Safe Night Paddling: Kayak Night Light

August-September 1999

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

by Peter Brand

My favourite times for recreational kayaking are the hours around dawn and dusk. Paddling at this time of day adds a new dimension to familiar haunts. Sunset is always a magical time to be on the water, and paddling by moon light has a romance of its own.

Having introduced several friends and family members to night paddling, I've found their reaction is generally a blend of apprehension as they anticipate a new adventure, excitement as they come to terms with a strange environment, and delight when they encounter sights such as the swirl of phosphorescence after each paddle stroke.

The shoreline takes on a different character at night, offering paddlers the challenge of identifying once familiar landmarks by their shadowy pockets of darkness. Lights of varying colour and intensity confuse things further. Boats underway deserve special attention to properly read their lights and determine their speed and direction of travel.

Because I enjoy sharing the adventure with friends, most of whom lack experience in night boating, I pay particular attention to safety issues. I usually choose a location away from busy channels, in relatively still and sheltered waters. Before we leave shore we always review basic rescue techniques with a reminder that recovery from a capsize would take on new challenges in darkness. Probably the most important safety consideration is to be certain that you will be seen. In her article Dangers of the Dark (Wavelength, April-May '99), Lee Hindnichs described a peaceful night paddle which turned to disaster when three kayakers were run down by a power boat and one subsequently drowned. Most night navigators are experienced operators, but one should always be on guard for the occasional irresponsible joy rider travelling too fast and possibly without lights. The best defense in this situation is to make sure that you will be noticed.

To ensure high visibility on the water at night, I assembled a waterproof kayak navigation light which conforms with coast guard requirements for water craft under 6 metres, is visible for two miles (according to the manufacturer) and runs on two AA alkaline batteries.

The C-light, made by ACR Electronics, is actually designed as a PFD emergency beacon, however its slim, rugged, waterproof design make it perfect for adaptation to a 360 degree white navigation light. The secret of this tiny light's long range is a highly effective magnifying lens.

To help preserve night vision, I mount the light on a 30" stanchion attached to the rear hatch of the kayak. The stanchion is made from 1 /2" white PVC water pipe, available at most hardware stores. In order for the device to be removable, an end plug fitting is attached to the hatch of the kayak using a stainless steel machine screw. This plug is all that is left on the kayak when the light stanchion is removed after use. A pipe coupling is attached to the deck end of the pipe. This fits snugly over the plug. The plug and coupling are sold as accessories for the PVC pipe. The black ink printed on the pipe can be removed using light sandpaper.

The C-light is a tad too fat to fit into the female coupling end of the pipe. To solve this, I cut a slit in the pipe with a hand saw, which allows the light to be forced into the pipe. Electrical tape finishes off this joint. A friction fit at the other end works fine.

When our family fleet of kayaks puts to sea at night, each fitted with its custom navigation light, we resemble a swarm of fireflies heading across the bay! An occasional quick C-light count enables me to keep tabs on the group. In addition to our mounted navigation lights, we wear waterproof halogen headlamps, though we only use them for launching and landing, or at the sound of an approaching power boat. In case of emergency I carry a flare gun in a mini dry sack on deck.

A caution for paddlers thinking of installing this device: Bear in mind that during reentry following a wet exit, PFD straps might hang up on the 1 " high PVC plug attached to the deck. If this happens, it's a simple matter of lifting yourself over the obstacle.

Confident that our cluster of lights make us highly visible to other boaters, we relax and enjoy kayaking in the surrounding darkness. Something about this magical paddling environment seems to reduce chatter, heightening awareness of the sights and sounds-the chuckle of the bow wave, the dip of the paddle, swirling phosphorescence and moonlight dancing on the water.

To enquire about a filly assembled version ,of the kayak light described here, e-mail: pbrand @bc.sympatico.ca