“Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters.” Psalm 107:23

Others go down to the sea in lesser craft, doing small business on the shallow waters. I am one of these hearty men.

Why fuss with a boat, with all its inconvenience and expense? Compared with a boat, waders offer low cost (I got mine for free from my dad about 40 years ago), quick deployment, versatility (works on both dry land and water), no need to register with the state and stick little numbers on them, easy storage, etc. The list goes on and on.

So, my waders are like my own little boat, suitable for use in shallow water. Throw ‘em on stream side, at the pond, and on the beach.

If you insist, you can even hang a trolling motor on the back of your belt for a little boost, though you have to watch out for the prop. I prefer to use muscle power.

So here’s to all those rugged men who despise the fainthearted souls who must bob about in boats, here’s to those independent men who face the mighty ocean with only a thin skin of rubber between them and the dangers of the deep. Wade on. Just remember your long underwear.