Re: [Paddlewise] night lights

Product Information Department wrote:

> I later replaced this with the ACR "C" light, which uses a single AA
> battery, and which has moulded plastic dome lens which beams the light out
> in a 360º ring around the unit, rather than having most of it "spill"
> upwards. This light is pure white. As a bonus, each time I take a stroke, I
> can see a line of light on my paddle blades to confirm the light is burning
> brightly. The ACR "C" light is SOLAS approved and was originally made for
> the front of PFDs.


I second the recommended use of the "C" light.  I carry one always with
me in my PFD in case I find myself in an unplanned night time or low
light paddling situation because of delays in getting off the water.  It
can attach to the back strap on a baseball cap which being about the
highest spot on you, improves it being seen.  Also behind you, it can't
affect your night vision.  I also have a 2AA Princeton light in the
PFD.  I string it via its lanyard through the shoulder strap of the PFD
and have it hanging in front.  In that position I can swing it to show
extra light.  (I also have a headlamp in an emergency bag which is
always in the cockpit right alongside me or between my legs.  It
contains about 5 to 6 pounds of emergency stuff.)

For _planned_ paddling at night, I have a headband, which was made to
hold a maglight horizontally and a chemlight vertically (like a
feather).  I have rigged it up to hold two "C"Lights.  I also carry a
Princeton 2AA light and a Princeton 4aa light that are strung through
the shoulder strap of my PFD.  The 4AA is hung forward and the 2AA
strung behind.  Sometimes I also use a headlamp.  Not all the lights are
on all the time.  Yeah, overkill but it beats getting killed.

Generally when I go on a night paddle I bring lots of extra lights. 
People often show up for a trip with out adequate light or a light goes
out on the water.  I lend them out like handing out jelly beans.

Oh, one negative about the "C" light.  Its bulb is not replaceable.  You
keep changing batteries until the bulb dies and then you chuck the
flashlight.  Actually hang on to the body and cannibalize things like
the O ring that makes it waterproof and the lanyard and the length of
velcro that comes with the light.  These can all be used in other
applications.

ralph diaz
-- 
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Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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