Wading Workout - Round 2

With the temps on the rise the ice from the lakes are melting and some rivers are opening up.  Some of those rivers are moving quite quickly others are still slow enough that we can wade through them safely.  These are the rivers and streams I can’t wait to hit!  Throw on a pair of waders and go out and do some catching (hopefully)!  A couple months ago I shared a Wading Workout to help you wade safely.  You can find it HERE if you like.   While those two mores are great, I’d thought I’d add a couple more to make sure you are fully ready to go after those river and streams with the slightly stronger currents.  (Warning: be sure you check the current and be smart and safe about it.  Don’t wade in any river that you are unsure of the current or depth and know it’s safe)

Walking Sideways

Sometimes it’s easier to walk sideways through the current as you’re breaking the current with both legs.  To gain strength and balance stand with your legs shoulder length apart.  Squat down keeping you knees behind your toes.  Then step to the right with your right foot and bring your left to meet it.  Then step to your left with your left foot and bring the right one to meet it.  To get even more from this you can get lower and/or grab a weight and hold it by your chest.

Big Step Balance

We know we should never take a step without having a firm footing when wading.  Let’s be honest, we all do at times.  While I advise that you only step when you have a firm footing, this move will help you take a bigger step and have better balance.  Stand with your feet shoulder length apart.  Crouch down and raise your left leg a couple inches while balancing on your right foot.  Extend your left arm and put your left hand on the outside part of your right foot. Then take a big step/small jump (probably around 3-4 feet) in front of you.  Land on your left food and raise your right foot a couple inches. (balancing on your left foot)  Crouch down and put your right hand on the outside part of your left foot.  Then jump backwards and land on your right foot.  Go back and forth a total of 10 times. Then switch feet so you jump forward with your right foot.  

2 Move Wading Workout

Israel Dunn of Shorebound Hero wading and fly fishing on the Wolf river

Who else here loves wading?!  I know I do!  Whether wet wading or throwing on a piar of neoprene waders and going out in January chasing some beautiful trout, it’s hard to beat it.  Even when I’m kayak fishing, I love getting out and fishing the eddies, riffles, and more.  This is a great way to get out a little farther from shore and cast to your dream catch.  However, getting to your wading area can prove a difficult task at times.  Whether it’s steep banks, or walking through some fast water with an uneven bottom you will want to stay safe.  These 2 moves will help you keep your balance and trudging through the water with ease.

Lunge me your Balance

As the water swooshes across your legs trying to throw you down as you walking across the stream you fight to keep your balance.  To help you try these balance lunges.  First, stand on your tiptoes. Then step your right foot forward and attempting to get as close to a 90 degree angle in your front knee as possible (If you can’t get that low, no worries, just do the best you can).  Keep your back leg straight and stay on your tiptoes. Then bring your left foot to meet the right foot. Stay on your tiptoes, and repeat with stepping forward with your left foot.  Continue doing this 20-30 times.  

Tall grass to moving glass

Getting up and down into the water can be one of the trickiest things to while wading because there is usually a good height difference between the bottom of the water and shoreline.  This move will help you get in and out of the water with ease.  If you have a weight bench, steps, or anything stable and strong enough to step on, perfect!  Stand tall in front of the object (I’ll say bench to make it easy). With your right foot step up onto the bench, placing your entire foot on it. Raise yourself up and lift your left foot placing it next to your right.  Then step down with your right foot and bring your left foot to meet it.  Do this 20 times.  Repeat exercise but stepping up and down with your left foot first.  Do 20 reps leading with your left foot.  

There you go!  Practice these moves a couple times a week and you will be more stable, and ready to get to your spot with ease.  Tight lines!