KOBnCO
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Registered: 07-2005
Location: Croydon, Vic
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What to wear while yaking in cold water?
Hi guys,
Currently I have a SIT yak (Dagger Discovery), I have found it to be a good craft for paddling. However over the last few days after reading this forum and others overseas I have seen how versatile and more suitable a SOT yak will be for fishing (which is my primary objective).
Therefore I think that I will be looking at changing over to something like the Perception Swing.
Anyway my question relates to suitable clothing for venturing out into cold waters such as PPB in winter. I am concerned about not only staying comfortably warm but not taking a dip in the sea and having adverse effects from the cold especially if a fair way offshore.
The SIT Discovery was quite warm especially with a spray skirt. With a SIT craft I expect more protection will be required. By the way how difficult is it to get back onboard a SOT after going overboard in deep water? I know with the Discovery it is damm hard.
I'm not that keen on a wetsuit, and you really have to get wet to make them effective. I've read that neoprene waders with a warm and waterproof top is good (even a drytop with seals on the neck, wrists and waist is useful).
Appreciate any advice on the above.
I live in Melbourne so I look forward to seeing other yakfishers out on the water.
Cheers,
Kevin (KOBnCo)
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12/Jul/2005, 11:13 pm
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The Mariner
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Location: Adelaide, Australia
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Re: What to wear while yaking in cold water?
Welcome to the forum Kevin 
I use a wetsuit (farmer john style with long legs, no arms, velcro shoulder straps & a front fly zipper) and have found it very effective & not expensive. Being in Adelaide I don't come across the same cold conditions as Melbourne but over the last few weeks we have gone close I reckon 
quote:
you really have to get wet to make them effective.
Which is exactly why I wear one. It keeps me warm enough under normal conditions but I know if I end up in the water it'll offer good protection against hypothermia. If it gets especially cold or wet I have a size XXXL sprayjacket I pull on over my PFD & it keeps the wind off, the water out & me warm.
I don't like the idea of waders in case they fill up, don't drain through the feet fast enough & drag me down. Waders & a decent dry top costs a lot more than a wetsuit anyway.
As far as a wet re-entry is concerned, it's not difficult but there is a technique & it is easier if you can practice it. I came across this page of instructions & photos today over at the KFS forum.
There's a lot of good kayak fishos in Melbourne who I'm sure will welcome you with open arms.
Hope this helps...
By the way, so we can help get to know you better would you please include your location (just a general one, not your full street address) into your profile so we can all see where you are from whenever you make a post. Instructions on how to do this are in the 'help' area.
--- Regards,
Phil.
Forum Administrator.
Visit www.hookedonkayaks.com.au for kayaks and kayak fishing accessories. |
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12/Jul/2005, 11:54 pm
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KOBnCO
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Registered: 07-2005
Location: Croydon, Vic
Posts: 22
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Re: What to wear while yaking in cold water?
Phil,
That was a fast response. Thanks for all the info and welcome. I'll give the wetsuit a go, as you say it's not a huge cost compared to the other options.
Seeing how the SOT can be reentered from the side is another reason to switch from the SIT. The SIT requires the straddle from the end method.
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13/Jul/2005, 5:58 pm
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The Mariner
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Location: Adelaide, Australia
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Re: What to wear while yaking in cold water?
You are welcome 
--- Regards,
Phil.
Forum Administrator.
Visit www.hookedonkayaks.com.au for kayaks and kayak fishing accessories. |
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14/Jul/2005, 9:37 am
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