Re: [Paddlewise] Smoke on the Water

Jeff said:
>>I am a newbie and was wondering why someone would want a strobe-light for
paddling? I saw a model out there that had 5 functions or settings: a
fast-strobe and a slow-strobe function plus three levels of continuous beams
that had three different levels of light intensity. I understand the levels
of light intensity in that it would allow your battery-life to be extended
before having to replace them but I don't understand the practicality of the
strobe. Can you enlighten (pun intended) us?<<


Depending on whether your were operating your vessel in inland water as
opposed to coastal/offshore waters, a strobe is to be used as a distress
beacon or, respectively, simply as a method to show your presence on the
water (though it isn't 360-visible light). I'd check with he inland
paddlers, as I'm not up-to-date on the rules with respect to strobe use
there. Navigation and international laws, etc., aside, the strobe would
definitely extend the range of the battery, while giving flashes of full
illumination (for announcing your presence in the kayak), as opposed to
running the settings at lower wattage (which still extend battery life, but
doesn't give the same brightness). The unit I have also has a S.O.S setting,
and a cycling-flash (bit longer than a strobe, for finding your way in the
dark without burning up the battery apparently). I got mine second-hand, so
I think some of the options are maybe a bit different now, but I'm not sure.
It was $100.00 Cnd, which wasn't too bad.

Like Duane said, most of this bright light stuff degrades night-time vision.

Back to strobe used for emergencies: Many paddlers carry a strobe-only
device for signalling. They usually give off bright light visible for many
mile in all directions. A common place to lash them to, is the back top
strap on your PFD. I'm sure you will encounter paddlers wearing these things
as you progress in the sport. I didn't buy my new-to-me NightRider
specifically for the strobe, not for paddling anyway. I'll be using it for
winter riding on my bicycle. I have a 10-watt under the handlebars, and the
15 watt (under discussion) will be on my helmet when I start riding again
this week. The strobe works well in city traffic for getting a driver's
attention (as most are brain-dead after work, interior glass fogged up,
etc., etc.).

BTW, I got a new and very loud air horn for my bike. I finally had a chance
to use it this summer after 20 years of near-misses and nothing to do but
scream or ring my little bell. Well, by the time I swerved around the front
end of this lady's car (she was pulling out of a parking lot onto a one-way
street), narrowly missed another car in the lane beside me, and got back to
a perpendicular plane, I never even had a chance to hit the handle-mounted
switch to activate the air horn. I mention this in relationship to the other
thread on Polar Bears. You can draw the inferences.

Doug Lloyd
Victoria BC
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