My Lifejacket Saved Me Today.

[senile1]

That's a good point about the neoprene dry suits.  I have thought about this but have never acted on the thought.  All it takes is one fall into cool water, when unprepared, to end one's life.  I don't like those odds.

[J Francho]

I am just poking a bit of fun, but I find it kind of funny that your profile pic shows you in a small boat with jeans and a sweatshirt (also no PFD).

 

I think it's funny that you'd compare the risk levels between kayaking in cold water/air temperatures to standing on the deck of a 22' bass boat that is clearly moored in a protected harbor.  What you can't tell from the pic is that it was taken in mid July.  I don't care if you want to call me a hypocrite, but when it comes to advice, being a moderator means I have to be very careful what I recommend.  Even though I'm just a average guy that fishes, some take our advice as gospel.

 

For the record, A-Jay's post above shows a good option.  I personally DO NOT prefer neoprene.  There are other options in material, in various price ranges.  I used to use a Palm semi dry (neoprene neck, arm, and feet instead of rubber).  Currently I'm looking at suits by Kokatat.

[Felixone]

J Francho - Like I said, I was just poking fun.  I really didn't mean to get you upset.  My apologies.

[Snakehead Whisperer]

Glad that this story has a happy ending. Thank you for sharing it so that others may learn. I am all too familiar with the dangers of going overboard. Much of the advice given in this thread is top notch. 

 

I would suggest carrying a knife that you can access quickly. You never know when it might come in handy (cut your anchor rope, etc.) It's also a good idea to have a change of clothes in a dry bag accessible anytime when the combined water and air temp is below 120F. 

[A-Jay]

I think it's funny that you'd compare the risk levels between kayaking in cold water/air temperatures to standing on the deck of a 22' bass boat that is clearly moored in a protected harbor.  What you can't tell from the pic is that it was taken in mid July.  I don't care if you want to call me a hypocrite, but when it comes to advice, being a moderator means I have to be very careful what I recommend.  Even though I'm just a average guy that fishes, some take our advice as gospel.

 

For the record, A-Jay's post above shows a good option.  I personally DO NOT prefer neoprene.  There are other options in material, in various price ranges.  I used to use a Palm semi dry (neoprene neck, arm, and feet instead of rubber).  Currently I'm looking at suits by Kokatat.

 

 

The US Coast Guard switched to these a few years ago - Great Product.

 

A-Jay

[J Francho]

They just did a demo this weekend at my local paddle shop, and I was impressed.

[Chris S]

Not to change the subject but along with a life vest in bad condition's/cold water, it surprises me how many folks don't have a ladder accessible when fishing in the cold water. I have a Lowe FM and if I don't have a ladder my fat arse aint getting back in! I know that you high dollar bass boat fellas have them built in but us low dollar guys don't. I spent $10 at Ace Hardware and made my own and it hooks around the back cleat. 

 

And for the record my avatar was taken in the parking lot  

[Brian6428]

Not to change the subject but along with a life vest in bad condition's/cold water, it surprises me how many folks don't have a ladder accessible when fishing in the cold water. I have a Lowe FM and if I don't have a ladder my fat arse aint getting back in! I know that you high dollar bass boat fellas have them built in but us low dollar guys don't. I spent $10 at Ace Hardware and made my own and it hooks around the back cleat. 

 

And for the record my avatar was taken in the parking lot

You know what I think is crazy? Those nice Nitros that DO have ladders, but are impossible to pull down! They often have a Z8 sitting out at BPS and one time I was looking at it, and in the warm, dry store I couldn't get that ladder down for the life of me. I can't imagine the difficulty of pulling them down when in cold water.

 

Also, while we're on the topic of clothing, what are some good things to keep in the boat to wear after a dunk in the water? Would I want to take off the wet clothes and change into something dry? If so, what is the best and easiest to store on a boat?

[J Francho]

Under Armour top and bottoms, and a packable rainsuit will take up the least space.  A microfiber towel is a good idea too.

[warpath58]

Wool. It retains heat even when it gets wet.

 

  I worked for the Y.M.C.A. when I was in high school and we took the kids on a canoe trip on the Spring river in AK one year, the water was higher than normal that summer. I had a young boy about 8 and very small for his age in my canoe we were both wearing our lifejackets. Even though I never wore one on that river before, I was a lifeguard and water safety instructor and a very strong swimmer. We came around a bend and had 3 choice to take where the river split, I chose the fast side the kid got scared and stopped paddling and before I knew it we had lodge against a tree that was growing out of the bank, the canoe rolled under the tree taking me with it. The next thing I know my life jacket is hung on the tree with me in it and a very strong current pushing me down, I can't get loose from the tree or get out of the jacket. So there I am stuck underwater running out of air, you know how they say your life will flash before your eyes when you are dying ? its true I remember seeing everything I had done. Somehow the kid had managed to get on the tree when the canoe rolled, I looked up and saw him standing there with tears running down his face. Finally he reached down and grabbed the collar of the jacket and pulled me up all 6'7'' 220 lbs. of me how he did it I'll never know I'm just glad he did. I am forever grateful that Eric was there. But even with that I always wear my lifejacket and my sure its connected to the kill switch.   

 

I'm glad both or stories had happy endings.

[OperationEagle]

Yes, another easy yet overlooked item to have is a set of dry clothes for these "just in case" moments.

 

I left the lake soaking in my front seat with the heater blowing on me and my wet clothes.  Better than nothing but getting the wet soaked clothes off and replaced w dry certainly would have been helpful.

 

I am taking the advice to heart and are looking at wetsuits.  The drysuits seem all to be >$500 whereas the drysuits are <$200.  If the purpose to maintain core temp as long as possible, it seems the wetsuits will do the job?

 

The drysuits might be less restrictive but a wetsuit without arms could be a good tradeoff?  Open to suggestions.

 

Lot of good discussion on this topic.  Something I hope people are internalizing.  Today now with more time to reflect, I realize how blessed I am that I had faithfully worn my PFD and others were there to assist.

[J Francho]

Here is a good article: http://www.examiner.com/article/reminder-be-safe-the-water-is-still-pretty-chilly

[Dwight Hottle]

Not to change the subject but along with a life vest in bad condition's/cold water, it surprises me how many folks don't have a ladder accessible when fishing in the cold water. I have a Lowe FM and if I don't have a ladder my fat arse aint getting back in! I know that you high dollar bass boat fellas have them built in but us low dollar guys don't. I spent $10 at Ace Hardware and made my own and it hooks around the back cleat. 

 

And for the record my avatar was taken in the parking lot

 

You can always use the motor trim switch to help get you back in the boat. Step on the lower unit & trim up. Just a thought for guys who don't have a ladder.

[Mr_Scrogg]

Did you learn to NEVER anchor like that again. I always pointed into or with when I anchored. Never cross wind and especially never with the wind pushing me over the anchor/line.

[OperationEagle]

Did you learn to NEVER anchor like that again. I always pointed into or with when I anchored. Never cross wind and especially never with the wind pushing me over the anchor/line.

I anchored on the side of the wind at first but moved my boat into position which placed me directly cross wind against the anchor line.  I will never let that happen again.

[Mr_Scrogg]

You might invest in a quick release anchor system/trolley.

Quick Release Anchor System

[Nelson Wormefeller]

I like having an anchor on the bow and stern.  When I first started I had the anchor over the side, but felt it was really unsafe in the wind and waves.

 

http://www.scotty.com/fishing-gear-equipment/fishing-supplies/anchor-lock.htm

[faygo1979]

I have been thinking about this a lot as it gets colder.  The problem is the cost of suits is crazy.  dry suits for a big guy cost as much as my kayak.

 

I have also looked at wet suites like the grizzly farmer john and think that may be an option for some.

[J Francho]

 

The problem is the cost of suits is crazy.

 

Life ain't cheap.  A wet suit doesn't sound like a terrible idea.  Thoughts on that?  A-jay?

[A-Jay]

Life ain't cheap.  A wet suit doesn't sound like a terrible idea.  Thoughts on that?  A-jay?

 

One needs to know the difference between a wet vs dry suit.

 

Wetsuits, usually made of neoprene, trap a little water between suit and skin. Your body heats up this water and keeps you warm. Drysuits feature gaskets at your wrist, neck and ankles to keep water out. A drysuit is your best bet in colder conditions.

 

While several factors will influence your choice, water temperature is the most important.   If you’re braving water in the 50s, wear a wetsuit that’s 2 to 3 millimeters. For water colder than 50 degrees, a drysuit will keep you safer and more comfortable. Remember that many water sports -- such as kayaking and canoeing -- don’t involve getting in the water. However, kayaks and canoes can flip. Prepare for immersion and dress accordingly.

 

A-Jay

[SHaugh]

I worked as a diver in Lake Michigan for years.  Hours spent in 50 degree water with just a 1/4" wetsuit bib type pants.   That will keep you alive I guarantee it...  at least for a few hours...

[A-Jay]

I worked as a diver in Lake Michigan for years.  Hours spent in 50 degree water with just a 1/4" wetsuit bib type pants.   That will keep you alive I guarantee it...  at least for a few hours...

 

 

Bibs could be better than jeans & a hoodie. -

 

But to put this in a different perspective ~ Would you use a parachute that appropriately slowed your decent for most of the fall ?

 

A-Jay

[SHaugh]

I think most people have to balance risk with factors like cost and comfort.  Just like PFDs there are adequate and best.    Bib pants are pretty comfortable and reasonably adequate.  And you can get them for like $60.    Most people would have a hard time investing in a $300 dry suit.   If you are one of those people you can get a reasonably good amount of protection from a wet suit assuming you are not testing the extremes of conditions. 

 

As you say infinitely better than jeans and a hoodie.   And If I was Kayaking in very cold water I would not go cheap.... because you will end up in the water... Kayaking should be considered swimming imo...

[J Francho]

Nonsense. I've never ended up in the water unintentionally in ten years of kayaking.

[faygo1979]

now 300 for a drysuit for my xxxl ass would be fine by me.  All the suite i see are 600+  and not really many for a big guy.