A long time pet peeve of mine is improper lighting on watercraft at night. Coming into sea kayaking from commercial boating and yachting with a lot of night time navigation, the use of proper lights is quite important to me. Navigation lights let a knowlegable boater know what type of craft he or she is looking at. Use of improper lights could make another boater assume you are a power boat (with speed and maneuverablity to avoid a collision) or perhaps even indicate you are in distress.

Question:
I'd like to know what kayakers use to make their presence known while paddling at night and if they give any thought to what their chosen means might accidently signal to other boaters.

I grew up sailing, and I know that there is an "official" way to do just about everything on the water. What is the Coast Guard way to light up a Kayak at night? Besides wearing a safety strobe (the idea is to not have to use it) how else do we let people know we are there?

I prefer a headlight, which can be easily turned on, even with gloves, by a simple rotation of the bezel. I like a full perimeter outline of my kayak done in highly retro-reflective tape (1/2" wide minimum, full length each gunwale). This helps other boaters aiming a light at me to see the outline of my kayak. By turning on the headlight, I can also "shed some light" and "reflect" the fact I'm in my kayak. I don't normally paddle with the headlight on. I also carry a strobe/flashlight combo on my PFD, as well as two flashlights, all easily accessible. One of the flashlights is very powerful (relative to the spare one and the headlight). I carry a spare headlight too, in case of an unplanned, longer outing or loss of the main headlamp. My PFD is augmented with reflective tape (sew-on variety) and my paddlels are augmented with reflective stick-on tape.

For night rough-water paddling, I tend to frequent areas more remote, so other boat traffic is rarely present. It's fun to hang upside-down, with the light on, looking at the churned up seaweed, before rolling back up. I only do this sort of paddling in areas where I have strong local knowledge with egress routes and embayments where shelter can be sought or the currents/wind will push you into if you happen to swim.

Trying to emulate more typical craft at night, with internationally recognized navigation lighting is to be applauded for sure, but it isn't something I tend to aspire to with the kayaking aspect of sea travel, rather preferring to stay incognito or simply out of the way where any marine traffic might be encountered.

Our family paddles at night in the big open Canadian canoe, and we just use flashlights, all very powerful, as there's so much more room to carry them. Crossing channels is admittedly, nerve-wracking, and perhaps some clip-on nav lights would be a cool and responsible way to travel at night. If I did a lot of night sea kayaking in areas with restricted watercourses with condensed marine traffic, I think I'd put some effort into formal navigation lighting.

I have thought the same and I don't have a great answer. I have operated several boats over the years at night and I am comfortable with the various lights used. The USCG says only that we need a flashlight when operating a kayak at night. I don't really like flashlights and they are cumbersome when paddling. A head lamp would solve the hands on the paddle issue. A strobe is only supposed to be used if in distress. Nav lights could be added but would requite batteries and mountings.

I have not seen anything that I really like but I have started using a couple of LED button lamps which I can clip to my PFD. I also carry a flashlight.

Mark

I love to paddle at night, and in Norway you should have a 360 degree white light then.
Your highest point is your head, and now a company called www.navilight.net have made a light that can mount on your head with a magnet. I have made a portrait of myself with the light here:
http://www.verket.info/archives/20060818nylykt.jpg
Happy night paddling!

I use a headlamp for when I need to illuminate something and carry a flashlight as a backup and to alert others of my position. Using more elaborate lights may confuse others into thinking you are a larger craft perhaps at greater distance. If I had only one fixed white light I would place it behind the cockpit in my blind arc. This would indicate to others a small (human powered) craft and also that they are overtaking.

IN reply to nite nav-lighting,I am trying out a diff-approach;I am using a "sealed battery connected to a solar panel[flexible,with grommets for mounting]connected to both a "variable strobe& a directional spot lite.so far i have only gotten 9hrs use out of the battery[with 4 hrs being of "spotlite use-rocks,branches etc"]this does not seem to bad.I have not "hooked-up" my compass,or my gps unit[which will for sure cut down my NITETIME usage.I still use my headset lite,and have severalyds of reflective tape[like on semi-trucks]along the total length of my kayak[also my canoe].THIS makes for some "goofy"looks going down the interstate hyghways! ! ! ! !you would think that the coast guard would clarify the "usage laws" to be more specific. later gumby/zenyakker

Zenyakker,
Could you elaborate a bit on how your did your battery - solar cell hookup? and what materials you used. This is a project I was planning for our boats next year.

Thanks
Michael

HELLO AGAIN MICHAEL ! ! ! Hope you had a great day! ? ! well,to start to answer your question[s],I am not a "purist",neither am I a marine electrician[this will become CLEAR].as I say,I am NEW to seakayaking;and was ,just "outfitting",my own kayak!!I am using a[northern tool]"shed lite-panel wght 1 lb-cost$34.99 item #336614.the "lite"part I have ,cut-off[might use it later],I bought [2]of these-they work great[have one on shed in yard[for testing].I am using a "sealed -marine power battery[from -old power supply -12-v]and a marine power-inverter[the hard part is -WHERE do you place a "fan cooled item"in/on a kayak,or canoe[still working on that]I have NOT tried "rolling"to see what happens[go figure why].the liting [bow& stern]are both =removeable&adjustable-white marine bow/stern lites,with the base's screwed&siliconed in place.both can be installed/removed from the cockpit[without straining].the wiring ,has all connections terminating,INSIDE each socket[makes it waterproof]the "harness" is wrapped[after final trials],in clear tubing&siliconed to the underside of the DECK,and arround the cockpit.so far I have [4]pig-tails,in this harness,and [1] each;lead-in&power-out,pig-tail. [1]to the bow, [1]to the stern,[1]to the strobe-behind the cockpit,and not but not least the left-over one for electronics.I have to confess that I might have to increase my inverter size,so as to manage enough power[as surplus/emergency power].THESE are my system so-farand at present it works[just damn lucky I guess].the "waterproof inverter box,has been a puzzlement- -for sure[I can thimk of things ,however not ALL of them,-reside in the too damn smart-or-really damn STUPID group],the choice is someone else's to make!!!!!also for a larger boat I was looking at a45watt panel[from harbor freight.com]part#90599-1VGA,the panel weighs 9.7lbs and is a WHOPPING12.40"x36.42"x0.75"thick - - -and would NOT fit a 14'kayak gracefully.I hope that this might if not help,at least start you THIMKING about , un conventional ways toenable your projects. LATER gumby/zenkayaker pps:a couple of wks ago,I mentioned a "solar idea"to a prominent,SEAKAYAKING figure[very well known]and the reply was almost ,like he was repling to a [slightly-mentally-hamperred]child, so be carefull to WHO you spend your Idea's on[I hope he still will win]

I am not sure why you would want to go the way of having a solar panel to recharge your battery system. The current range of LED style lights give pretty remarkable endurance on battery life.
I have a pricton tec headlamp which gives a "claimed" 70 hours on max output from 4 AA batteries. A gel cel battery and a spare if you think you need it would probably keep you going for a very long time.
But then I don't know what you have in mind??

Cheers Bill

GOOD MORNING BILL!!!!!YEP,you are correct ,and there are a LOT of great battery powered[a-3's,2d's,etc]and as back-up I have several headlamps[mostly for walking -outside the campfire lite].I am working ,toward ,extendedcoastal kayaking &long camping trips[back in my youth,I ran a200 trap, line in an OLD coleman canoe]seems like 100yrs ago now!!!!anyway I have been experimenting with solar,for several yrs now,and have found that ;for the space&weight,it FAR exceeds -just batteries.THAT means I can carry more "creature comforts-NO not the "big-screen",but other items I deem vital !!!!!THE 16'kayak that is my "prototype"has enough cockpit space to be comfy for me[5'9"-170lb frame",and both a LARGE front&rear hatchs,for easy loading.while I am NOT "high-tec" I like to try NEW things,in life,as well as kayaking ,or boating in general.this is just 1 more attempt,to satisfy my curiouity.I hope this kinda answers your,question-and upholds your BATTERY thoughts!!!!later gumby/zenkayaker

Fair enough, a day without learning something is a day wasted.

Solar power and off road 4x4 driving go hand in hand in this country and there are a lot of places that supply the gear. A troll of web sites in the 4x4 arena might offer some ideas to try. I do seem to recall seeing/reading somewhere a solar setup on a kayak I'll give it some thought and try and locate it and pass it on.

Cheers

Bill

For some ideas try this

http://www.4wdaustralia.com.au/vehicle/electrics/default.asp#Article_SolarPower

Cheers

Bill

A good article on night paddling has been posted on Sea Kayaker's website. "Night Paddling" by Craig Jungers covers more than just the lights we need to carry it also gives pointers on how to interpret what you're seeing, as well as some great uses of retroreflective material on your boat and gear. In addition he gives some good stratagies for dealing with shipping lanes that are good advice for night or day paddling.

From the Seakayakermag.com homepage Go to the pull down menu for Education > Online Articles > October 2006 > night paddling.

Since I paddle mainly in Mexico I have learned to approach night paddling a bit differently than I might in the U.S..

First off, I don't show a continuous light at night. It simply attracts panga fishermen who are curious about a strange light.

Second, If I hear a boat I stop paddling and listen. There's not much point in looking since few boats show lights of any kind (in the Sea of Cortez).

If I get the sense that the vessel is approaching I turn on both front and back deck mounted strobes. Now for sure I will be approached... After greeting the pangeros I turn everything off. A kayak in the dark makes for good conversation and a few shared chukkles.

I know of one paddler who had the front of his kayak removed by a mexican military panga that failed to see him (he couldn't get his headlamp turned on in time...)

Always wanted to get to Mexico. Have you posted about the areas there to paddle?

No I haven't Stormy since my local area is limited to the Midriff Islands. I've been from Mulege to about half way between La Paz and Loreto but that was in 2002 - I'm sure there are contributers with much more up to date info for that area.

As for the Midriffs, I am working with a student at Prescott College to create an information clearinghouse for small-craft users (paddlers and open boat sailors). We hope it will be up and running by December. It will probably appear as part of my website at: www.kinopangas.org

Here are the places I recommend to:

Novices (day trip experience, no roll, easy navigation)

Loreto and the Marine National Park (with a guide preferably)
San Carlos bay
Conception Bay
Kino Bay

Intermediate level (Some multiday experience, have roll, coastal navigation)

-Sonora coast north of Kino Bay to Isla Tiburon and around the south coast of the island
-Sonora coast from Estero Tastiota to Catch 22 beach (San Carlos)
Bahia Los Angeles and Islands
The coast from Puertocitos to Bahia Gonzaga
Baja coast from Mulege to la Paz

Advanced level:

You name it...

That's the Sea of Cortez. I like the Yucutan coast and the fresh water lagoons towards Belize.

Martin

I presented my options on night paddling in the Rhode Island area on my web site which include mulitple lights, strobe, reflector tape, etc.
http://www.krabach.info/night_paddle/nightpaddling.html

I just finished a long solo expedition and I used the Scotty Sea Light. It works really well and uses two AA batteries.
The best solar charger is the Solio (make sure you get the right model for your needs). I actually run two different models for all of my electronics. One interesting option are the special AA batteries which can easily be recharged with this unit. Also many other light attachments can be used with the unit.
Be careful at night, especially when in shipping lanes. No music should be played and keep your wits about you on long night crossings.

I paddle in waterways with shipping lanes. It really helps to monitor Channel 13 on the VHF(at least for Delaware River/Bay). Not sure where you paddle, but look up your aprticular area's ship/tug channel on VHF. They are really good about letting other boaters know from where they are originating, where they are heading and frequent updates in laymen's terms.

I am certainly no expert, though I've taken 3 beginner boating courses covering New York State navigation rules. As much as SOME of us would like to think of ourselves the highest on the boating pecking order and hence "all other boats must yield to me" is quaint but really a very poor mindset and largely incorrect.

I've seen in my short time since July this year a lot of things such as Kayakers almost being run down by a pilot vessel at night, a canoer waiting until a 50' powerboat is too close to manuver then entering the channel purposely forcing it to stop, a kayaker with "skills" challenging himself to beat me and several other boats leaving an inlet across the inlet before we hit him, kayakers on VHF challenging a power boater that they aren't afraid of them while not noticing a large comercial vessel coming up on them since they were in the middle of the channel, boaters proudly boasting of their 30knot average speed night trip or in fog and near zero visability, boaters with an entire open river almost hitting me in Kayak because they think they can do whatever they please etc. etc. I guess it goes both ways, and understanding your rules will help you and others.

From what I gather the following things should be considered:

1> Rules - You are a vessel, you are not just a pedestrian crossing the street, you must obey the same times of regulations all boaters are supposed to adhere to. Off hand, the 'minute guide' rules 1-13 (I believe) all apply to Kayakers (plus a couple of others). In short, you must make your actions clear to other boaters, you must understand who is stand-on or give-way vessel, you must above all else never engage in risky behaviour, and always superscede all rules to avoid accidents. Failure to understand this can make you negligent and liable etc.

2> Night Lighting - You MUST have a white 360deg. light on at all times (most people know this) vessels under X length and type. I would add that a high powered spot light should also be readily available. Flashing LEDs, reflective tape, etc. should also be considered.

3> Channel behavior - Stay out of the channel at night. During the day, follow the minute guide, do not play "frogger" with your Kayak, stay to the starboard side of the inlet (like other vessels). If you have to cross do it in the most direct way.

4> Carry a VHF - Remember that these aren't as strong as the ones on boats, have it autoscan the emergency channels, learn to communicate with other boats properly in the area. Make them aware of your location.

5> Navigation lights - Know your lights! Is that a power boat? Is that a tug boat? Is that trawler? Is it engaged in commercial fishing? Are you in-between a tug and it's cargo ship? Is that approaching ship's red light mean that they or you are the stand-on vessel? This applies to the rules of navigation, basically stay the hell away from comerical traffic.

6> Emergency lights - Do I have two methods of night-time emergency signals (i.e. flares, lights)? Do I know how to use them and when? Does no good fire a flare off if nobody is looking at it.

7> Lights rule of thumb - the more lights you see on the vessel the more likely it's comerical and large, stay the hell away from them. Two lights yellow over white means it's a tug pulling a barge, there could be 3 or more lights meaning larger scale operation.

A very good topic.

Without going into exhaustive maritime regs, and jurisdiction, of which I am a poor student anyway, I use these guidelines:

stationary (unblinking) white light tells the other vessels there is another vessel there - which is Job #1 as far as this topic.

blinking white is reserved for distress - only. People who use blinking white for regular paddling are inadvertently causing a great deal of confusion. If anything the responding vessel may get very close trying to assist in what they perceive as a distress situation. This might cause a capsize or collision. A blinking white may also set off a chain of Channel 16 emergency calls which ties up Coast Guard and other resources for no purpose (on waters monitored by USCG & other mariners)

if it's attached by a suction cup, it's not attached. Unless a light is lashed to you or your boat don't count on it to come up w. you or stay on the boat in turbulent water.

LED headlamps do limit your vision. Your eyes will adjust tho, and they can be turned to the side or your head, or even the back of the head if there is ambient light (full moon paddling).
They are higher up than deck lights and more easily seen. Many also come w. a flashing option.

This does NOT mean each paddler shouldn't have a small strobe light pinned onto their PFD. That is your ultimate backstop light esp. if you go into the water and get separated from your boat.

Cyalume sticks are nice for group paddles in calm water. Not nearly as bright as LED lights. Wouldn't rely on them to be seen by other vessels.

As others said, kayaks are very low in the water, disappear for intervals in waves, and generally very hard to see by other vessels. Power and sailboaters say they see the paddles moving before anything else so my paddles wear big reflective silver stickers on both sides.

It's also good to invest in a PFD w. plenty of SOLAS tape (or sew some on) as that is very visible from a 1/4 mile off if a light source hits it. SOLAS was designed for SAR personnel to find people in the water.

Night or day, we should follow the Law of Tonnage - he's bigger, get out of the way. Cross channels, etc. as a group and do it in a quick,direct & obvious course. Kayaks are way more manoevrable than a barge or tug, so we should use that advantage and give other vessels the room they require to turn, etc.

A really good topic w. many good suggestions.

I am a poor student of maritime regs & jurisdiction, but I know this:

Blinking white/strobe - as you pointed out means distress, and only that. Paddlers who use a blinking white inadvertently cause a lot of confusion and create hazards. For example, a vessel trying to aid may actually come in too close & swamp a kayak. In monitored waters a kayaker using a blinking strobe will trigger unnecessary distress calls on Channel 16 & waste others' time in responding.

Stationary white --> vessel to another vessel. It lets them know we are out there which is Job #1.

As far as where to display the stationary white light my belief is if it ain't lashed to the boat or attached to you it ain't secured. If someone is relying on a suction-cupped light they will sooner or later be disappointed following a wave or capsize.

Whatever we display on our boats, our heads, etc, does not replace a strobe light w. a minimum visibility of 1/2 mile lashed to our PFD as the absolute fallback esp. if we are in the water and separated from our boat. That is what the USCG and other SAR personnel will be looking for.

I know this is an older topic but I thought I would throw this out there: This is a GREAT TOPIC! It's winter and I'm not getting out much right now so I started looking around and found this thread.
KATABATIC: you make some great points and I agree.
mkrabach: I like you webpage. Pretty cool stuff.

I think paddle craft should use the red/green navigation color scheme. I use a system from Illumarine, www.headtoboat.com. Its an all-in-one headlamp and kayak light system. they sell reflective tape too. pretty cool and not too expensive for the complete system. They were at cinci paddlefest last year.

to be particular about strobes, strobes don't necessarily mean distress. They are frequently placed on commercial fishing gear, such as long lines in order to locate it. That said, in other various jurisdictions, such as state by state, strobes can indicate distress. know the particular rules for where you paddle and use the red/green lights with care. as pointed out earlier, they can look like a larger boat that is farther away. if all you show is a white light other mariners will draw inferences based on that lights and know that you're a small craft.