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do you wear a PFD?
- Thread starter C&R
- Start date
Petergoodman
Just finished a River Runs Through it!
In salt, yes. Not on stream, but I do always have a wading staff, and don't take too many chances.
jmoser
Paradise on the West Branch
I bought an inflatable CO2 vest from Cabelas - it comes in a small velcro pouch with a belt. About the size of a large soup can, very lightweight. If conditions dictate and/or I am alone in unfamiliar area I wear it for sure. Pull the lanyard and the vest pops out tethered on with a cord. You do have to grab it and hang on or slip it over your head.
Other styles you wear like suspenders, not sure how they would work under waders with a belt cinched tight around your chest.
If the wader companies want a winner they need to make breathable chest waders with a built in CO2 vest/belt.
Remember that even mid-day in August WB water temps can be in the high 40s during major releases.
Other styles you wear like suspenders, not sure how they would work under waders with a belt cinched tight around your chest.
If the wader companies want a winner they need to make breathable chest waders with a built in CO2 vest/belt.
Remember that even mid-day in August WB water temps can be in the high 40s during major releases.
theartoflee
Anadromous Angler
C&R said:
C&R is that a file format...
No really... the answers no.
Pete
Trout Hunter
While boots filled with air will be more boyant, boots filled with water are NOT LIKE ANCHORS. The reporter who compared water filled waders to anchors must have slept through high school physics (maybe that's why he's a reporter instead of a scientist or an engineer).
The water inside the boot is the same specific gravity as the water outside the boot. The boyancy of water filled waders is neutral. A PFD will work just as well as it would if you were not wearing waders. Although bulky water filled waders may slow down your attempts to swim, you body will be just as boyant as usual.
Having said that:
I always wear a PFD in a boat. While wading I rely on a wading staff and a lot of caution...I always wear a belt while wading. It's an excellent place to hang your wading staff.
The water inside the boot is the same specific gravity as the water outside the boot. The boyancy of water filled waders is neutral. A PFD will work just as well as it would if you were not wearing waders. Although bulky water filled waders may slow down your attempts to swim, you body will be just as boyant as usual.
Having said that:
I always wear a PFD in a boat. While wading I rely on a wading staff and a lot of caution...I always wear a belt while wading. It's an excellent place to hang your wading staff.
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Eagle Claw
Trout Hunter
I have an old Orvis inflatable vest that I do not like in the summer because it is hot to wear with the flotation bladder inside the vest lining, I may rethink using it if the situation dictates extra caution.
Big_Spinner
Trout Hunter
Hi,
Some experience here.
When I took my water safety class to get a guides license in New York State I took a pair of canvas, boot foot, chest waders to the pool. I jumped in the deep end with them on and Pete is exactly right. I could float and get them off or swim awkwardly around the pool. Now, this was a pool with no current and lots of help around, so panic was not a factor.
National Park Service will soon have the regulation to require PFD wear while using the river. I am not sure if that includes swimming and fishing or just boating. As I understand it, the park superintendant will have the ability to decide to what extent this is put in place for the particular park.
I wonder if the one on the belt would qualify as "wearing"?
Be careful in high water and low water. A slip on a rock in low water can do serious damage to body parts.
Jim
Some experience here.
When I took my water safety class to get a guides license in New York State I took a pair of canvas, boot foot, chest waders to the pool. I jumped in the deep end with them on and Pete is exactly right. I could float and get them off or swim awkwardly around the pool. Now, this was a pool with no current and lots of help around, so panic was not a factor.
National Park Service will soon have the regulation to require PFD wear while using the river. I am not sure if that includes swimming and fishing or just boating. As I understand it, the park superintendant will have the ability to decide to what extent this is put in place for the particular park.
I wonder if the one on the belt would qualify as "wearing"?
Be careful in high water and low water. A slip on a rock in low water can do serious damage to body parts.
Jim
Saltwater flyfishing off rocks or jetties and also when wading flats with significant tide changes, I will where a pfd. Ever wade the Reef in CT at night?
Ive gone under in my waders, never had a problem besides wet clothes. I where Dan Baileys and the belt around the waste pretty much stops any water from rushing down the leg.
One regulation with boaters that cracks me up is you have to have a life jacket on a boat while floating on the Delaware system. If you go overboard, while your going over, are you going to take the bungee straps off the life jacket? or remove it from storage? Kind of a senseless regulation unless you are wearing it.
Ive gone under in my waders, never had a problem besides wet clothes. I where Dan Baileys and the belt around the waste pretty much stops any water from rushing down the leg.
One regulation with boaters that cracks me up is you have to have a life jacket on a boat while floating on the Delaware system. If you go overboard, while your going over, are you going to take the bungee straps off the life jacket? or remove it from storage? Kind of a senseless regulation unless you are wearing it.
Real world
OK, here's a story I cringe at telling, but maybe it will prevent something bad from happening to someone else:
Kayaking in a saltwater bay situation, Grey November skies, slight chop in the bay, air temps: mid-50's, water temps: low 50's.
It's a sit-in kayak and yes, I'm wearing waders (Dan Bailey), but I have on a top-quality PFD (not inflatable) and I've been kayaking in salt a couple years (at the time) and have been in some slop so I have certain amount of confidence. Maybe too much.
I paddle out to a rip I know, because I know the fish are going to be there. As usual, I'm trolling a deceiver, because it's a great way to find the fish. Sure enough, I hit the rip and Bam! Rod's bent and drag is going. As I turn behind me to get the rod, the yak turns sideways against the chop and next thing I know, I'm in the water.
I'll finish the rest later, but in a nutshell: I wound up swimming about a hundred yards in my waders. Lost the rod, reel and fish, and was seriously taken down a notch as an outdoorsman. :bawling:
It was very much a "life-threatening" situation. Important lessons:
1) Waders do not immediately fill with water if you've got your belts tight
2) Panic is the enemy when you're in the water
3) Yes you can swim in waders if you have a PFD
4) Don't wear waders in a kayak
5) It pays to be in respectable physical condition in this outdoor game. I swam a good hundred yards in 50 degree water and was in the water a good 20 mins altogether.
6) Don't just tread water and "wait" for help, if you can see land, SWIM!!!
OK, here's a story I cringe at telling, but maybe it will prevent something bad from happening to someone else:
Kayaking in a saltwater bay situation, Grey November skies, slight chop in the bay, air temps: mid-50's, water temps: low 50's.
It's a sit-in kayak and yes, I'm wearing waders (Dan Bailey), but I have on a top-quality PFD (not inflatable) and I've been kayaking in salt a couple years (at the time) and have been in some slop so I have certain amount of confidence. Maybe too much.
I paddle out to a rip I know, because I know the fish are going to be there. As usual, I'm trolling a deceiver, because it's a great way to find the fish. Sure enough, I hit the rip and Bam! Rod's bent and drag is going. As I turn behind me to get the rod, the yak turns sideways against the chop and next thing I know, I'm in the water.
I'll finish the rest later, but in a nutshell: I wound up swimming about a hundred yards in my waders. Lost the rod, reel and fish, and was seriously taken down a notch as an outdoorsman. :bawling:
It was very much a "life-threatening" situation. Important lessons:
1) Waders do not immediately fill with water if you've got your belts tight
2) Panic is the enemy when you're in the water
3) Yes you can swim in waders if you have a PFD
4) Don't wear waders in a kayak
5) It pays to be in respectable physical condition in this outdoor game. I swam a good hundred yards in 50 degree water and was in the water a good 20 mins altogether.
6) Don't just tread water and "wait" for help, if you can see land, SWIM!!!
I'd like to correct #4, waders in combination with a dry top are VERY useful
for kayaking in cold water. better yet would be a dry suit.
Also with #6, if you are with your kayak and it's bouyant it is NOT recommended
that you leave it. although you made it, more people have survived by staying
with their water craft than trying to swim. Obviously, this is dependent
on the situation, your ability to swim, and actual KNOWN distance to shore.
" DATE: June 04, 2006 16:25:24 EST
Document Number: 655
First District Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard
New Press Release Logo
Press Release
Date: June 4, 2006
Contact: PA3 Lauren Downs
(617) 823-4207
COAST GUARD RESCUES TWO KAYAKERS
BOSTON - A Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, HH-60 helicopter crew rescued two kayakers from the waters south of Plum Island about 1:30 p.m. today.
Keith Attenborugh of Marlboro, Mass., contacted the Coast Guard about 11 a.m. via VHF channel 16 on a hand-held radio, stating that he and John Raleigh of Newburyport, Mass., were in separate kayaks when they got caught in a rip current, which caused their kayaks to flip, leaving them in the water. Both men were wearing dry suits and life jackets. One kayak got away from them, but they were able to climb on top of the other overturned one and launch a flair to indicate their position.
A 47-foot Coast Guard rescue boat from Station Merrimack River was deployed, along with another 47-foot Coast Guard rescue boat from Station Gloucester and an HH-60 helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod.
Due to shallow water, the rescue boats could not reach Attenborugh and Raleigh, so the helicopter crew hoisted them from the water, and transported them to Plum Island Airport where there was an ambulance waiting. They declined medical attention, but both were reported in good condition.
"The four attributing factors to these men surviving were the life jackets and dry suits they were wearing, in addition to the flares and hand-held VHF radio they had on board," said Lt. Greg Callaghan, Coast Guard Sector Boston duty officer.
The second kayak was pulled from the water by local police.
Editor's Note: Photos from the rescue can be obtained by calling Petty Officer Downs at (617) 823-4207."
that all said, I have not worn a pfd while wading, but always wear a belt
just another point on this, the danger with water in waders are 2 fold (among others):
1. your feet are not bouyant and in a river sitation this may cause you to get hung up under water from deadfalls / sweepers or rocks, rather than having your feet ride on the surface.
2. more applicable on jetties than a river, but I could see it happening if trying to get on a rock out of current... the water in your waders will prevent you from getting OUT of the water because of the 7lbs per gallon extra weight in your legs.
for kayaking in cold water. better yet would be a dry suit.
Also with #6, if you are with your kayak and it's bouyant it is NOT recommended
that you leave it. although you made it, more people have survived by staying
with their water craft than trying to swim. Obviously, this is dependent
on the situation, your ability to swim, and actual KNOWN distance to shore.
" DATE: June 04, 2006 16:25:24 EST
Document Number: 655
First District Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard
New Press Release Logo
Press Release
Date: June 4, 2006
Contact: PA3 Lauren Downs
(617) 823-4207
COAST GUARD RESCUES TWO KAYAKERS
BOSTON - A Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, HH-60 helicopter crew rescued two kayakers from the waters south of Plum Island about 1:30 p.m. today.
Keith Attenborugh of Marlboro, Mass., contacted the Coast Guard about 11 a.m. via VHF channel 16 on a hand-held radio, stating that he and John Raleigh of Newburyport, Mass., were in separate kayaks when they got caught in a rip current, which caused their kayaks to flip, leaving them in the water. Both men were wearing dry suits and life jackets. One kayak got away from them, but they were able to climb on top of the other overturned one and launch a flair to indicate their position.
A 47-foot Coast Guard rescue boat from Station Merrimack River was deployed, along with another 47-foot Coast Guard rescue boat from Station Gloucester and an HH-60 helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod.
Due to shallow water, the rescue boats could not reach Attenborugh and Raleigh, so the helicopter crew hoisted them from the water, and transported them to Plum Island Airport where there was an ambulance waiting. They declined medical attention, but both were reported in good condition.
"The four attributing factors to these men surviving were the life jackets and dry suits they were wearing, in addition to the flares and hand-held VHF radio they had on board," said Lt. Greg Callaghan, Coast Guard Sector Boston duty officer.
The second kayak was pulled from the water by local police.
Editor's Note: Photos from the rescue can be obtained by calling Petty Officer Downs at (617) 823-4207."
that all said, I have not worn a pfd while wading, but always wear a belt
just another point on this, the danger with water in waders are 2 fold (among others):
1. your feet are not bouyant and in a river sitation this may cause you to get hung up under water from deadfalls / sweepers or rocks, rather than having your feet ride on the surface.
2. more applicable on jetties than a river, but I could see it happening if trying to get on a rock out of current... the water in your waders will prevent you from getting OUT of the water because of the 7lbs per gallon extra weight in your legs.
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Great post flyin
Yeah, dry-top/dry suit is the way to go. #4 is my shell-shocked reaction to the incident. But I keep it too warmwater these days...........The problem I think most of us have, is that we think we're not going in the water. We'll just "be careful", and that's the mistake. Prepare for the worst.......it could happen.
As for #6, my particular situation, I clung to the kayak at first, but it was an outgoing tide, and I was rapidly moving further from shore and saw my chnaces of making it on a swim dwindling. Once I calmed down and realized my waders were NOT filling, and that I floated quuite well with the pfd, I started kicking and stroking.
When the waders fill: Once I got to shallow water, I stood up, started walking, and that's when water started to get in. It didn't rush in all at once, but it did keep coming until by the time I got out of the water, it was up to my knees inside my waders and quite heavy. It would be extremely difficult to climb up onto some jetty rocks in that condition, especially with waves pounding you.
Important insight from the experience: If I didn't have my belts tight, water would have gotten in much more quickly, and even though that alone might not make you sink, it would have been next to impossible to make any way swimming against the tide. The waders would have acted like a wind-sock.
Yeah, dry-top/dry suit is the way to go. #4 is my shell-shocked reaction to the incident. But I keep it too warmwater these days...........The problem I think most of us have, is that we think we're not going in the water. We'll just "be careful", and that's the mistake. Prepare for the worst.......it could happen.
As for #6, my particular situation, I clung to the kayak at first, but it was an outgoing tide, and I was rapidly moving further from shore and saw my chnaces of making it on a swim dwindling. Once I calmed down and realized my waders were NOT filling, and that I floated quuite well with the pfd, I started kicking and stroking.
When the waders fill: Once I got to shallow water, I stood up, started walking, and that's when water started to get in. It didn't rush in all at once, but it did keep coming until by the time I got out of the water, it was up to my knees inside my waders and quite heavy. It would be extremely difficult to climb up onto some jetty rocks in that condition, especially with waves pounding you.
Important insight from the experience: If I didn't have my belts tight, water would have gotten in much more quickly, and even though that alone might not make you sink, it would have been next to impossible to make any way swimming against the tide. The waders would have acted like a wind-sock.
A word about clothing:
50/50/50
I think the rule of thumb for survival from hypothermia is 50 minutes in 50 degree water for a 50yo. (I was 44/45 at the time) I suffered no effects from hypothermia dressed in layers with the latest non-cotton fabrics. I'm sure adrenaline also had something to do with that, but the water was chilly and I remember that from my swan dive entry.
Also: Scuba training from 20 years ago kicked in as I regained mental capacity and remembered to breath slowly, kick correctly and finish arm strokes.
Funny thing: When I finally got to my car to change in to dry clothes (another item to remember), I still had my hat on!!
50/50/50
I think the rule of thumb for survival from hypothermia is 50 minutes in 50 degree water for a 50yo. (I was 44/45 at the time) I suffered no effects from hypothermia dressed in layers with the latest non-cotton fabrics. I'm sure adrenaline also had something to do with that, but the water was chilly and I remember that from my swan dive entry.
Also: Scuba training from 20 years ago kicked in as I regained mental capacity and remembered to breath slowly, kick correctly and finish arm strokes.
Funny thing: When I finally got to my car to change in to dry clothes (another item to remember), I still had my hat on!!
Stimulan
Just finished a River Runs Through it!
hey Everyone. How would you feel if they made wearing a PFD of some sort or at least carying one with you at all times like they do on a boat a requirement? If it was a requirement would you avoid carying one with you knowing that a $50.00 fine would be impossed if caught without one or would you wear it at the cost of being somewhat inconvenienced and uncomfortable.
Pete
Trout Hunter
If a PFD was a requirement, I'd have to make some hard decisions about how much stuff I needed to carry (I might even give my Richardson box another chance), but I'd use the same one I use while boating. The Stearns "Sans Sousi II" is a Type III vest that has four pockets and will hold a few fly boxes.
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Keep in mind the inflatable life jackets are NOT coast guard approved. I found this out the hard way when launching the pontoon with an associate on a holiday weekend. The ranger would not let my associate launch with the inflatable. He had to go to a livery and rent a jacket.
TimBoothe
Just finished a River Runs Through it!
Hmmmmm...the one that I just got says it's a USCG-Type-III :
Cabela's Guardian™ 3500 Manual Inflatable PFD
TimBoothe
Cabela's Guardian™ 3500 Manual Inflatable PFD
TimBoothe
klg neighbor
New member
I guess I should have read this thread first.
I thought PFD meant Partial Follicle Device.
No, I'm proud of my hairline!
I thought PFD meant Partial Follicle Device.
No, I'm proud of my hairline!
Green Highlander
Rangers in 7!
Yes, always. I have one that goes around your waste and I use it as a pfd and a wader belt. It has a rip cord on the bottom that punctures the CO2 cartridge and inflates the pfd. I use it drifting, wading...
GH
GH
Bamboozle
Smoking & drinking at a creek near you!
Re: Great post flyin
Always when in any type of water craft since I can't swim or at least I think I can't swim and I don't want to find out for sure.
I use an SOS CO2 inflated waist belt PFD. It is so unobtrusive that I can't see why anybody would take chances not wearing one on a boat.
Never when wading; I just don't do anything really stupid like wade in swift deep currents. Sorry but NO fish is worth it to me.
Always when in any type of water craft since I can't swim or at least I think I can't swim and I don't want to find out for sure.
I use an SOS CO2 inflated waist belt PFD. It is so unobtrusive that I can't see why anybody would take chances not wearing one on a boat.
Never when wading; I just don't do anything really stupid like wade in swift deep currents. Sorry but NO fish is worth it to me.
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FishingForTurds
Not infantile, just literally a Plumber
I took a dip in the drink in the SR early December. Water was moving down the ballpark, and was about 35 degrees. I spent about 90 seconds up to my neck in the water, and I couldnt imagine soending 1 second longer. I often wonder how long I had before my body temp dropped and I went into shock, ultimatly losing my life... a PFD will most likely be on beofre I head out in the old waders for another fishing trip this winter...any recommnendations?
tomfly
The only thing left should be foot prints.
Re: Great post flyin
I dont wear one either while wading and I do not try to get into a situation where I need one. And if you are on a boat without a PFD, well do I need to say more.
I dont wear one either while wading and I do not try to get into a situation where I need one. And if you are on a boat without a PFD, well do I need to say more.
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Eagle Claw
Trout Hunter
I do use one when wading, a situation can change very fast, for example you are in knee high water above a pool and fall then get washed in. You
fall and break an arm or ankle and can not get up and get swept into faster deeper water. I had a situation where I waded down the middle and found
deep water on each bank and too much current to wade back up stream to where I entered so was trapped but gave it a go fully expecting to wipe out but made it. I just consider it my wading belt and its there if I need it.
fall and break an arm or ankle and can not get up and get swept into faster deeper water. I had a situation where I waded down the middle and found
deep water on each bank and too much current to wade back up stream to where I entered so was trapped but gave it a go fully expecting to wipe out but made it. I just consider it my wading belt and its there if I need it.
I ALWAYS wear one while in any watercraft, whether it be drift boat, pontoon boat, jet ski, or motor boat. Pretty stupid not to IMO. I don't wear one while wading, although I guess I'd consider a SOSpender type for steelhead fishing on the Salmon River and its deep holes and slippery rocks.
CTobias
Professional BS'r
Get one that isn't bulky and is C02 operated. Kinda like this.....
Cabela's Guardian™ Series Essential 2500 Manual Belt Pack PFD
Cabela's Guardian™ Series Angler 3500 Auto/Manual
WBDluver
Official NEFF pot stirrer
There are inflatable chest packs and fishing vests also.
Safety Essentials - - Sportsman, inflatable chest pack
shamless plug.
Safety Essentials - - Sportsman, inflatable chest pack
shamless plug.
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