Fishing was slow, so I went for a swim instead

[bassackward]

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.

[bassackward]

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.

[Rockport24]

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.

[smac]

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.

[bassackward]

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