Re: [Paddlewise] Red is not good. (was: Visability of kayakers)

RBHoltKayak_at_aol.com wrote:

>     I just read somewhere (sorry, don't remember which manufaturer's web
> site) that  red is not a good color because 20% of males have red
> color-vision deficiency.  For the same reason, greens and some blues should
> be avoided.

As one of the color-blind males, let me add my two cents.

Actually it's only 10% of men (and 1% of women) who are color blind.  The most
common form (6%) is red-green color blindness.  This means that there is
difficulty in distinguishing red from green.  In my case, it means not being
able to distinguish certain shades of red and green, with pastel colors
being the most difficult.  Lighting conditions affect the ability to distinguish as
well.  Sunlight is the only source that is reliable for me; artificial light
means I can't rely on my color perception.  Traffic lights are not a problem for me.
Hence a red kayak on a green background (like water) would not stand out.
I assume that the colors of the leaves in the autumn are less pronounced for
me than for most folks.

At the Georgian Bay SK Symposium, the White Squall staff mark the locations
of on-water exercises by anchoring different colored canoes at different points
around the bay.  The furthest one was a red canoe.  In the background was a
marshy area with tall green grasses.   Guess which canoe was the one for all
the sessions I signed up for?  From the dock, I couldn't see the red canoe at
all.  But neither could the instructor!  He was also RG colorblind.


> While I doubt any SAR pilots/spotters have color-blindness,
> that powerboater speeding toward you may very well be color-blind.

The only time I was tested for color blindness for work was when I was
hired by an airline.  All critical staff (pilots, flight attendants, ground workers
etc) cannot be color blind.  I would expect various rules prevent an SAR pilot
from being accepted if color blind.

Those who are color blind and aware of it can make up for the deficiency in
some respects.  If judging color is critical, for example, I take something into
sunlight.  In general, I know when to be cautious about color.  I like paddling
with Amie, because she's not color blind and has razor sharp vision.  Not bad
for an old gal.  I often ask her to confirm sightings of things.

My own take on color, based on observing kayakers with visibility in mind, is
that international orange is the best (as mentioned by Jack and Kevin).   I have
an orange PFD and recently bought a yellow one (that brand didn't come in
international orange).  Yellow is second best.  Putting orange Scotchlite tape
on the back of your paddle blades is probably a good idea.

Mike

PS The other dichromats are blue-green and red-blue deficiency.  The monochromats
see only one color and have even greater problems.  It is a misconception that color
blind people see black and white.

PPS I dream in color - most men don't.

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