09-22-2004, 02:38 PM
[cool][#0000ff]A leakless pair of waders is a joy to wear, or something like that. Even a tiny leak will destroy the "R" values of insulated undies, sweat pants and other warming layers.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Us die-hard flotation fishermen need to face reality. It gets cold in Utah, and if you wanna play in the water when the temps drop you gotta be properly dressed. That means either neoprene or several layers of insulation under lightweight waders.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In the "olden days", before the wide availability of affordable neoprene waders, I used the lightweight Red Ball stockingfoot waders year round. I was seen to break through skim ice in November, and dodge floating ice chunks in February. I was also seen to get out and do the "float tuber's stomp dance" to restore warmth (and feeling) to the extremities.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you get neoprene for all year, get the thinner 3 mm. For cold weather floatin', buy some 5 -6 mm. As I always advise, be sure to take your clothing layers with you to try on with the waders before you buy them. They have to fit in all the tight spots or you will be uncomfortable, and the material will be subject to early failure.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One of the biggest mistakes made by cold weather floaters is wearing fins too small to accomodate the extra bulk of cold water waders and socks. If you compress your feet too much, into your summer fins, you will get constriction, cramps and cold. Again, if you are buying new fins, take your waders and socks to put on before you try the fins. Store clerks don't like that, but they don't have to live with a bad purchase either.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]By the way, I wear the Plana Avanti (Mares) fins in XLg. They have a soft foot pocket that accomodates my size 13 foot and all the extra layers I wear. Fortunately, there are a lot more makes and models available these days that work well for tubing and tooning. And, you don't have to spend a fortune to get a good set.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Us die-hard flotation fishermen need to face reality. It gets cold in Utah, and if you wanna play in the water when the temps drop you gotta be properly dressed. That means either neoprene or several layers of insulation under lightweight waders.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]In the "olden days", before the wide availability of affordable neoprene waders, I used the lightweight Red Ball stockingfoot waders year round. I was seen to break through skim ice in November, and dodge floating ice chunks in February. I was also seen to get out and do the "float tuber's stomp dance" to restore warmth (and feeling) to the extremities.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you get neoprene for all year, get the thinner 3 mm. For cold weather floatin', buy some 5 -6 mm. As I always advise, be sure to take your clothing layers with you to try on with the waders before you buy them. They have to fit in all the tight spots or you will be uncomfortable, and the material will be subject to early failure.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]One of the biggest mistakes made by cold weather floaters is wearing fins too small to accomodate the extra bulk of cold water waders and socks. If you compress your feet too much, into your summer fins, you will get constriction, cramps and cold. Again, if you are buying new fins, take your waders and socks to put on before you try the fins. Store clerks don't like that, but they don't have to live with a bad purchase either.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]By the way, I wear the Plana Avanti (Mares) fins in XLg. They have a soft foot pocket that accomodates my size 13 foot and all the extra layers I wear. Fortunately, there are a lot more makes and models available these days that work well for tubing and tooning. And, you don't have to spend a fortune to get a good set.[/#0000ff]
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