[Paddlewise] Waders and two part foam

Years ago Ocean Kayaks (Scupper etc.) was recommending and selling (I think)
waders as garments for paddling their sit-on-top kayaks in colder weather. I
don't know what their recommendations are now and I have never tried it
myself. Back then I did question Tim Nemier (the then owner) about the
possibility of flooding the waders but he said it wasn't a problem if using
a belt like they recommended.

It may be possible to find two part foam that isn't so rock hard as Kevin
has been using. They used to use foam with some give in custom foam fit ski
boots years ago and one former boot fitter turned kayak seat maker fit me
into a Nigel Foster Shadow one day five years ago to show me how it worked
for kayak seat fitting. If I recall correctly the foam had a little give and
he expanded it inside a bladder that already had the neoprene wet suit
material on the side that was going to be next to me. It definitely improved
the fit of the "big guys wide seat" in the Shadow for me.
Kevin neglected to say you should have the neoprene wetsuit you might want
wear as well as the neoprene you plan to glue on later in place while
foaming or you may make the seat width too tight once the neoprene is later
glued on.

I know, how about wearing the waders and foaming entire the rest of the
cockpit area. Talk about the ultimate in control, not having to pump out in
a reentry, as well as super insulation against the cold. The waders could be
left in place in the cockpit and you would slip into them and really wear
your kayak. Just a thought while composing the title for this dual purpose
post. ;-)

Matt Broze
http://www.marinerkayaks.com


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