Visibility and sea kayaking: Being SEEN.

Joan, "behind" a wave - but seen.

Out here on the "wettest" coast of Canada (I suppose folks in the Maritime provinces could argue that, but we're not counting snow), the skies and seas are often just a different shade of grey. And sometimes, they are exactly the same shade. The light is often subdued, especially at this time of the year and visibility is not always ideal. That being the case, when we're paddling, we wear bright colours. Joan is usually in red (now). As for me, I'm a "mango" kind of guy. :) Our kayaks, two are yellow and one is "mint", are easily seen.

It's not about fashion, the whole idea is to be seen - by one another, but most especially, by other vessels, large and small, fast and slow. Fashion may well be all about being seen, but for paddlers, it's about enhancing safety. Since kayakers are "captains" of some the smallest, lightest, and most vulnerable "ships" on the ocean, we want to make very sure that we're "stand outs" on the water. Not talking paddling style here - we're talking visibility!

Although there aren't large numbers of folks kayaking during the winter months, it's always a little surprising to  come upon a paddler wearing colours or paddling a boat that "blends" with the sea and sky. Not to appear judgemental here with regards to personal choices but let's face it, "blending" with the marine environment is like driving in the dark - with lights extinguished. It's risky. It's a bit like flying at night with the radar and the anti-collision lights turned off.

As do many, we pack a bunch of "visibility" items that include: detachable Scotty incandescent SEA-Lights, a Princeton Tec emergency Aqua Strobe, headlamps, extra flashlight, "pencil" flares, and lots of reflective tape on boats, paddles, and outerwear. Even the deck rigging has helpful reflection. None of these items are expensive - and they're worth every penny. We may not plan to be on the water after dark but in the event that it happens (after all, "stuff" can happen, right?), it's just good planning and preparation.

In beam of headlamp.

Last night, we began a five-week Seamanship and Trip Planning Course with Jan Kretz, certified guide, instructor, and owner of Adventuress Sea Kayaking, here on Vancouver Island. It's clearly going to be awesome for both beginners and more experienced paddlers, and the course content and discussions of shared experiences are going to make everyone significantly more aware of everything we can do to stay safe, keep others safe, and enjoy even more, this incredible sport.

One certain way for padders to enhance safety on the water? "Show" our colours. Additional thoughts on this? Other suggested "visibility kit" items?

Duncan.

Top image: A balmy winter day on the Salish Sea, just off Gabriola Island.
Second image: Added this one to show how effective reflective tape is under beam of single headlamp. (Crossing Saltspring Island to Maple Bay)

Launching...the "scratch for every itch".

Happiness is having a scratch for every itch.

- Ogden Nash

Moments before...a "launch".

There are few things in life I find more exciting than a "launch". It doesn't matter what kind of launch. Whether it's the first steps on the path at the trailhead, or boarding an airplane, or the moments before sliding the kayaks into the water and slipping into the cockpit, or the process of making a change in life - I get the same feeling. My heart rate and breathing slows down, the "butterflies" in the pit of the stomach gently churn, the sense of anticipation sharpens - as if an adventure is about to begin.

To be honest, I suppose I am one of those who is never quite "content". My mum used to tell me, with a sparkle in her eye, "You're just like your dad - you have 'itchy feet', you're never content to sit still!" It's true, I suppose. Our lives have been somewhat "nomadic" - in all kinds of ways. Over the past four decades, we've lived and worked (in civvies and in uniform) in five Provinces and overseas, and in two (almost three) languages. We have found those experiences fulfilling and sources of deep meaning. No house we have ever lived in has ever been our "castle". I don't have a pair of comfortable slippers or my very own cosy chair in the living room. We have very few "traditions" in our small household. With family spread over thousands of miles, there are no regular Sunday night dinners together. I will confess...I envy those for whom that tradition is possible. Maybe one day...

"Launching", or embarking on new directions every so often, it seems, can be for some, the "scratch for every itch". And it does bring with it a measure of happiness. That, at least, has been our experience.

I wonder...

...does that sound so strange?

Duncan.

Image: "Launching" the narrow boats at Degnen Bay, "Petroglyph Island" (Gabriola Island, BC) - heading out through the narrows to the Salish Sea.