Glad to hear you made it! On the big boat, in my kayak, and my float tube I always have my PDF on. A true lifesaver in  a time of need. With todays inflatables there is no excuse. Please wear your PFDs guys. I kayak with my friend and he "brings" his, but doesnt wear it. I keep telling him until I'm blue in the face, but you can only lead a horse to water so many  times...

Nonsense. I've never ended up in the water unintentionally in ten years of kayaking.

 

It's most excellent that you've remained dry but Come on J -

 

I know you  know better than that.

 

Not preparing properly for the conditions an angler ventures out into~ I see that as nonsense.

 

A-Jay

My pricing might be a little off...been a while.     A 7mm suit like this will keep you alive for hours in anything but the most extreme of conditions...  XXXL...

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wetsuit-7MM-4XL-Tommy-D-Sports-Dive-Surf-Scuba-Gear-51/361063501039?_trksid=p2054897.c100204.m3164&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140407115239%26meid%3D7aa89334c9d54b97985f5729a82f8583%26pid%3D100204%26prg%3D20140407115239%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D20%26sd%3D111098988213

My pricing might be a little off...been a while.     A 7mm suit like this will keep you alive for hours in anything but the most extreme of conditions...  XXXL...

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wetsuit-7MM-4XL-Tommy-D-Sports-Dive-Surf-Scuba-Gear-51/361063501039?_trksid=p2054897.c100204.m3164&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140407115239%26meid%3D7aa89334c9d54b97985f5729a82f8583%26pid%3D100204%26prg%3D20140407115239%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D20%26sd%3D111098988213

 

 

If you've never worn any cold water gear like this (wet or dry suits) I'd really like to encourage you to try a few on in advance of making any purchase.  By and large they are NOT the most comfortable things to wear but most acclimate to them in time.  

 

  Ensuring a comfortable, quality fit will no doubt result in a happier experience in the long run.  Otherwise it may end being a $$ experiment that inevitably sits at home never getting used.

 

A-Jay

 

By and large they are NOT the most comfortable things to wear but most acclimate to them in time.

 

That's pretty much the reason I avoid neoprene.  It's just not comfortable to me.  Plus, I like to be able to adjust insulation gear separately from water proof gear.  That comes with some overhead in costs, though.

Yes, comfort is a huge factor to consider.  Make sure you get the right size.  Anyone who hasn't worn one should understand that it's like being inside a tight plastic bag when you are out of water.  If it's 70 degrees and the water is 49 you are going to be hot.. .and sweaty.. especially if you are paddling or exercising...  the arms are the worst part for me... that's why I always liked the farmer john style when I was working in and out of the water.

 

It's one of those decisions where you need to balance a degree of safety with comfort, cost and usefulness IMO.

In reagrds to comfort on the PFDs anyway, once you start wearing the inflatable style for a short length of time you hardly even notice its there.

Another idea to consider is once you have one, go and test it out.  Go to a swimming area in the winter and jump in.  If you never been in 50 degree water, I suggest you do so.  It's probably unlike anything you've ever experienced.   Knowing what to expect goes a long way toward survival.

 

Even in a wetsuit that initial shock of cold water running down your back before the suit warms up is quite exciting...

Do many neoprene suits have a "relief valve"?  LOL, that's a must have for me.

Another good point....  a farmer john can be worn rolled down making that function almost spotless....

Good to hear your ok!

I have the NRS Chinook lifevest and it is comfortable with lots of pockets making it very useful beyond a PFD....definitely makes it less of a chore to wear it.

 

On the way is a sleeveless wetsuit, the NRS Ultra John that hopefully will fit and be used this weekend.  A good balance of comfort, utility, and safety.  Thanks again for all of the great suggestions and well wishes...a topic well worth spending time on.

 

Stay safe everyone.

Glad to hear that you're safe! Hypothermia isn't something to mess around with, it seems like at least one boater dies around my area from it.  Wearing your life jacket is definite must this time of year.