Took an accidental plunge off my new (used) Outback yesterday over near Amelia while adjusting the peddles. Water wasn't too cold but I learned important lesson. I had gore-tex pants with tightened cuffs around my neoprene booties and jacket with nepeoprene cuffs. Didn's realize until I walked out on shore, but I had 25 -50 lbs of water trappped in my clothing. I was fine, but it explained why I was getting so tired swimming me and the kayak to shore. I now either need to wear clothng that lets water out or not in in the first place. I knew that, but when in the eater , you don't see or realize that the water was trapped in my clothes. I grabbed that jacket last minute because it was windier and cooler at put-in. I was ready to wear just a shirt w/ pfd and light weight pants but went with jacket and gore-tex pants last minute.

Oh, and I was not alone. My brother helped me and yak to shore once he relaized I was getting tired and after he was done laughing. I was ready to try reentry, but we were close to shore. Reentry would have been tough with all the extra water in my clothes anyway, but I would have known it sooner. I never took plunge in my Redfish12. I'm surprised the 2006/7 Outback doesn't feel as stable as his new 2008 version. There are some differences in the two.

geez man, good thing you weren't too far from shore!
I'm gonna test out my wader and semi-dry top set-up for dryness level. I know a little water will get in through the semi-dry top, but the key is to try to keep as much out of waders as possible.

Good thing you were close to shore and had someone with you. If you get in pinch by yourself, make a couple slices in you pants with your knife.

I was ready too use knife if needed. I was just surprised that I didn't notice the water collecting in my clothing.