Kayak Water Temps

[jc]

Since a person died in OC a good questions arise. What water temp do you decide it is not safe enough, Has anyone tried falling out with Neoprene Waders in cold water? Does it help or is a wet suit a must. With more and more yakers its no wonder there aren't more stories of problems in cold water locally.

[egghead]

I have not tried to get wet while wearing neoprene. I feel safe for a few reasons.
1) I am relatively young and in decent shape.
2) I am rarely more than 50 yards from shore.
3) I am wearing 5mm neoprene waders that are cut high on the chest, 3mm neoprene jacket, with wading belt.
4) I have an excellent PFD.

The paddleshack in Mays Landing offers winter/snow paddles. I guess if you are dressed appropriately, you can go all winter.

[FisherTim]

Is a winter/snow paddle heated?? :confused:

[egghead]

No, they call social paddling events "paddles".

[Librarian]

I watched one of these winter paddles while they are getting ready at Beasley's point. Probably 20 degrees, some ice floating in the bay. The kayakers were all wearing dry suits. Latex, not neopreme, gaskets at the arms, lega and neck. The suits keep them warm by regualr winter clothing under them. No water gets in. They passed the time waiting for the start by floating in the icy cold water.

Cost of a dry suit, $500. Each person has to decide if he/she is worth that much.

[egghead]

yeh, the drysuits are not cheap. Best price I have seen is $400 at Paddleshack. I have an Aquaskinz drytop I can wear over waders with gaskets at wrists and neck. I'm looking forward to some winter paddles, maybe down GE River or some local creeks. Anyone interested?

[Brian E. Mullaney]

egg - post when the time comes - It's too long a winter not to get outside.

[jc]

I wear neoprene waders 3mm and Aquaskinz dry top. I always thought this was good enough just wanted to see what others thought? Haven't had a situation to have to test whether it wouldnt be good enough. Do practice occasionally getting in and out of overhead water but not in cold water to date,

[egghead]

Brian,
I'll try to organize one for January or February.

[clutch]

5/3 wetsuit with hood, booties, and gloves. If i can stay out surfing for 2 hours in february totally immersed in water, then i guarantee you will be fine on a kayak. However handling a hook and line with the gloves on are going to be very difficult, as they are to take off and on. So you may have to improvise on a better glove application there. Otherwise im fine in my wetsuit, and when i say fine i am completly comfortable and not cold at all, except for your face which is exposed and diving under an oncoming set of waves causes an ice cream headache. Eventually though the cold does get to you especially to your extremeties, but by no means hypothermic.

[Lew'n aint easy]

I wear the same as clutch, but would add something to break the wind over top of the wetsuit. wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water against your skin which is then heated by your body. when you're dry you can still feel the wind a bit. as far as neoprene waders I would be hesitant to be submerged in them, and if you do use them a PDF of some sort is a must, I immagine they would be very awkward to swim in.

[clutch]

Agreed, i forgot to mention that i also wear a windbreaker.

[barrell]

Im heading down to the keys , you guys enjoy your winter paddle!!!!!!!
barrell

[clutch]

good we can rob your store.

[barrell]

The best gloves I have found for cold weather yak fishing are the gore-tex /thinsulate type that duck and deer hunters use. The best of those are the flex gore-tex that cabelas sells for $35 a pair.
barrell

[clutch]

Originally posted by barrell:
The best gloves I have found for cold weather yak fishing are the gore-tex /thinsulate type that duck and deer hunters use. The best of those are the flex gore-tex that cabelas sells for $35 a pair.
barrell http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat470076&rid=&indexId=cat470100&navAction=push&navC ount=5&parentType=index&parentId=cat470100&id=0005313 (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat470076&rid=&indexId=cat470100&navAction=push&navCount=5&parentType=index&parentId=cat470100&id=0005313)

[bluequill]

Suggestion to all....

Before relying on neopreme waders to save you from a spill in cold weather try wearing these at home in the summer, jump in a pool ( with someone with you) and see what happens. You will sink when the water enters the waders and mobility will be severely diminished! Don't rely on a belt either! Couple this with cold weather and another bulky jacket/ parka you are asking for trouble.

I had used chest waders while duck hunting in my sneakbox for years until I was alerted to the potential danger by a Fed Game Warden. From then on I motored out to my gunning spot wearing knee boots and brought my chest highs in the boat.

As an avid paddler of canoes, a wetsuit is mandatory in cold weather. A 'farmer john' style should be sufficient in most conditions and are not a major investment. A fleece layer with a "dry" jacket should be plenty on top.

Respect the cold ! When it kills it doesn't care if you are young and a good swimmer.

[clutch]

i guess i should stop using a garbage bag for waders then.

[bluequill]

Garbage bags are fine as long as they are of the industrial grade. Twist-ties are a "must"with this gear and stay away fron the clear models.

[Jackman]

I am just curious about this mode of transportation for fishing. I was going through the Indian River Inlet, DE a few weeks ago and saw two or three guys fishing the inlet. Two guys were near the bridge uprights if you are familiar with them. Only problem is one of the guys was in the water I guess he fell out or got swamped from one of the headboats coming in. Anyhow, my question is were these guys in the "norm" when it comes to this type of fishing? I have no clue...never did it before. I just know that when I go through that inlet the current makes my twin 454's work hard...couldn't imagine trying to get back in a kayak with that current. What is it like? Water has to be cold!

[clutch]

were these guys in yaks?

[Jackman]

They were in something similar to what you have attached to your post. I thought it was kinda crazy, but what do I know...never did it.

[kenuloza]

Im looking forward to Yak fishing early this spring. I have neo waders (chest high)that I have used surf fishing. I was planning on buying a dry/semi-dry top such as Aqua Skinzs to wear with the waders. Is this appropriat cold water gear to wear on my yak?

[barrell]

jackman, The longer you yak fish the more you learn, the more you learn the more dificult situation you can put yourself in and deal with it. The problem is guys sometimes get to confident too soon and only realize they lost control of the situation when they are in trouble.
I started yak fishing in the late 80's and have not fallen out of my yak in over 15 years. During that period an average of 2 or 3 yak fisherman have died each year in just the northeast trying to go places and do things beyond their skill level and without being prepared for the worst.
barrell

[eelball]

Gotta agree with barrell. If i feel the least bit uncomfortable in a situation, then I get off the water. I've never dumped.

[Jackman]

Just curious. I wasn't criticizing or anything...especially since I really don't know anything about it. I just know I get the shivers when I see a guy in a yak come close to those rips in the inlet....Hell I get nervous sometimes in my own boat.

Go Luck this coming season guys. See you all on the water!

[clutch]

I gotta try that this summer can't wait!!