Re: [Paddlewise] Running Lights

From: <Goffma_at_aol.com>
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2007 10:21:31 EDT
Mike said:
 
<big snip>
 
>Personally, when I get enough skill and confidence to venture out after  
dark, I will have a properly lit kayak, >the LED lights should make it pretty  
easy. I don't know how having a head mounted light is going to fit into >that  
equations yet, I suppose it will be on when I need it, otherwise depend on 
night  vision like I used to do >sailing.

Welcome to the wonderful world of kayaking, Mike.  There's all kinds  of 
kayaking and all kinds of opinions of how it should be done, that's  the  fun of a 
list like this.
 
I have written before about the head mounted light and how I find it very  
useful while night paddling.  I didn't mention before, but probably should  
have, that I normally paddle with the light OFF and only turn it on when I think  
there is a potential for a collision.  This would be what other writers  have 
referred to as "stealth" mode.  This technique works for me because I  am 
usually night paddling in very shallow water near shore with usually only one  
other paddler (my wife) in an area that does not see a lot of recreational or  
commercial traffic.  
 
I can see how people that paddle in larger groups in more congested areas  
might feel the need to put more lights on their boats for protection and to aid  
in group management.  It's always good to hear from people in different  
environments and see how they have had to adapt their equipment and behavior to  
adapt.  Once again, one size does not necessarily fit all.  But  whatever size 
you choose, it should meet the appropriate regulations (which a  head lamp, 
shown in time to avoid a collision, does - for my waters).
 
Mark Goff
Hampden, Maine



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Received on Wed Aug 01 2007 - 07:21:55 PDT

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