Waders Danger question

"Tom Nakashima" wrote in message ...
Just curious, what happens if one accidentally gets in too deep and your
waders fill up with water?
I haven't been there yet, but it's crossed my mind if it happens. Sounds
like it could be a dangerous situation....not a great swimmer here.

Sure, it's picturesque to see someone standing out in the middle of
the river casting to the bank, but the first question you should ask
yourself is, "do I really need to wade." I still wear waders, but
usually go the entire day without needing them, and that includes
rivers like the Flathead on down. Just because everyone else does it
is poor justification for the bruises of falling on a slippery rock.
Even if the result is simply the discomfort of wet cloths and
equipment.

cruxgems wrote:

"Tom Nakashima" wrote in message ...

Just curious, what happens if one accidentally gets in too deep and your
waders fill up with water?
I haven't been there yet, but it's crossed my mind if it happens. Sounds
like it could be a dangerous situation....not a great swimmer here.


Sure, it's picturesque to see someone standing out in the middle of
the river casting to the bank, but the first question you should ask
yourself is, "do I really need to wade." I still wear waders, but
usually go the entire day without needing them, and that includes
rivers like the Flathead on down. Just because everyone else does it
is poor justification for the bruises of falling on a slippery rock.
Even if the result is simply the discomfort of wet cloths and
equipment.


I think it's often more difficult to walk along on the rubble on the
side of a stream or river with its mud, vegetation and wood that's
washed up than it is to wade in the water (as long as it isn't VERY fast).
I very seldom fall when I'm wading but do fall getting in and out of a
river as well as when walking along the bank. Maybe I'm weird? (No, I
know I'm weird but maybe I'm the only one that has this problem?)

Willi

Willi & Sue wrote:

I think it's often more difficult to walk along on the rubble on the
side of a stream or river with its mud, vegetation and wood that's
washed up than it is to wade in the water (as long as it isn't VERY fast).
I very seldom fall when I'm wading but do fall getting in and out of a
river as well as when walking along the bank. Maybe I'm weird? (No, I
know I'm weird but maybe I'm the only one that has this problem?)

I think it's often useful to have a little buoyancy when walking over
bowling-ball sized rocks.

--
Cut "to the chase" for my email address.

cruxgems wrote:

"Tom Nakashima" wrote in message ...

Just curious, what happens if one accidentally gets in too deep and your
waders fill up with water?
I haven't been there yet, but it's crossed my mind if it happens. Sounds
like it could be a dangerous situation....not a great swimmer here.


Sure, it's picturesque to see someone standing out in the middle of
the river casting to the bank, but the first question you should ask
yourself is, "do I really need to wade." I still wear waders, but
usually go the entire day without needing them, and that includes
rivers like the Flathead on down. Just because everyone else does it
is poor justification for the bruises of falling on a slippery rock.
Even if the result is simply the discomfort of wet cloths and
equipment.


I think it's often more difficult to walk along on the rubble on the
side of a stream or river with its mud, vegetation and wood that's
washed up than it is to wade in the water (as long as it isn't VERY fast).
I very seldom fall when I'm wading but do fall getting in and out of a
river as well as when walking along the bank. Maybe I'm weird? (No, I
know I'm weird but maybe I'm the only one that has this problem?)

Willi

Tom asks:
Just curious, what happens if one accidentally gets in too deep and your
waders fill up with water?

Mr. Reid will be along shortly to help you with this one.
Tom

Tom Nakashima wrote:

Just curious, what happens if one accidentally gets in too deep and your
waders fill up with water?
I haven't been there yet, but it's crossed my mind if it happens. Sounds
like it could be a dangerous situation....not a great swimmer here.

I'll also pick up an wading staff from what I've been reading here, that ski
pole sounds like a great idea.

-tom

I've read that keeping your wading belt tight, and close to the top of
your waders is your best bet. If you fall in over the top of your, the
high wading belt will keep most of the water out, and not "balloon" full
of water. There won't be enough water pressure to force it's way past a
high belt. The same can't be said for a belt worn at your waist. It's my
understanding that this was tested by a white water rescue team, and
worked. Also the legs up and in front(like sitting in a recliner)was the
safest method.

I can't speak for the Michelin Man legs full of air, but that certainly
seems like it could be a problem.

I believe Dave L mentioned a vest as a potential problem. I was in a
serious situation, and found the drag from my vest to be a big factor.
Once I rid myself of the vest(with fish in net hanging from it), I was
able(barely)to climb out of the water. I wasn't in waders at time.

brians, oh, and the fish was safely released. ;-)