While most surf fishermen wear waders, I’ve been using a neoprene wetsuit vest and pants for the past five years—and I prefer it for several reasons. One major advantage is that I can comfortably walk long distances on the beach, and neoprene gear tends to last much longer than traditional waders.
After each fishing session, I rinse off the sand, let the wetsuit dry in the sun for 24 hours, then shake out any remaining debris. I’ll also run it through the washer and dryer, and it’s ready to go for the next trip.
For footwear, I wear neoprene socks with a layering system: first, a thin 100% polyester sock to prevent rubbing against the neoprene; then the neoprene sock itself; and finally, another polyester sock over the top to protect the neoprene from sand and pebbles. I finish it off with Croc-style sandals for comfort and easy drainage.