loosing my light

[SUPinSC]

So, the typical battle, good vs evil, light vs dark, paddling when the days get shorter.  Its going to be inevitable that I'll very soon be paddling before light breaks in the morning.  I paddle on a lake.  Thus far, at my time of day, I've only seen a handful of slow moving boats and one abandoned jet ski.

What do you use to keep yourself seen when paddling before day breaks or after darkness falls?  I'll use a headlamp to see my way, but do you put something on your bow/stern??  What? 

I guess I should also check DNR to stay legal, but I'd love to hear your input as well.

Thanks

[shankfoo]

Seriously, I've seen these magnetic LED pucks intended for kayakers that you stick onto your board (or your hat, i guess)

[SUPinSC]

Seriously, I've seen these magnetic LED pucks intended for kayakers that you stick onto your board (or your hat, i guess)

That is awesome.  I am half goat and attracted to anything shiny or lighty.  Awesome.

[SUPinSC]

Dang.  Found the lights NOCQUA 2000 $399.   Love 'em, but not vs a new paddle.

Any other lower tech ideas?

[CowichanSUPer]

I wonder how well those strip LED lights you can get for a car would work. I had them on a van and they are water proof.  You would have to figure out a power source.

This sort of thing...http://www.ebay.com/itm/Waterproof-Blue-3528-SMD-300-LED-Light-5M-Flexible-Strip-Lamp-12V-2A-Car-Auto-/110748515449

[supstyleman]

Dang.  Found the lights NOCQUA 2000 $399.   Love 'em, but not vs a new paddle.

Any other lower tech ideas?

Yeah, a glow stick.  

http://glowproducts.com/glowsticks/

The LED ice cubes are awesome!

[SUPinSC]

Thanks for the link supstyleman.  That's probably the route I shall take.  The ice cubes are a great price--Yes, I've had LED ice cubes, but much more $.  Time for some new ones.  I am half goat. 

[SUPWI]

I just finished making a set of LED underglow bars and they work great.
Bought 5 meters 600 LED 12volt waterproof strip off Ebay ($20),
8 AA battery box ($6) to get to 12 volts and a Pelican #1020 case ($13) from Amazon to keep the batteries dry.  The rest of the design is up to you, some soldering, electrical wire, caulking and straps and you're in business.

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/w3i3pnn8dcw6v37/TyV8rXMcyT
https://www.dropbox.com/s/5velli62xaizps8/suplights2.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4kbsvaqnwt6x74r/suplights4.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/lxogjghp9cwste5/suplights3.jpg

[pdxmike]

There's been some good advice on this in past threads.  To be legal, you need to carry a white light that you can turn on to signal your presence to others.  It doesn't need to be kept on.  A headlamp can work, or I have a clip-on light on my pfd belt that was about $10-15.  A lot of people like piercing lights that you can shine right in someone's eyes it that's what it takes to get them to see you.

A lot of people don't like to leave any lights on because it blinds you--either seeing the light, or the light hitting your board or paddle (problem with headlamps left one).  Some people also put reflective tape on their boards or paddles or clothes. 

Best is to stay where you won't be hit.  Boats hit islands and bridges around here in broad daylight. 

[levity]

pdxmike pretty much summed it up

Mrs levity and I did a sunset/moonlight paddle on the lower Colorado River (http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=20171.0). For illumination we used waterproof Black Diamond headlamps having a spot beam or a broad beam or 2 small red LEDs .  For marker lights we used battery powered Life Gear LED "glowsticks" from REI (http://www.rei.com/product/840952/life-gear-glow-stick-with-whistle, http://www.rei.com/product/840950/life-gear-waterproof-glow-stick).

Here's a shot at dusk with the headlamp having just the non-blinding red LEDs turned on plus one marker glowstick:




Here's my headlamp illuminating Jill's reflective bag and jacket):




Here I am in Jill's headlamp:

[hbsteve]

Levity mentioned REI.  REI is certainly a good source.  Also, a running store would be a good place to look.

[SlatchJim]

http://www.headlampzone.com/waterproof-headlamp.html

"I surf, therefore I am."

[stoneaxe]

We encouraged headlamps and handed out the glowstick necklaces for the CCBC. My wife also had the winning bid for the Nocqua 2000 lights....an early present for me.... . I thought they would be sweet for some night dives and paddling some of the shoals in the shallows...whole different mix of critters at night. They are a bit pricey but well put together in a great storage case. Should last well even with me using them. I tend to be tough on gear.

I like that mix of lights and reflective Levity. I wish my pelican headlamp had a red led....bright but ruins vision.

[SUPinSC]

There's been some good advice on this in past threads. 

Yeah.....I was wondering when I'd finally be called out for not using the search function.  I'm half lazy for not doing so and half ambitious--when I use the search feature I end up reading posts from years ago and loose a lot of time.....thanks for letting me know I should be using it....

Thanks for all of the great advice everyone.  Looking forward to see what I figure out.  Need pics of your Nocqua 2000 stoneaxe!!  Good to know they seem to be tough....I can seem them in my future one day and I'm not delicate with gear.

[Stand Up Pittsburgh]

I just finished making a set of LED underglow bars and they work great.
Bought 5 meters 600 LED 12volt waterproof strip off Ebay ($20),
8 AA battery box ($6) to get to 12 volts and a Pelican #1020 case ($13) from Amazon to keep the batteries dry.  The rest of the design is up to you, some soldering, electrical wire, caulking and straps and you're in business.

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/w3i3pnn8dcw6v37/TyV8rXMcyT
https://www.dropbox.com/s/5velli62xaizps8/suplights2.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4kbsvaqnwt6x74r/suplights4.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/lxogjghp9cwste5/suplights3.jpg

SUPWI - Like the set up. How long do your batteries last?