"Sierra fisher" wrote in
:

Since water is of neutral bouyance, it will not pull you down. IF you
do not panic, and roll onto the beach, you shouldn't have too much of
a problem. The neoprenes should increase your bouyancy, since they
contain air. Scuba divers use additional weight to compensate for the
bouyancy of their wetsuits. The problem comes when you try to swin
with a really big rudder, and when you try to get out of the water.
If you have neoprenes, they stretch and will hold 400 to 500 pounds of
water. A belt is supposed to restrict the stretching, not to keep the
water out. The problem is not quite so severe with breathables since
they will not stretch.

--


Water in your waders increases your surface area, and the current will have
an easier time pushing you around (including under water, if a current
wants to suck you down). Also, if you try to move a wader leg that's full
of water, it will be harder to move simply because you're moving more
weight. You lose agility at a time when you can least afford to lose it.

I find that water infiltrates my loose-fitting breathables more easily than
a snugger-fitting neoprene.

Bottom line, wear a belt, consider a flotation device, and wade very
cautiously and conservatively if you're not a strong swimmer or if you lean
toward panic when dunked.

Scott