RE: [Paddlewise] Radar, Kayaks and Visibility Study

From: rebyl_kayak <rebyl_kayak_at_energysustained.com>
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:57:53 +1000
Mike wrote
>I've noticed the flash of a reflector strip on a paddle long before I see
anything else.

G'day,

A moving paddle is the first thing I can see when looking at a distance of a
km or so for a kayaker in flat water. In even moderately rough water it can be
impossible to see a kayaker even when they are relatively close. Do you
remember the video someone showed a few months ago about a ferry rescuing a
kayaker who couldn't reenter. I think he had a paddlefloat but was too
exhausted. One of the first things I noticed in the first few seconds was how
hard it was to see the kayaker. I paddle Sydney Harbour, which can be full of
fast moving boats, and always assume I'm invisible to everyone - only been run
over once and that was when a motor boat went into reverse without checking.

Cheers, PeterO
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Received on Tue Jun 16 2009 - 04:58:02 PDT

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