MAURITIUS - Flyfishingtails

Waders keep you dry from the water and warm from the
elements above the water. They protect you from the wind,
rain, snow, and anything else mother nature can throw at
you.
There are two types of waders, namely breathable waders, which are
permeable and allow water vapor to pass through, and neoprene
waders, which are made of stretchable synthetic rubber. Neoprene
waders are less expensive than breathable waders.
Waders are available with boots attached or can have attached
stocking feet (usually made of the wader material), to wear inside
boots. You have to remember that your waders have to be roomy
enough to have space for thermal underway or extra socks during
the cold weather. They have to be comfortable and have room for
you to move around so make sure that they are big enough.
Tom Lewin from Frontier Fly Fishing
answered a few frequently asked
questions about waders.
How would a beginner pick the right wader for fly fishing? Visit a
good fly-shop that employs knowledgeable staff. Explain what kind
of fishing you want the waders for (still waters, streams etc.). Assess
the available options and make an informed decision.
Everyone has their favorite brand, what’s yours and why? Worldwide,
the category leader is Simms. The Montana-based company
makes waders that are acknowledged as the finest quality money
can buy. There’s a reason why upwards of 90% of all professional flyfishing
guides across the world use Simms waders. My current pair
is in its tenth season and still going strong and I definitely fish way
more than the next guy!
Should I order my normal shoe size when buying wading shoes?
Are they sized to accommodate the neoprene bootie and heavy
socks? I’ve outfitted fly-fishermen with waders and wading boots
out of my fly-shop for almost a decade and the rule of thumb is two
sizes up from your shoe size for boots to be worn over waders and
one size up for boots used without waders (wet wading).
What is the best Wader material for me? Neoprene is the worst
material! Condensation and perspiration accumulates inside and not
only feels very uncomfortable, but freezes in cold temperatures. Fabrics
that incorporate breathable membranes like Gor-tex and Toray
are undoubtedly the way to go. These membranes allow vapour
molecules to escape from the inside, but prevent water molecules
from entering from the outside so you stay bone dry inside. These
“new generation” waders are also very comfortable to wear and are
very easy to repair.
Which brand offers the best after sale service? Simms. Absolutely
no quibble on any manufacturing defect. They exchange waders
outright if a manufacturing defect occurs within 3 months of the
waders being purchased. That said, I’m struggling to think of any
Waders
Product Review
time in the past ten years where I’ve had to test their warranty.
How do I extend the life of my waders, and what should I avoid
shortening their life? Treat waders with respect. Avoid barbed
wire fences and thorn bushes and be careful of just sitting down
anywhere. Apply a little common sense and a good pair of waders
will give you many years of leak-free life.
What do you wear over your stocking foot waders? Neoprene
dive booties with fins over them if I’m kick-boating. Simms Freestone
wading boots if I’m wearing waders on a river.
How can I be sure the zip in my zip front waders won’t leak?
Don’t buy a pair of zip front chest waders! Just one more thing that
can pack in.
If my waders are leaking, is there and trick to finding the fault?
With breathable waders that incorporate Gore-Tex it’s very simple.
Turn the waders inside out and spray the fabric with Isopropyl
alcohol obtainable from any pharmacy. The holes (even the tiniest
pin-prick ones) will immediately show up as dark spots.
Once located, how do I repair my waders? Apply Aquaseal to the
dark patches and rub it gently into the fabric. Allow it to dry overnight
and the leaks will be fixed. For bigger tears, patch from the
inside with Aquaseal and the patch supplied in Simms’ repair kit.