killer waders?

Water-filled waders won't drag you to the bottom, much less "like an anchor." The water inside your waders has the same density as the water outside; it doesn't magically get heavier and pull you under. From the standpoint of buoyancy, it's neutral, not negative. Not to say they don't inhibit movement but you cannot attribute a drowning solely to the waders as most people do in that situation. I see people literally scaring people out of buying and using them by spreading this fear that waders will kill you if you fall in, not the case.

But it is a lot harder to climb back into your kayak, or climb up on shore, if your waders contain much water.

But it is a lot harder to climb back into your kayak, or climb up on shore, if your waders contain much water.

Thats very true

If you wear waders, wear the belt snug.  Practice self rescue so you can quickly re-enter your boat.  No problems with this setup.

Water-filled waders won't drag you to the bottom, much less "like an anchor." The water inside your waders has the same density as the water outside; it doesn't magically get heavier and pull you under. From the standpoint of buoyancy, it's neutral, not negative. Not to say they don't inhibit movement but you cannot attribute a drowning solely to the waders as most people do in that situation. I see people literally scaring people out of buying and using them by spreading this fear that waders will kill you if you fall in, not the case.

Most people don't ever practice self rescue or know about wading belts, so for most people, waders are not a safe option.  If they do know, then they know that waders, when used properly, are ok.  But that's just the thing, they are "ok" at best.  You fall in with waders on and you'll probably be fine, but you're probably going to be wet too, and unless it's august, your day is likely over.

Thanks for the CNN fear style subject line.

Jim Sammons did a video testing out waders in a pool.  I'd be surprised if it wasn't already posted on here somewhere. 

I believe a lot of the fear stems from the history that waders have been heavily used in river situations. For me, fly fishing comes to mind. I have fallen with waders on, in a river, and it *did* drag me down faster than I could think. Not because of the density of water, but rather because the current caught the top of my waders and drug me into the hole directly downstream; much like a kite catching the wind. It was very scary.

I have used waders (+drytop) on my kayak and felt fine, but there are much more comfortable & safer options out there.

You fall in with waders on and you'll probably be fine, but you're probably going to be wet too, and unless it's august, your day is likely over.

That's exactly the problem I have with the anti-wader people: In my mind there is a massive difference between "this system is unsafe" and "you're going home early." But most people don't draw a distinction.

As mentioned before, some people in waders aren't utilizing them properly via wading belt and many haven't practiced self-rescue. A 21-year old fisherman drowned a few months back in snohomish county, wearing only waders, and wasn't able to get back on his inflatable. I know there's a correlation/causation? element to this, but all things being equal there are safer options available.

As mentioned before, some people in waders aren't utilizing them properly via wading belt and many haven't practiced self-rescue. A 21-year old fisherman drowned a few months back in snohomish county, wearing only waders, and wasn't able to get back on his inflatable. I know there's a correlation/causation? element to this, but all things being equal there are safer options available.

I'm not sure people who don't use their equipment properly and don't practice self-rescue are going to be "safe" anyway. That said, your point stands: A drysuit (for example) is more idiot-proof and beginner-friendly than waders.

I don't really have a horse in this race. I've got a drysuit, I use it most days. Some days I use my waders. Some days I go out on the river... with no immersion gear on! Shocking, I know. I'm basically the Vin Diesel of kayak fishing: I live my life one quarter of a degree of water temperature at a time!

[I'm basically the Vin Diesel of kayak fishing: I live my life one quarter of a degree of water temperature at a time!

Lmao that's funn right there

As mentioned before, some people in waders aren't utilizing them properly via wading belt and many haven't practiced self-rescue. A 21-year old fisherman drowned a few months back in snohomish county, wearing only waders, and wasn't able to get back on his inflatable. I know there's a correlation/causation? element to this, but all things being equal there are safer options available.

I'm not sure people who don't use their equipment properly and don't practice self-rescue are going to be "safe" anyway. That said, your point stands: A drysuit (for example) is more idiot-proof and beginner-friendly than waders.

I don't really have a horse in this race. I've got a drysuit, I use it most days. Some days I use my waders. Some days I go out on the river... with no immersion gear on! Shocking, I know. I'm basically the Vin Diesel of kayak fishing: I live my life one quarter of a degree of water temperature at a time!

"I'm not sure people who don't use their equipment properly and don't practice self-rescue are going to be "safe" anyway." - good point

There are many factors that go into being safe, the largest factor being using what is between your ears well.

No gear is foolproof. A month or two after I joined the forum, an experienced member posted that he was selling his kayak and every bit of gear that he owned. It turned out that he nearly drowned in the surf at (I believe) Hobuk when he huli'ed and took on water in his drysuit because he hadn't closed his relief zipper. I recall several other members here finding out their relief zipper wasn't fully closed when they got immersed, too. I know my wader/drytop combo is not completely waterproof, and have no illusions about the relatively safety or lack of safety that it gives me. I make my decisions on whether or not to venture out accordingly.   

There are many factors that go into being safe, the largest factor being using what is between your ears well.

No gear is foolproof. A month or two after I joined the forum, an experienced member posted that he was selling his kayak and every bit of gear that he owned. It turned out that he nearly drowned in the surf at (I believe) Hobuk when he huli'ed and took on water in his drysuit because he hadn't closed his relief zipper. I recall several other members here finding out their relief zipper wasn't fully closed when they got immersed, too. I know my wader/drytop combo is not completely waterproof, and have no illusions about the relatively safety or lack of safety that it gives me. I make my decisions on whether or not to venture out accordingly.   

True Story.  I own his boots.

That Jim Sammons video is misleading. Not his fault. But try putting on a sweatshirt and coat and try hopping back in.  I got all my clothes wet and weighed them. 50 extra pounds. Hope you can hop in with that additional weight. I couldn't.

My experience here:
http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/articles/139-kayak-fishing-how-to-articles/1676-qwaders-of-deathq-another-perspective.html