With winter coming on it seems timely to issue a reminder about the need for a light to be shown when on the water during the hours between sunset and sunrise.

The Waka Ama Safety Guidelines state the following requirement:
“Fixed white light 1 metre above deck, that can be seen 360°” - “Required for night paddling”

These lights are readily available at marine goods or kayak retailers. In addition to being in the safety guidelines, this is also a requirement under Maritime rules and local Bylaws.

Please also be reminded that life jackets of the appropriate size and number for those on board must be available at all times, if not actually worn.

Thanks to John Tattersall from the Harbourmasters Office in Wellington, for that info.
If you have any questions regarding the maritime regulations, I am sure John won't mind answering them
Email: [email protected]

And since we are on the topic of canoe lights, I have spent some time evaluating lights for our club canoes, and I thought I would share what I have come up with incase it is useful to other clubs.

I looked at a number of different types of lights

Bike lights
these flash (incase you hadn't noticed, only bridges, navigational markers and other stationary objects have flashing lights, so better then nothing, but not a good idea)

Torch
Often doesn't shine in all directions, and they rust if they get wet (i have wasted a lot of money on torches)

12V Boat lights
Proper boat lights are expensive and run off a motorbike size battery which require charging regularly.

The best lights I found are tektite lights.
They are waterproof (submersible) and run off 3x AA batteries.

They are bright enough to be seen easily, but not so bright that they blind the steerer.

And best of all, 1 set of batteries should last you all winter (if you remember to turn them off after training)

So build your own Light Poles
It's easy, just grab a 1m length of doweling from your hardware store (or use an old broomstick), I used 1/2 inch (13mm) diameter dowel.

Drill a hole in a small block of wood, glue or screw the dowel in place. Tape the light on the top. Done, simple as that, no excuses.

You can add a short strap if you wish to hang them up in your club shed.

The light poles are small and light enough to be used on W1, W2 and W6 canoes. Just use a bit of rubber strapping to attach them to the kiato (lights should be roughly in the centre of the canoe, so middle of the kiato is best place to put them)

Tektite 10% discount
I have spoken to Tektite and they have offered a 10% discount to any outrigger clubs in New Zealand who order before the 15th May 2007. (Thanks Scott)

Here is the tektite website, prices are in US$, and delivery takes just over a week.

The part number I used is: 3A-5200-412 (same as this one but with 2 leds) Cost is: US$26.95
Freight costs around US$10 - US$15, so it works out cheaper if you buy a few and get them sent together.

Email: [email protected]
Remember to quote this discount code when ordering:
NZOC5-07

Have fun in the dark...

Any questions, let me know [email protected]