Kayaking at Night - be Seen, be Safe

Needless to say, if you paddle at night, or in heavy fog, you’re going to be a lot less visible to other boats on the water. Unlike larger boats, kayaks aren’t required to show running lights, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. It’s a good idea to always have a waterproof flashlight as part of your night paddling gear, along with a good amount of reflective tape applied to your kayak, PFD, and paddle. Reflective tape, while not as effective as actual lights, will still make you more visible in the dark to oncoming boats with lights of their own.

Another way to get attention while kayaking at night is to bring along a whistle. Whistles are small enough to stow away in your PFD, and they work even without batteries or air canisters. A handheld foghorn is another noisemaking option, and these can be especially effective in fog (hence the name). These air powered horns need to be checked periodically for corrosion or leaks in the valves. Test it out in your backyard before heading out on your trip (your neighbors will love your for it). As with all emergency gear, you want to make sure it'll work when you most need it.

Kayaking at night requires that you have your head on a swivel, and that you keep a constant lookout for boat traffic in your area. If you spot a pair of white lights – one above the other - this will normally indicate a boat that is traveling directly toward you. This is a good time to get your flashlight or noisemaker out and let that boat know you’re there.

You can also use red and green port and starboard lights to judge whether or not a boat is headed your way. If you see a red light to the left of the green light, the boat in question is moving away from you. If, on the other hand, the red light is to the right of the green, the boat is coming toward you, and you may need to signal it and/or take avoiding action.

Another danger at night is the fact that motorized boats often make sudden turns, and they can change direction straight toward you in a moment’s notice. If your flashlight fails to get the other boat’s attention, you can fire off a white flare as a last resort. Unlike a red flare, a white flare is not a distress signal, but it will certainly make your presence known. It’s a good idea to stock your kayak with several white and red flares for emergencies. It’s all about being noticed.

And at night, that’s really the name of the game.

Dressed For Success?

When kayaking, choosing the right clothing is more than a fashion statement -- it can save your life. Hypothermia is a real hazard on the water, after all, and you need to be dressed for the unexpected. If you're anticipating water temperatures of even a few degrees below your body temperature, you'll need at least a good wetsuit, and maybe even a dry suit, depending on the conditions. If you'll be paddling in a warm weather environment, you'll still need the right clothing to stay dry and comfortable.

Retail sporting goods stores are great, but most only carry a limited selection of kayaking gear, if they have a paddling department at all. And count on paying the full retail price. Online merchants, on the other hand, offer a wide selection of name-brand clothing and paddling accessories, and at discounted prices. And online shopping offers a convenient, comfortable alternative to driving all over town looking for that hard to find item.

Our featured merchants are all well-established companies that have secure ordering systems, good warranty and return policies, and will ship virtually anywhere in the world.

For some great deals on new kayaking gear, click on one of the following links:

Teva.com
This is the place to find the full line of quality Teva footwear, including paddling shoes.

Backcountry.com
Shop Backcountry.com for a great selection of paddling clothes and equipment.

Tips & Tricks

Prevent Back Strain

A day of hard paddling can play havoc on your lower back. To minimize the risk of injury, always choose a seat back that provides good posture. Look for
seat backs that are equipped with lumbar support straps. A good seat should also have hip, thigh, and knee braces that are properly adjusted to allow you to sit with a slight forward lean. With the proper posture, you'll avoid the risk of back injury and enjoy your time on the water.