Re: [Paddlewise] RE: Michigan Paddler Lost on a Newfoundland Paddle trip

From: Craig Jungers <crjungers_at_gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 8 Jul 2010 21:38:54 -0700
Someone mentioned using reflective tape to aid in a rescue at sea. Let me
add that not just "reflective" tape but "retro-reflective" or "solas" tape
is what you want for good visibility at night. Retro-reflective tape
actually reflects more light back to the source of light (instead of just
off in all directions) which makes it much easier to spot you in the
nastiness of a storm at sea.

Put it on your kayak so that it can also be visible if the boat is inverted
and on your person so that the parts of you (shoulders and feet) that tend
to be above the water (or near the surface) have it. Plus on your wrists to
further accentuate the frantic arm waving you're going to be doing.

Solas tape is not easy to find. I had to locate it on the Internet. It's
also rather spendy. Still worth it.


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
www.nwkayaking.net
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Received on Thu Jul 08 2010 - 21:39:02 PDT

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