Inspiration…
Wow! Recycled Waders has been in existence for just over 18 months. Time sure does fly when you are having fun. We have met so many great people who we now call friends, have had so many great experiences since “opening our doors” and we have downright been truly amazed at the reception our creation has had.
I am not the kind of person who jumps into situations without thinking things through, just ask my wife! So when I started to think my concept of building a small business around reusing smelly, nasty, leaky waders my better judgement played all kinds of tricks on me. But after some serious consideration, pitching the idea to friends, family and fishing partners I really thought we might be on to something. Ironically just a few days after we brainstormed the super creative name Recycled Waders this editorial appeared in the Seattle Times…
Leakers by Randall Sumner
The subject of fishing waders reminds me of a monolog Jerry Sienfeld might do. Jerry: “Why do they call them waders? They don’t wade. Why not call them leakers? That’s what they do best”
I bought another new pair of leakers last year, the $400 variety. These are the best leakers I’ve ever had; roomy, lightweight and almost comfortable. Over the years I’ve bought almost every kind of leaker on the market: rubber, lightweights, neoprene, Kevlar and GorTex; some still hang in the garage, kind of a museum of leaker history.
I’ve also had about every kind of leak: the torn crotch leak, the barb-wire leak, the abrasion leak, the falling down on sharp rocks leak, and worst of all the head leak. I only wear leakers from October to May; the summer is for wading in shorts. I prefer this wet wading, its easy, comfortable, and you know your going to get wet, so there is no disappointment.
Of all the different categories of leaks, the worst is the head leak; it can be devastating to your positive fishing attitude. This is how it starts: After taking off your waders one day, you discover your sock is wet. Not really soaked, but dampish, definitely a small seeping leak; it’s interesting that you fished all day and hadn’t noticed. Retuning home, you find and repair the leak.
In a few days you’re on the river again, concentrating on a size 20 blue wing in bad light, when you realize your foot is cold and soaking wet. Darn it, now its more leaker repair, but you’re sure you fixed it, how can it still be leaking!!? The vest comes off, then the boot, then the waders, the trout of course are boiling like crazy… and your sock is DRY. The only leak is between your ears, maddening. Small dry fly fishing when done correctly requires the angler’s full mental focus. Your entire universe is a tiny dot 30 feet away swirling in the current. The last thing you need is wader anxiety.
When you get your new waders, they will come with a repair kit and care recommendations; this is the leaker manufacturer’s stab at humor. The warranty will state that if you should happen to use these waders in water for fishing, the warranty is pretty much out the window. The care recommendations are not very practical for trout bums, either; it assumes your waders will have time to dry out before you attempt a repair job. Here’s a tip: I put mine in the dryer, but not for long or they get somewhat crispy.
The repair kit that is included with your $400waders is really helpful…two little patches and a tiny tube of sealer goop. Tiny as in one squeeze and that’s all. What do I expect? What would make me happy? How about a roaming team of beautiful leaker-repair girls, traveling from town to town.
Oh, and Jerry: Why do they call them a pair of leakers? You only get one.
I wrote this column in December 2001 and will tell you my $400 waders lasted exactly 63 days till they started going bad, by 90days they were shot. Tragic but funny. The very best waders I have found come from LL Bean, my first pair have over 300 days without a leak, I retired them to my garage hall of fame leaker exhibit and still use them for clients. My second pair of Mr. Beans are still in play.
…kersploosh! I jumped in with both feet. I might be in over my waders now but that hasn’t stopped me in the past.