Safety problem!!?? neoprene waders pro and cons

[Steelebob]

My question is; are neoprene wader inherently enough of a safety problem to warrant not using them?
A couple of years ago I fell in SR in November with 5mm (I believe) neoprenes. They kept me well afloat for the few hundred feet I was pulled down stream.
What I found was that I had no ability to get my feet down to stop my momention(sp) and my weight was such that I couldn't swim sideways to get to shore. I had no belt to keep the water from coming in the top, but that would have made me even more buoyant I believe…
I had to roll my body (like I was in a barrel) toward shore to get out of the main current.

Bob

[JeffL]

A wading belt is probably the most important piece of equipment one can have on the river. I would rather be boyant than pinned under water.

[Ditchrat]

My question is; are neoprene wader inherently enough of a safety problem to warrant not using them?
A couple of years ago I fell in SR in November with 5mm (I believe) neoprenes. They kept me well afloat for the few hundred feet I was pulled down stream.
What I found was that I had no ability to get my feet down to stop my momention(sp) and my weight was such that I couldn't swim sideways to get to shore. I had no belt to keep the water from coming in the top, but that would have made me even more buoyant I believe…
I had to roll my body (like I was in a barrel) toward shore to get out of the main current.

Bob
Neoprenes will float you down stream like a cork. This may save you, but it also doesnt allow you to get your feet back on the bottom.
I wont wear them just for this reason. Wading belts are the best option to let you not fill with water but still be able to get those feet down.

[Beards247]

Never thought about that... neo's would make it tough to put your feet down..

[Eric**]

I would think any type of wader would cause your legs to be float due to to the trapping of air.

I think the safety of neopremes is that they insulate better then any other type of wader, especially so when the proper clothing is worn under. After a spill into the river in cold weather I assume this alone could be a blessing due to the effects of hypothermia.

[soloartist]

neoprene also accentuates your finer parts and curves.

[RickW]

neoprene also accentuates your finer parts and curves.

LAMO, some people should not wear neoprene waders, wet suits or spandex :eek:
I include myself in that category.

[Flythrower]

neoprene also accentuates your finer parts and curves.



LMAO!!...Nothing beats watching a 300 lber trying to get into a pair of neoprenes at 6 am!!!!..Good times!! :D :D :D

[Bluefin]

Can't stand wearing neo's. Not only do you feel like you are stuffed into a sausage casing...but you look like you are stuffed into a sausage casing. I think I have worn my neo's twice maybe 3 times out of dire necessity. They are okay if you don't move around a lot but I like to get away from people and do a lot of walking. Breathables with properly layered clothing underneath are definately the way to go. If you are wading deep enough that you can't get your feet down if you take a spill, you are standing where you should be fishing. I have never had to wade any deeper than my knees to find fish in any water up there. If I need to cross, I never cross in water deeper than my knees, there's no need to.

[JStreamside]

...korkers or studded (metal) sole foot gear, a wading staff, polaroids and a good wading belt. If you want to go one step further...there are a host of pfd's that can be worn without hindering movement or comfort. A few extra $$$ spent should not be remotely a consideration where your safety (or life) is concerned.

[RickW]

Can't stand wearing neo's. Not only do you feel like you are stuffed into a sausage casing...but you look like you are stuffed into a sausage casing. I think I have worn my neo's twice maybe 3 times out of dire necessity. They are okay if you don't move around a lot but I like to get away from people and do a lot of walking. Breathables with properly layered clothing underneath are definately the way to go. If you are wading deep enough that you can't get your feet down if you take a spill, you are standing where you should be fishing. I have never had to wade any deeper than my knees to find fish in any water up there. If I need to cross, I never cross in water deeper than my knees, there's no need to.


One of the best posts I've seen on the subject. I see sooo many people standing where they should be fishing. Last month there were a couple of folks wading up to their arm-pits to fish paradise pool.

[Proper Drift]

Im one of those 280 pounders and it is fun at 6:00 in the morning especially when the neo's are wet from the day before. lol
i tried camo ones to break up my figure a bit, didnt work, i just had birds land on me was all. My wife says black is slimming so i might try those next

[ecsteelheader]

LMAO!!...Nothing beats watching a 300 lber trying to get into a pair of neoprenes at 6 am!!!!..Good times!! :D :D :D


Friggin sucks i'll tell ya...lol......Actually mine go on easy...>))>

[wvboy]

I use to be whitewater kayaker and can speak from experience. I swam a couple of times through Class IV rapids on solo trips and Im still here to give some advice.

Floating is a good thing!!!

Putting feet down to try to stop from going down river = one less SR fisherman! Dont do that guys cause you will die.

Proper swimming:

1. Dont PANIC
2. Point feet downstream, toes up to the sky
3. Use your arms as a rudder and guide yourself towards the bank

Id say neoprene is a good thing. Its tight enough that if you went for a lil dunking you rarely get wet. It will also keep you warm if you did go for a swim in middle of winter and you had a good hike back to the truck.And if it floats you like a cork.....U better be appreciative!!

[albiechaser]

My question is; are neoprene wader inherently enough of a safety problem to warrant not using them?
A couple of years ago I fell in SR in November with 5mm (I believe) neoprenes. They kept me well afloat for the few hundred feet I was pulled down stream.
What I found was that I had no ability to get my feet down to stop my momention(sp) and my weight was such that I couldn't swim sideways to get to shore. I had no belt to keep the water from coming in the top, but that would have made me even more buoyant I believe…
I had to roll my body (like I was in a barrel) toward shore to get out of the main current.

Bob

good topic, the best thing todo is where a belt,
if you do go down, ride it out, never try and get up in that fast water, it'll pull you right down, if you sit down in the water with your feet up pointing down river, you'll survive, scary stuff, you best respect this river.