Night Kayaking is a relatively new sport in the world of outdoor activities. It is usually done when there is no moon, but there are some kayakers who prefer to kayak during the full moon to experience near-perfect visibility under the stars and on top of that, reflected from the water beneath them. It gives a whole new meaning to the nocturnal wildlife that roams the waters during the daytime. Night kayaking is a whole new experience and not very easy with a group of 10+ people, but it can be done if proper guides are provided for safety.
What is night kayaking?
Night kayaking is an experience that can be just as exhilarating as day kayaking, if not more. If you are looking for a new thrill to spice up your kayaking routine then night kayaking just might be the thing for you.
Night Kayak Touring
Kayakers need to remember to pack water and food since no facilities are available on any of the waterways.
Night kayakers should also wear bright clothing to be visible to other boaters. Most authorities do not require running lights for kayaks but some organizations that regulate night kayaking do require it since they promote safety and awareness among kayakers
Who does night kayaking?
People who love to kayak love night kayaking. Adventure seekers looking for a new thrill will also try out night kayaking.
What are the equipment required for a Night Kayak Tour?
Night kayakers should wear bright colors to make themselves visible to other boaters.
Headlamps and flashlights with red filters are recommended as they are not as bright to other boaters.
When kayaking at night, you must wear safety gear.
Some things to consider including:
- First aid kit
- GPS
- Radio
- Dry clothes in a dry bag
- Whistle or air horn, something so you can be heard if you get stuck somewhere.
- Life jacket
- Waterproof flashlight & waterproof speaker.
- Kayak cup holder.
Being prepared is a must if something goes wrong and you find yourself in the water or get lost.
What are the hazards encountered during Night Kayaking?
The darkness can make kayakers lose their sense of direction and cause them to stray from the designated route. It is recommended that night kayakers go out only with experienced guides.
Night kayakers can also experience fatigue due to little sleep they might have had during the night.
Other risks are dehydration, hypothermia, and drowning. Most of the risks that apply today kayaking also apply to night kayaking. However, some additional ones include capsizing or hitting obstacles on the water because it is difficult to see them at night. Night kayakers also need to take care not to hit swimmers because it is difficult to see them at night.
What are the precautions needed for a successful Night Kayak Tour?
Kayakers should always go out on tours with experienced guides or friends who are experienced in night kayaking. Bright colors need to be worn at all times. The route needs to be planned in advance and safety equipment should also be carried along.
How long is a typical Night Kayak Tour?
Night kayaking tours vary from two hours to longer trips that last for several days. It is recommended that beginners go out on short, two-hour tours to get a hang of kayaking at night.
Night Kayak Tours are mostly done on calm waters to avoid capsizing at night.
What is the difference between day kayaking and Night Kayaking?
The major difference between day kayaking and night kayaking is that you can’t see as much when it comes to night kayaking. At night, you will not be able to see much in the way of landmarks, unless they are lit up. This makes it very difficult to plan a route when navigating using maps and compasses. This is not usually recommended because it can cause inexperienced kayakers to get lost or confused since they can’t rely on visual markers or things like that. Preserving your energy is also important. Like day kayaking, night kayaking is also very tiring, so you need to make sure you don’t overdo it and exhaust yourself too much.
Some other tips for preparing for a Night Kayak Tour include:
- Wear bright clothes so boaters can see you.
- Be careful when near or around boats and other watercraft.
- Avoid getting too close to the shore at night since it can be dangerous due to obstacles present on the ground.
- Island hopping is not advised because it can make kayakers get lost at night and lose their way back home.
- Kayakers need to be careful about how much equipment they carry. Night kayaking can get exhausting due to the lack of sleep and it is not advisable to have a lot of equipment with you as it will slow down your pace.
What research should I do before going on a Night Kayak Tour?
- Your physical condition needs to be up to the challenge.
- It is important to make sure you have signed a waiver and permission from your parents or guardian in case you are under 18 years of age.
- You should also check with your tour organizer if they provide all the safety equipment such as lifejackets, helmets, and flares. It would be wise to also bring your own kayaking equipment like paddle, spray-skirt, and pumps along.
- Try to ask as many questions as you can about the tour, the route, and the safety equipment provided before setting off on your Night Kayak Tour. This will prevent any unnecessary accidents during the trip.
Where are some common places to go for Night Kayak Tours?
Courtenay and Comox on Vancouver Island.
Day tours are unavailable in these areas because they require a lot of daylight and it’s not very practical to kayak at night even though the courses offered there are fun and challenging.
These tours usually include: exploring the dream islands, winding through beaches, crossing over to nearby islands, paddling through caves, and watching the sunset.
What are some safety precautions that should be taken before going out on a Night Kayak Tour?
- Know your limits and don’t push yourself to do something that you’re not physically capable of doing.
- Make sure that you have all the proper safety equipment like lifejackets, helmets, and emergency beacons.
- Make sure that your kayak is equipped with necessary safety devices like anchor rope, patch kits, air pumps, and distress flares.
- Tours are usually offered in pairs or small groups so it would be better to go out on a guided tour to avoid accidents during the trip.
- It is important to tell people where you are going and when to expect you back. If you’re not scheduled for a tour, then it would be wise to stay inside your hotel room to avoid accidents at night.
Are there dangers that I should be aware of if I’m going out on a Night Kayak Tour?
Yes, you need to be aware of the dangers of night kayaking, especially if you are with a small group. Night kayaking can make it more difficult to avoid obstacles along the way because visibility is limited. It would be advisable to stay close together with your group so that you can help each other in case of an emergency.
However, one of the most common dangers that night kayakers experience is losing their way back home. When you are using a flashlight or any other source of light, it can be hard to look at the horizon due to glare so it would be better to keep your eyes on the water rather than staring directly into your light source.
Conclusion
Conclusion paragraph: Night kayaking is a great way to explore nature and have some fun while doing it. However, there are some safety precautions that should be taken before going on a night kayak tour. Make sure you have the proper kayaking equipment, know your limits, sign waivers, and tell people where you are going. Be aware of the dangers that come with night kayaking such as limited visibility, getting lost, and paddling in poor conditions. If you take these precautions, then you will be able to enjoy your night kayak tour without any problems.