Re: [Paddlewise] Running Lights

From: Tord Eriksson <tord_at_tord.nu>
Date: Fri, 3 Aug 2007 22:53:37 +0200
On Thursday 02 August 2007 13:42, Mike wrote:
>   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.

Problem is really waves, as lights on the kayak itself will only very 
occasionally be visible to others! A brightly lit up paddle should on the 
other hand be very visible to other traffic.

But as always, it is a balance between night vision and being visible!

Highly reflective tape on cap/helmet, PFD and paddle is probably
better, more fail safe, and what we use - combined with florousent
tape on one side of the paddle blades (highly reflective on the other 
side) - we also have flourosent vests we can don, on top of the PFDs, 
and strobes!

>From the air, a kayak lit up by hundreds of LEDs (technically feasable - 
and not very powerhungry) )would stand off really well, but it would ruin 
your night vision very well!

I think I'll continue the passive way, plus a flashlight, if needed!

I have navigational lights, that I can attach to top of the mizzen mast,
with LEDs - not yet tested in a 'live situation' - just the living 
room :-)! 12V, powered by the bilge pump/GPS battery.

Tord
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Received on Fri Aug 03 2007 - 13:40:32 PDT

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