RIVERWORKS B5 WADERS
David Anderson gets immersed in a
new pair of waders.
The mighty Tongariro in winter is a tough test for waders. The water is ice cold but the fishing is physical, so in a pair of heavy neoprenes your feet stay warm but you sweat like a doped up athletic pig. You also run the risk of losing your hard won fat reserves. Put on some lightweight breathable waders and the sweat stops, but your legs freeze, turn black, and drop off making it that little bit harder to kick the Kiwis about the last World Cup.
Before setting off for last winter’s trip and with the ass hanging out of my old summer-weights, I went looking for some middle ground. The Riverworks B5’s are somewhere in the middle. Breathable, but with a bit of substance, they’re similar in weight and feel to Simms guide waders and (I’ll get back to you on this) should last through a few tough seasons.
I took my neoprenes on the trip in case I was cold in the Riverworks, but needn’t have worried because, by adding a thin pair of long johns, they were perfectly comfortable. Even a couple of late-night, waist-deep, fluoro-fly flinging sessions on Lake Taupo wearing the Riverworks waders didn’t kill me, and yes it was freezing, and yes the fishing was worth it. From the waist down the B5’s are five layer, and three layers from the waist up; the feet are neoprene.
In terms of flexibility they’re pretty good. No, you won’t be doing any ballet or smooth disco moves, but a day out boulder hopping and fighting fast currents won’t cause you any problems.
So how will they cope with Australian conditions? Haig Burbury, a guide from High Country Outfitters, has used a pair for over a year now fishing most days in the Snowy Mountains and has reported to me that he’s had no leaks and the waders are standing up to our very wader unfriendly Australian environment.
At $499 the B5’s are good value and come in a range of sizes including tall and (or) tubby fittings. You can get B5 waders and other Riverworks gear at High Country Outfitters in Jindabyne: phone (02) 6456 2989 or email highfly@acr.net.au
Refer to www.riverworks.co.nz for New Zealand outlets and more information.