What is your comfort level....

[Slipknot]

I am comfortable on the sand to my waist if there is not much of a current out on a sandbar or whatever but usually I stand at the edge of the shore. On rocks I like to stay on dry ground when possible, in protected areas no problem getting in to my knees. I don't see any reason to swim out to any rock, if that is what is needed to fish , then I'd use a boat. At a place like Beavertail or something like that, I'd wear korkers and a PFD and choose my footing carefully when picking a spot.

[Tburg]

I have a pair of muck boots just to stand on a few rocks in the ditch. when they get wet I move.....

I do want to get a pair of waders or a wet suit to try new spots but I do not think I will be swiming out to any boulder fields to wet a line...

[bloocrab]

The rough-ness of the water is the primary factor in determining how comfortable I'm going to be. Next is my experience with the spot that I'm fishing. You don't want to walk out to a point that you saw on a map ...at 1am. You have to know your surroundings..that will also greatly affect my level. Fishing with a friend can give you false confidence but It's definately worth having someone with you in those extreme situations. I don't worry much on the beach... you can only go in as far as you're allowed to drop your rod...I don't worry about a deep-pitched beach because If it's that steep, I don't have to enter...(a bar is a different story in itself though......hello Mr. FOG ...and Mr. Tide....and Mr. Current )