Waders VS Neoprene Pants - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

User name · 10-03-2014, 10:55 AM

I have always heard that waders can be dangerous if submerged in water. For this reason I bought some neoprene pants for cold weather. From a lot of the videos/pics I see on here it seems that most people use waders. Does anybody have any first hand experience with either of these cold weather options?

Ojos_raros · 10-03-2014, 12:15 PM

I have never liked the idea of wearing waders: they seem too warm, I don't like the booties, and the thought of those things filling up with water? Pass.

The majority of days you kayak fish are 70 degrees, no wind days in which you don't need waders. For 10 years, summer and winter, I wore surf trunks.

For the few days every year you want pants, you can get Kokatat kayak pants - they have tight neoprene at the waist and at the ankles too. The best part is that I can take off those suckers while on the kayak and throw them into the hatch. Not sure if you can do that with waders?

FISH11 · 10-03-2014, 01:01 PM

I never use wader while fishing from a kayak. It is usually warm and I don't need anything more than my bathing suit. When the weather is colder or the wind is blowing than I use a pair of kayak pants made by NRS. They have neoprene around the waist and ankles with velcro to fasten and keep the water out. They cost a lot less and as ojos-raros said they are easy to store just like a splash jacket.

Dail14 · 10-03-2014, 01:18 PM

I have used neoprene whenever I expect to be in cold water. Most of the time I just wear my board shorts since they dry pretty quickly in the socal sun. The main benefit I see for waders is that they keep your feet dry durning surf launches.

kaya_one · 10-03-2014, 01:39 PM

I cut off the legs of an old surfing full suit (rides up above my stomach) and used the legs for a year+. I now use waders. I was afraid of the waders filling with water (myth or for real??) if I took a fall in the water, and I think it is for real. There are videos out there that try to debunk the myth.

I am much more accustomed to the water these days, more accustomed to the gear, the risks, etc.
I have a routine I would go through if I had to get the waders off to re-enter the kayak.

As for why I switched?
I HATE swamp a$$, monkey butt, whatever you want to call it. Wet butt for 6+ hours isn't fun. Its nice to be dry. Yes, i am in a paddle kayak that has a well of water in it 100% of the time.

User name · 10-03-2014, 01:53 PM

It seems that I was mistaken when I thought most people wore waders when they were probably wearing kayak/paddling pants.

Is there a significant mobility difference when completely submerged between kayak/paddling pants and full neoprene pants?

I bought neoprene pants last October. With the warm socal weather I haven’t felt the need to use them, even in the rain. I was just curious after watching the kayak rescue video.

kentobin · 10-03-2014, 10:21 PM

They sell belts for waders that you put around the wader at chest level to stop the water from getting in. I have one but have never been in a situation to see how well it would work as I just use it for surf fishing.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabel...h-All+Products

If you 'accidentally' tip over and your wader fills with water you may not sink but you also won't be able get back on/in your kayak. Saltwater weighs 8.5 lbs per gallon and I have no idea how many gallons a wader can hold. :-)

Normally I just use a farmer john. Easy to pull down if I start overheating.

steveooo · 10-03-2014, 10:38 PM

Jim Sammons made a nice video a few years back regarding the "waders of death" myth.

alanw · 10-04-2014, 12:19 AM

I use neoprene shorts under my board shorts sometimes in summer, and waders when it's colder (wintertime). Get breathable waders, they aren't hot at all. It's amazing how comfortable you can be all day while staying dry with waders. Neoprene.. different story. Not uncomfortable, and better than sitting in a puddle all day, but you are always wet inside... like kaya said, Monkey Butt. But they give some nice warmth that lets me stay out for hours comfortably all day and into the evenings.

pbb · 10-04-2014, 09:24 AM

The potential problem with wader is not so much that they will pull you to the bottom, but that they make it hard to get back aboard.

Has anyone tried waterproof pants that don't seal at the bottom to prevent wet butt? I'm thinking along the lines of Grundens. Seems like the biggest issue might be getting water inside during a surf launch, that would then pool in your seat and give you the same problem.

old_rookie · 10-04-2014, 08:50 PM

I started wearing waders - but when it was time to empty the bladder - it was a pain. Someone told me about watching someone trying to launch at LJ. It was a bigger surf day and the story teller said her and her friend had decided not to go. The guy trying to launch flipped, was wearing waders, and had a hard time getting out of the surf. They noticed him having so much trouble and went in to pull him out. After that I decided to get the Kokatat pants. I've wiped out a number of times with them and it is way easier when nature calls. I wear them all year - yeah, even when it is hot because I don't want to get fried by the sun, and in cooler temps, I get cold easy once I get wet from launching. Underneath I'll either have swim shorts, or warm up pants.

YakDout · 10-06-2014, 01:20 PM

You were about 5 of 5 wrong in your "assumptions" since I'm guessing you don't own one.

It can surf, not as well as other kayaks but I've never flipped in surf.

Apparently it fills with water when it flips? Not sure how since all the hatches are the same as other boats if not better? Not sure where you're getting that info.

Can't remount? I've practiced with no problems at all. Not sure where that one comes from either.

Can't move it? Wrong again. Never had anyone help me load or wheel my kayak to the beach. No problem at all. Just takes practice

Drive breaking? If you take care of your stuff and are ready with spare parts should be no problem. I'm not saying I want to paddle it, but I haven't really had to yet.

Hit the nail on the head when you said lounge seat though.

As far as saying it's not ocean worthy? Have you ever been on one in the ocean, because for me personally, the most stable kayak I have owned.

chris138 · 10-06-2014, 01:37 PM

You're right I don't own one as I would never spend that kind of money on a kayak, especially a turd like that.

I'm mostly referring the recent videos and testimonies in which one of our own comrades nearly died for one simple reason, a poor design.

But i guess if you have $4000 to spend on a kayak, losing a couple grand in gear at the launch doesn't seem that bad.

YakDout · 10-06-2014, 02:29 PM

Hey my kayak is white not brown, you can't call it a turd. And I'm sure people have almost died on the kayak that you own also. It's just that they only made 10 of that crappy design so that's why people don't post it. 😉

chris138 · 10-06-2014, 04:09 PM

ya ya... i shouldn't be bad mouthing the PA. My x-factor is kind of a turd too... but i can still get it inthe barrel

Maybe I'm just jealous because I cant afford one hahaha

But still that video was a real eye opener. The waders were very obviously the least of tony's concerns.

YakDout · 10-06-2014, 04:37 PM

Well you definitely won't see be barreling my PA 14 anytime soon. I have to admit my revo was much less intimidating and much more fun in the surf zone. But since I spend 95% of my day past the surf zone, it's ok. Back to the wader problem. I knew a guy who flipped on a kayak with waders. He was out alone and his waders filled up with water and he almost drowned. Personally if it is summer time I'm trunkin it and winter time wearing dry pants and dry jacket.

10-03-2014, 10:55 AM	#1
User name Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 42	Waders VS Neoprene Pants I have always heard that waders can be dangerous if submerged in water. For this reason I bought some neoprene pants for cold weather. From a lot of the videos/pics I see on here it seems that most people use waders. Does anybody have any first hand experience with either of these cold weather options?

10-03-2014, 12:15 PM	#2
Ojos_raros Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Santa Barbara Posts: 124	I have never liked the idea of wearing waders: they seem too warm, I don't like the booties, and the thought of those things filling up with water? Pass. The majority of days you kayak fish are 70 degrees, no wind days in which you don't need waders. For 10 years, summer and winter, I wore surf trunks. For the few days every year you want pants, you can get Kokatat kayak pants - they have tight neoprene at the waist and at the ankles too. The best part is that I can take off those suckers while on the kayak and throw them into the hatch. Not sure if you can do that with waders? __________________ Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment -Buddha

10-03-2014, 01:01 PM	#3
FISH11 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Pine Valley when not fishing La Jolla Posts: 2,643	I never use wader while fishing from a kayak. It is usually warm and I don't need anything more than my bathing suit. When the weather is colder or the wind is blowing than I use a pair of kayak pants made by NRS. They have neoprene around the waist and ankles with velcro to fasten and keep the water out. They cost a lot less and as ojos-raros said they are easy to store just like a splash jacket. __________________ MARK ......... 2016 MALIBU X FACTOR, 2020 SOLO SKIFF (Fishing Kayak on Steroids )

10-04-2014, 12:19 AM	#9
alanw Made in U.S.A. Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dana Point Posts: 1,625	I use neoprene shorts under my board shorts sometimes in summer, and waders when it's colder (wintertime). Get breathable waders, they aren't hot at all. It's amazing how comfortable you can be all day while staying dry with waders. Neoprene.. different story. Not uncomfortable, and better than sitting in a puddle all day, but you are always wet inside... like kaya said, Monkey Butt. But they give some nice warmth that lets me stay out for hours comfortably all day and into the evenings. __________________ Hobie PA 14 ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Jackson Kraken ¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Malibu X-Factor ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Malibu Stealth-12 ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Its not a spelling B its a fishing B ~yakjoe

10-04-2014, 09:24 AM	#10
pbb Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 149	The potential problem with wader is not so much that they will pull you to the bottom, but that they make it hard to get back aboard. Has anyone tried waterproof pants that don't seal at the bottom to prevent wet butt? I'm thinking along the lines of Grundens. Seems like the biggest issue might be getting water inside during a surf launch, that would then pool in your seat and give you the same problem. __________________ 2008 Olive Hobie Revolution 13

10-03-2014, 01:18 PM	#4
Dail14 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 123	I have used neoprene whenever I expect to be in cold water. Most of the time I just wear my board shorts since they dry pretty quickly in the socal sun. The main benefit I see for waders is that they keep your feet dry durning surf launches.

10-03-2014, 01:39 PM	#5
kaya_one Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Encinitas Posts: 257	I cut off the legs of an old surfing full suit (rides up above my stomach) and used the legs for a year+. I now use waders. I was afraid of the waders filling with water (myth or for real??) if I took a fall in the water, and I think it is for real. There are videos out there that try to debunk the myth. I am much more accustomed to the water these days, more accustomed to the gear, the risks, etc. I have a routine I would go through if I had to get the waders off to re-enter the kayak. As for why I switched? I HATE swamp a$$, monkey butt, whatever you want to call it. Wet butt for 6+ hours isn't fun. Its nice to be dry. Yes, i am in a paddle kayak that has a well of water in it 100% of the time.

10-03-2014, 01:53 PM	#6
User name Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 42	It seems that I was mistaken when I thought most people wore waders when they were probably wearing kayak/paddling pants. Is there a significant mobility difference when completely submerged between kayak/paddling pants and full neoprene pants? I bought neoprene pants last October. With the warm socal weather I haven’t felt the need to use them, even in the rain. I was just curious after watching the kayak rescue video.

10-03-2014, 10:21 PM	#7
kentobin Junior Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2	They sell belts for waders that you put around the wader at chest level to stop the water from getting in. I have one but have never been in a situation to see how well it would work as I just use it for surf fishing. http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabel...h-All+Products If you 'accidentally' tip over and your wader fills with water you may not sink but you also won't be able get back on/in your kayak. Saltwater weighs 8.5 lbs per gallon and I have no idea how many gallons a wader can hold. :-) Normally I just use a farmer john. Easy to pull down if I start overheating.

10-03-2014, 10:38 PM	#8
steveooo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,921	Jim Sammons made a nice video a few years back regarding the "waders of death" myth.

10-04-2014, 08:50 PM	#11
old_rookie Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Santee Posts: 904	I started wearing waders - but when it was time to empty the bladder - it was a pain. Someone told me about watching someone trying to launch at LJ. It was a bigger surf day and the story teller said her and her friend had decided not to go. The guy trying to launch flipped, was wearing waders, and had a hard time getting out of the surf. They noticed him having so much trouble and went in to pull him out. After that I decided to get the Kokatat pants. I've wiped out a number of times with them and it is way easier when nature calls. I wear them all year - yeah, even when it is hot because I don't want to get fried by the sun, and in cooler temps, I get cold easy once I get wet from launching. Underneath I'll either have swim shorts, or warm up pants.

10-06-2014, 01:20 PM	#12
YakDout Brandon Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,345	You were about 5 of 5 wrong in your "assumptions" since I'm guessing you don't own one. It can surf, not as well as other kayaks but I've never flipped in surf. Apparently it fills with water when it flips? Not sure how since all the hatches are the same as other boats if not better? Not sure where you're getting that info. Can't remount? I've practiced with no problems at all. Not sure where that one comes from either. Can't move it? Wrong again. Never had anyone help me load or wheel my kayak to the beach. No problem at all. Just takes practice Drive breaking? If you take care of your stuff and are ready with spare parts should be no problem. I'm not saying I want to paddle it, but I haven't really had to yet. Hit the nail on the head when you said lounge seat though. As far as saying it's not ocean worthy? Have you ever been on one in the ocean, because for me personally, the most stable kayak I have owned.

10-06-2014, 01:37 PM	#13
chris138 donkey roper Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Pacific Beach Posts: 968	You're right I don't own one as I would never spend that kind of money on a kayak, especially a turd like that. I'm mostly referring the recent videos and testimonies in which one of our own comrades nearly died for one simple reason, a poor design. But i guess if you have $4000 to spend on a kayak, losing a couple grand in gear at the launch doesn't seem that bad.

10-06-2014, 02:29 PM	#14
YakDout Brandon Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,345	Hey my kayak is white not brown, you can't call it a turd. And I'm sure people have almost died on the kayak that you own also. It's just that they only made 10 of that crappy design so that's why people don't post it. 😉

10-06-2014, 04:09 PM	#15
chris138 donkey roper Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Pacific Beach Posts: 968	ya ya... i shouldn't be bad mouthing the PA. My x-factor is kind of a turd too... but i can still get it inthe barrel Maybe I'm just jealous because I cant afford one hahaha But still that video was a real eye opener. The waders were very obviously the least of tony's concerns.

10-06-2014, 04:37 PM	#16
YakDout Brandon Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,345	Well you definitely won't see be barreling my PA 14 anytime soon. I have to admit my revo was much less intimidating and much more fun in the surf zone. But since I spend 95% of my day past the surf zone, it's ok. Back to the wader problem. I knew a guy who flipped on a kayak with waders. He was out alone and his waders filled up with water and he almost drowned. Personally if it is summer time I'm trunkin it and winter time wearing dry pants and dry jacket.