Paddle Junky

It's the most wonderful time of the year -- if you enjoy peace and quiet

Middle Branch, Patapsco River

Suiting up in cold water gear head to toe takes a bit longer than when you can just toss on some shorts and get out there. Putting on lights is yet another additional step. But it's all worth the hassle to be able to get out and safely enjoy an evening on the water even during the "off season."

Pro Tip; typically when it's cold and or dark I stay very close and parallel to the shoreline, just in case there's an emergency I can be out the water in minutes. And I also keep the outing relatively short.This isn't the time for open water crossings.

46 degrees air temp. Coldest paddle of the season so far. Was geared up head to toe. Stayed close to shore and got some good practice paddle laps in. No need to go out far when it's dark and cold. But on water practice has a place in off season race training.

Was such a lovely evening to get out on the water. Just a short clip showing how great the water looked.

62 Degrees In December! A great day for a sunset paddle.

The Dark Side - Have Fun Safely Paddling At Night Pt.1

Luxpro LP1515 Lantern

This a great light for getting on the water when the sun goes down. Reasonably price, rugged and reliable. Read on for my full review.

For those of us who don't let shorter days and lack of daylight deter our enjoyment, the water holds something special after dark. Typically it's much more peaceful and serene.

Wildlife watchers like myself, discover many fascinating creatures only become active during dusk and often continuing long into the night.

Recreational boat traffic has died down, crazy jet skiers are off the water, and there's a whole other vibe going on. Many times it'll feel as if you have the place all to yourself. And maybe you do. Or maybe you don't...

Having proper lighting on your paddle craft (kayak, canoe, SUP, etc.) is not only good common sense, it's also the law. Next to paying attention and being highly observant, along with choosing the right waterway to paddle in at night, good lighting is essential to help avoid potentially catastrophic collision with other water craft. EVERYTHING out there is bigger, faster and heavier than we are. What would be a simple bump for them, could most certainly lead to serious injury or even death for a paddler.

After multiple outings, across different states for close to two months, I can confidently recommend this product as one you can count on. Compact. It floats. Has an easy to use and reliable switch. The Luxpro LP1515 lantern is a great accessory for those sunset cruises.

It has a nice bright beam that'll make you highly visible on the water. In fact it's so bright you'll probably want to put some electrical tape on the back side of it if you have it mounted on the bow, to preserve your night vision.

It's also completely waterproof. A lot of low cost lights are not, and will fail shortly after coming into contact with water the way this light would be used. The lights that are cheaper usually do not float. This could mean having to replace your light sooner than you'd like to if it accidentally goes overboard.

The LP1515 gets pretty decent run time from the included AAA alkaline batteries. An estimated 2 hours on the medium setting I prefer to use, but a whopping 21 hours on low.

If you need longer a lasting light there are other products that will work better, but you'll have to pay a lot more for them. We'll review some in the future.

If you're shopping for lights, beware, we tried a lot of lights claiming to be "water resistant." After get hit with multiple waves they were toast. The IPX7 waterproof rating on this unit means it does exactly what they claim and won't leave you stranded in darkness.

I got mine at Dick's for just $19.99, but they may be available elsewhere. In store or online.
https://dickssportinggoods.app.link/nfVhgOlKQub

If you already use a great lighting product that you're happy with, please share details in the comments.

Paddle on people
~ Doc James

* Note; there is often confusion about required lighting. The U.S. Coast Guard considers paddle crafts under 7 meters (22.9 feet) in length, a "vessel under oars" and as such are not required to have the common red/green navigation lights commonly seen on powerboats and larger vessels. If you already got em or think they look cool, great. But they're not obligatory.

Per Coast Guard navigation rule #25 -- "A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this Rule for sailing vessels, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision."

Had a lovely fall colors paddle on Lake Roland this morning. A hidden gem in North Baltimore.

Baltimore, coming spring 2023

By the day, the week, or just half a day.

Proceeds will help fund our upcoming youth enrichment programs. Details to be annual.