Paddling on a kayak in extreme darkness can be quite dangerous for anyone because of poor vision. To assist one, he or she needs to use lighting while kayaking. The lighting is also used to show others of his or her presence. In many coastal areas, the law requires that boats that are 16 feet and above should use lighting equipment. However, this law does not restrict the use of kayak lights on shorter canoes.
Even though, the law does not say anything about vessels that are less than 16 feet in length, it is wise to install safety lighting. Lighting techniques are quite varied, and one will be spoilt for choice. Depending on the function, these include headlights, reflective tapes, flares, deck lighting and the navigating light.
Although flares are used by big boats, they are as well used on kayaks. Flares can be used either during the night or rarely during daytime. Flares are normally fired into the sky and produce an orange smoke that acts as a signal to others. Flares are supposed to be fired against the wind direction so as to be effective. The main drawback of using flares is that it is lasts only for a short time before it burns out.
The deck light is the most powerful light to a paddler during the night. This light is referred to as an anchor light by some people. It is supposed to be mounted on the stern and is usually used together with the red light on its left, and to the right a green light is fitted. The main advantage of the deck light is that is has the ability to illuminate a 360 degree angle. A drawback of this light is that it obscures the vision.
Headlights are won on the head of the paddler while he or she is rowing. This lighting gadget has two purposes. Sometimes the night can be extremely dark that visibility is hampered, and in such a situation, the headlights come in handy. Headlights are also used as a safety precaution as they make the rower visible to other people on boats.
Reflective tapes are highly effective when used on kayaks. They are also used by police on their uniforms and also at the back of most vehicles especially trucks. The hull of the vessel is fitted with these reflective tapes and the paddles too can also be fitted with them. Orange, yellow and lime are the best colors as they are bright and therefore are easily spotted by an approaching vessel.
Navigating lights can also be used on kayaks but are mostly used by big boats. The navigating light is used to send a signal to other vessels of ones presence in the area. Though this technique is not necessary on kayaks it should be however be used for maximum safety as they have the ability of preventing a crash in night waters. A major drawback of this light is that it inhibits the vision of the user and should then be correctly set to avoid this.
Kayak lights serve the same function as the lamp of a miner deep in the shaft. For safety purposes, it is advisable to use them at all times and should not be ignored because they help one navigate easily through the water at night.
Even though, the law does not say anything about vessels that are less than 16 feet in length, it is wise to install safety lighting. Lighting techniques are quite varied, and one will be spoilt for choice. Depending on the function, these include headlights, reflective tapes, flares, deck lighting and the navigating light.
Although flares are used by big boats, they are as well used on kayaks. Flares can be used either during the night or rarely during daytime. Flares are normally fired into the sky and produce an orange smoke that acts as a signal to others. Flares are supposed to be fired against the wind direction so as to be effective. The main drawback of using flares is that it is lasts only for a short time before it burns out.
The deck light is the most powerful light to a paddler during the night. This light is referred to as an anchor light by some people. It is supposed to be mounted on the stern and is usually used together with the red light on its left, and to the right a green light is fitted. The main advantage of the deck light is that is has the ability to illuminate a 360 degree angle. A drawback of this light is that it obscures the vision.
Headlights are won on the head of the paddler while he or she is rowing. This lighting gadget has two purposes. Sometimes the night can be extremely dark that visibility is hampered, and in such a situation, the headlights come in handy. Headlights are also used as a safety precaution as they make the rower visible to other people on boats.
Reflective tapes are highly effective when used on kayaks. They are also used by police on their uniforms and also at the back of most vehicles especially trucks. The hull of the vessel is fitted with these reflective tapes and the paddles too can also be fitted with them. Orange, yellow and lime are the best colors as they are bright and therefore are easily spotted by an approaching vessel.
Navigating lights can also be used on kayaks but are mostly used by big boats. The navigating light is used to send a signal to other vessels of ones presence in the area. Though this technique is not necessary on kayaks it should be however be used for maximum safety as they have the ability of preventing a crash in night waters. A major drawback of this light is that it inhibits the vision of the user and should then be correctly set to avoid this.
Kayak lights serve the same function as the lamp of a miner deep in the shaft. For safety purposes, it is advisable to use them at all times and should not be ignored because they help one navigate easily through the water at night.
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