on top, then cinch it all down. The dry top has latex gaskets on the wrists and neck so in the event I do go over, I will at least be dry. I found the chest waders to be difficult do do a certain activity so if you're buying new ones, try to find some with a relief zipper for those long hauls.

Neoprenes are nice if you're going to be in the water, but they get pretty hot if you're peddling. If you are paddling then they would probably be fine other than relieving yourself. I have some old Orvis waders that I got from the outlet store in Roanoke when they still existed. $10! There was a catch though, they are womens... which means they are slim... which means they are hilarious, but warm. I wear them when I'm planning on getting out of the kayak and wading and JFFoley can attest to their ridiculousness.

Anyway, when someone says get kayak appropriate waders they probably mean something with reinforced knees & butt and if you're a peddle guy, a little extra room to stretch in. There are other options out there, like paddling pants, but they are pretty similar. Most people will tell you that you have to have a dry suit to paddle in cold weather, but if you are safe and you wear your waders properly, then you will be fine.

hookup · Feb-29-12 7:12PM

I've gone through a few sets of waders, but I'm hard on them and trek through the woods to launch my yak.

Orvis & Hodgeman's were leaking within a year.

Have had the same set of SIMMS for the past 5-6 years and they are going strong. Thinking about sending them back to SIMMS to get the elastic shoulder straps replaces.

Expensive, but well worth it.

And yes, dump your yak and your waders will fill with water. In the winter time this is nothing to mess with. I did it in 45dF water and froze my petunia off the rest of the trip. Hypothermia will set in fast. If you dump after a rapid, and your waders fill up you could be drug under. Maybe not die, but try it in the summer with a rope attached and another angler with you to see how bad it could be. No myth there - it's common sense. Where a good (I even updated my SIMMS belt) thich tight wading belt & your PFD. I always carry a knife on my PFD and even though the SIMMS cost me a paycheck, I'd cut them in a NY minute to save my life.

Last edited by hookup (Feb-29-12 7:15PM)

redskinsfan360 · Feb-29-12 7:38PM

I use a set of redhead neoprene waders that are pretty cheap with a belt and an aquaskinz drytop in real cold water. If it is not that cold I just wear goretex pants and jacket.

The aquaskinz dry top is great:
http://www.ramseyoutdoor.com/product/bi … =623912385

Bruce · Mar-01-12 10:02AM

That Aquaskinz drytop is nice, but it costs $250. Does anyone else have a drytop recommendation that is a better value?

hookup · Mar-21-12 3:39PM

Check the NRS catalog & website.

Sales come up in their bargin bin section.

Pacemaker Fishing Forum

#1 Feb-14-12 10:51AM

Waders for Kayaking

#2 Feb-14-12 1:21PM

Re: Waders for Kayaking

#3 Feb-14-12 3:41PM

Re: Waders for Kayaking

#4 Feb-14-12 6:08PM

Re: Waders for Kayaking

#5 Feb-15-12 9:04PM

Re: Waders for Kayaking

#6 Feb-16-12 11:05AM

Re: Waders for Kayaking

#7 Feb-16-12 6:38PM

Re: Waders for Kayaking

#8 Feb-17-12 2:38PM

Re: Waders for Kayaking

#9 Feb-29-12 7:12PM

Re: Waders for Kayaking

#10 Feb-29-12 7:38PM

Re: Waders for Kayaking

#11 Mar-01-12 10:02AM

Re: Waders for Kayaking

#12 Mar-21-12 3:39PM

Re: Waders for Kayaking

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