LIP GRIPPER Commando wrings
out his soggy socks. PHOTO: RIC BURNLEY
Kondom Suit-Able Commando
WEB EXTRA: Watch video of Burnley’s shiver-inducing polar plunges at
www.kayakanglermag.com/0007
cold water started to seep into the waders in scant seconds. Te amount was negligible, just a few ounces. When worn properly, a dry top over waders offers enough protection to get the angler back into the kayak safely and comfort- ably—if accomplished quickly.
[G EAR]
Wader Debate, All Wet F
or years, kayak anglers have argued over the best outerwear system. Some tout the dry
suit’s safety while others defend the comfort that comes from matching waders with a dry top. Many paddle through the coldest months wearing nothing more than waders and a sweatshirt. Each system offers advantages and disadvantages, but which is the best? To answer that question, I suited up and
jumped into a calm but near-frozen Chesa- peake Bay. The 36-degree water quickly re- vealed the chinks in the armor, even if the best tradeoff between function and value remains murky. Prospective polar plungers and gar- ment testers take note; I was in and out of the water in a flash. Prolonged swims and rough water skyrocket the risk. Tose who aren’t self- rescue champs should carefully weigh the con- sequences of a spill.
POLAR PLUNGES TEST POPULAR KAYAK FISHING APPAREL BY RIC BURNLEY
KAYAK KONDOM: Without a doubt, a full dry suit ($400–$600) paired with warm fleece base lay- ers is the safest option for cold water paddling. Sealed at the neck and wrists and incorporat- ing full booties, the dry suit kept me dry—even though I was submerged for several seconds and swam a dozen yards. Air trapped inside the suit kept me floating like a balloon. I was easily able to reenter the kayak and could have con- tinued to fish. Getting in and out of the dry suit took some Houdini moves, but the breathable fabric was comfortable and the gaskets were pliable. Te suit performed flawlessly.
SUIT-ABLE: For many kayak anglers, waders and a dry top ($200–$450) suffice. But is this combo just as good as a full dry suit? It didn’t take long to answer the question. Despite a belt over the waders and another over the dry top,
GO COMMANDO: Te final test was the toughest— jump into freezing water wearing only a pair of waders ($50–$300). Obviously dangerous. I was completely drenched. Water ran down my legs and filled my boots, but I didn’t sink. Myth debunked; I was able to get back into the kayak in seconds, and a combination of wool and syn- thetic base layers kept me relatively warm. Te damage wasn’t as bad as I expected, because the waders didn’t have time to fill. If they had, re- entering the kayak would have been extremely difficult, maybe impossible. Anyone paddling in this system is taking a risk.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Even though the tests were performed under controlled conditions and I was only in the water for a short time, the pros and cons of each system are obvious. Te dry suit is the safest and most comfortable. Match- ing a dry top with waders is a reasonable com- promise in calm water. Waders only—a bad idea but not immediate suicide. Te real key to safety is preparation: carry necessary safety equipment, wear your PFD and practice self- rescue so you’re ready for an unexpected swim.
For Burnley’s apparel reviews, flip to page 52 in this issue’s Gear Guide.
SMELLS LIKE SUCCESS READER TIP SEND YOUR READER TIP TO
editor@kayakanglermag.com BY JOSE CHAVEZ
Meet the Frankenlure PHOTO: JOSE CHAVEZ
28 …KAYAK ANGLER EARLY SUMMER 2011
Should I use the lure that has great scent and mediocre action, or the lure that comes alive in the water but little or no scent? Until manufacturers figure out how to blend the best of both worlds, we can turn our lures into hybrids that offer both. Just cut off a quarter-inch piece of a scented lure such as Berkley Gulp and thread it on your hook, followed by your favorite soft plastic and voila! Scent and action in one! Fish beware.
PHOTOS: KEVIN WHITLEY
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