Impromptu Ocean Swim

[james92026]

Originally Posted by roby

Glad you made it okay....

I agree with all the great advice given already.

Just one more thing - when you turn back to get a rod, don't just reach back and get the rod. Completely turn sideways and get the rods so your legs are sticking in the water.

Yes, good advice. I guess it was a combination of things. Sitting broadside to the swells is not a whole lot different than being turned sideways in a surf landing. Had I had any previous experience, I would have instinctively grabbed the paddle and slapped down as a brace. I learned that even a slight shift in body position can have a profound effect. The recovery would have been a lot easier with suitable clothing. I am thinking chest wader as my least expensive option. I assume that nowadays they are fairly light weight material and priced starting at $100 from what I have seen. I did in fact look at some, but the sizes available did not seem right, ex: the large was okay but the stocking size only went up to 11 (I need a 12), the extra large had chest size of 51 which seems much too big for me. Normally I wear a 42 or 44 jacket. or maybe the chest size would not make that much difference as there would be a belt cinched anyway. what say you guys?