Hey Mr. Peter Pumpkin Eater, way too kind you are, as always... There was a time when I wanted a superb daylight-producing waterproof headlamp for rough-water night paddling. I found that each headlamp I subsequently purchased, while brighter, often meant a heavier feel on the head or helmet (more uncomfortable to wear), harder to turn on quickly, was lost off the head easier, and returned too much light in front of my face if there was any mist, fog, or light rain/sleet present in the atmosphere -- or even heavy surface-water turbulence, even heavy breathing in the cold. The more powerful the light, not only did the light reflect back into my eyes more intensely, it also killed any remaining night vision in exponential degrees (it seemed). My 500 lumen cycling helmet light does the same thing making fast descents dangerous in any kind of adverse weather (I've mounted it low on bike now). I did like my various kayaking headlamps I've tried over the years for the simple convenience factor involved with the practical aspects of launching, landing, dealing with deck gear and such task oriented endeavors. One light, on the head, did it all. Signaling? Well, yes, though not 360, and not as easily aimed astern. And for night rock garden paddling and night paddling tidal rapids, it was nice to "look and point" at rock obstacles and nascent whirlpools quickly becoming an issue, respectively, with a strong headlamp. The trouble was, items of interest further ahead weren't visible without more torch power; and even with the limited reach of the candlepower I had, that was enough to not be able to see anything beyond but powerful enough to rob night vision for detecting upcoming hazards. In essence, strong light produced diminishing returns. While this type of nightpaddling is rather risky, especially alone, it is nevertheless the ultimate way to enlightenment along the pathway of discovering one's commingled inner and outer limits, while developing that all important boat control while still abetting all the important aspects of sensing and responding to forces brought to bear upon your hull in the absence of visual cues. In the end I opted for as little light as possible, instead developing keener senses of tactile proactivity using, sound, minute visual clues from sighting imminent danger (white frothy eddylines, broken white water over rocks -- which can all just be made out on a moonless, lumen-deprived night). By trusting instincts and finding a deep commitment to the pursuit of something quasi-metaphysical -- albeit abstrusely hidden from those avoiding these activities, you do one better than the instructors coaching their students to shut their eyes and "feel" their way through for practising baoy control. On a dark night, you can't open your eyes when your comfort zone bursts. And neither can you flick on your headlamp heeding that same call to perceived sanity when that light simply isn't available. However, there are times when gaining egress through an inhospitable shoreline does dictate maximum candlepower. I'd still love to have something small, not too expensive, handheld okay, at 1000 lumens minimum. Yes, I can think of times past when that would have been a nice option. Having said all this, my on-water experience of late has indicated far less need for bright light and continued need for superlative light values (sorry Mark). If anything, I'm usually running in stalth mode when I do get out. Therefore, 100 to 150 lumen makes a great output range for collision avoidance and signaling. Just give me that tailcap please. That lumen range is also enough to light up the shoreline enough for moderate forced landing. 300 to 500 lumens are possible in a price-compliant, compact package if one shops around. I'm still on a bit of a lightweight, ultracompact, none-complicated gear development phase. I probably can't go over 500 lumens and retain a small, reliable light. I don't feel I'm overly equipped at this juncture. I do feel my gear is my life out there. Balls and bravado are great when you are 20-something. At 50 and on the downhill slide now, I can finally paddle in just about any condition I want with confidence and a sense of security, even alone -- perhaps more so -- but I _have_ earned the right to enjoy, appreciate, and practice my perception of gear reliance as I please and to the degree I wish to. And I know where the balance is. When all my gear is working correctly, performing optimally, and intrinsically matrixed with body and organic movement --while the backup gear is properly available for tasking, I truly sense a compelling liberty I didn't enjoy in decades ago. No, it's not a perfect union of man, machine and gadgetry, but it succeeds with me to the level I want right now. Doug Lloyd > G'Day Doug' > > Thanks for that wonderfully detailed information. Its going to be a good > reference. We have an event in Sydney calle Dawn Chorus which involves > getting up at 4 am and paddling over to hear a local choir sing on various > beaches as the sun rises. I'm off to one of these next week so your > lighting information was timely. > Remember the tether article you wrote? Thats one of my valued references, > if you ever wrote an article on the gear you can carry on a lifevest it > would be another! Certainly looks as if you have enough material. > All the best, PeterO *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sat Jan 10 2009 - 01:30:35 PST
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