Night Kayaking - The Thrill of Paddling By Moonlight

Night Kayaking: The Thrill of Paddling By Moonlight

I love to go kayaking...obviously. Sometimes I wish there was more time in the day to enjoy being on the water in my kayak. One morning, I started out super early so I could get a paddle in before I reported to my day job. As I slid my kayak into the water at 4:45am, I realized I had never been on the water in the absence of sunlight. It was almost pitch black at that time. That's when I first began to wonder "Can you go kayaking at night?"

The answer: Absolutely! There are some additional safety steps needed like having navigational lights on your kayak or a handheld lantern-type device. You also need to comply with standard safety measures like personal flotation devices, safety whistle, etc. Other than that, the sky's the limit. Go out any time and have fun!

Standard Gear for Any Kayak Trip

I've already done over this here: What do I need to start kayaking?

Additional Gear for Kayaking in the Dark

Two new circumstances for a kayaker are presented when kayaking at night.

1. Making sure anyone else on the water can see you in the dark
2. Making sure you can see everything you need to see for your safety

In order to be seen by other people on the water, you will need to add some lights to your kayak. There are boating standards established eons ago for any floating vessel in order to establish visibility at night. Whether you are dealing with a clear line of sight or challenges like fog and rain, there is still a basic lighting protocol established.

An unmotorized kayak is classified as a "vessel under oars" and subject to the U.S. Coast Guard Rules when it comes to navigation lights.

Citing U.S.C.G. 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 a collision."

So there is your first requirement. You should either have lights on your kayak or carry a handheld light source. Here are some great navigational lights that are super easy to be added to your kayak. If you choose to go the handheld route, check these out what they have on Amazon.

However, if you read on you can see an except for kayaks:

From U.S.C.G. Rule 30:

• A vessel of less than 7 meters in length, when at anchor not in or near a narrow channel, fairway or where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in Rule 30(a) and (b).

Seven meters is almost 23 feet.

Bow and Stern lights.

do you need lights

what do you wear for night kayaking

are PFDs required for kayaking

do i need a license to kayak

https://blog.theclymb.com/passions/paddle/kayak-night/

http://kayak-skills.kayaklakemead.com/night-kayaking.html

https://www.viator.com/tours/Florida/Bioluminescence-Comb-Jelly-Kayaking-Tour/d276-26315P9

Full gear: Kayak 101.

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Is It Easier to Kayak or Canoe? Which is Best for You?

Is It Easier to Kayak or Canoe? Which is Best for You?

For most first-time paddlers, a kayak is the easier of the two to pick up. You sit low in the boat with a double-bladed paddle, which makes it more intuitive to keep a straight line and correct your course without much practice. Canoes sit higher off the water, use a single-bladed paddle, and typically require a bit more technique, like the J-stroke, to travel straight without a partner in the back steering. That said, canoes have their own advantages that make them worth considering depending on what you plan to do on the water.

Canoes generally offer more storage and carrying capacity, which makes them a favorite for camping trips, fishing, or paddling with kids and gear. They are also easier to enter and exit at a dock or shoreline since you are not folding yourself into a low cockpit. Kayaks, on the other hand, tend to handle wind and waves better because of their lower profile, and sit-inside models keep more of your body dry and warm in cooler conditions. Sit-on-top kayaks split the difference nicely for beginners, since they are stable, simple to climb back onto if you tip, and require very little upkeep.

If you are paddling solo, a kayak is usually the more forgiving choice while you build confidence and technique. If you are heading out with family, a dog, or a cooler full of gear, a canoe's extra capacity and stability at rest might make more sense. Many paddlers eventually own both, since each shines in different conditions. Renting each one for a day before buying is the best way to figure out which style fits your body, your local water, and the way you actually plan to use it.

This page has been moved to our new dedicated kayaking website:

click here to visit Kayak-101.com

Full gear guide: Kayak 101.

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How to Keep Kayaking Fun for Kids

How to Keep Kayaking Fun for Kids

Getting kids excited about kayaking starts with keeping the first few trips short, low pressure, and focused on fun rather than distance or skill. A tired, cold, or bored child on a two hour paddle will remember that trip for all the wrong reasons, so aim for thirty to forty five minutes on calm, flat water for the first several outings. Let them paddle when they want to and rest when they want to, and resist the urge to turn it into a fitness challenge. Praise and patience go a lot further than instruction at this stage.

A properly fitted life jacket is non-negotiable, and it should fit snugly enough that it will not slip up over a child's chin if they end up in the water. Sit-on-top kayaks or tandem kayaks are usually the easiest way to start, since kids can paddle alongside a parent without the pressure of controlling a boat solo. Bringing along simple extras like a dry bag with snacks, a water bottle, and a small toy or fishing net for exploring tide pools and shallow water keeps the outing feeling like an adventure instead of exercise.

Turning the trip into a game works wonders: spotting wildlife, counting turtles or fish, racing to a marked point and back, or letting a child navigate to a chosen landmark all keep young paddlers engaged. Sun protection matters even more for kids than adults, since their skin burns faster, so pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a rash guard. Most importantly, follow their energy level rather than a set plan, and end the trip on a high note while they are still having fun, so they are asking to go again next weekend instead of dreading the next time you suggest it.

This page has been moved to our new dedicated kayaking website:

click here to visit Kayak-101.com

Full gear guide: Kayak 101.

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The Dangers of Kayaking - Is Kayaking Safe ?

The Dangers of Kayaking - Is Kayaking Safe ?

Kayaking has an excellent safety record when it is done with a little preparation, but like any water sport it carries real risks that are worth understanding before you launch. The most common dangers are cold water immersion, capsizing in moving water or waves, collisions with other boats, and simply overestimating your own endurance on a longer paddle than you trained for. Most kayaking incidents come down to a small number of preventable mistakes rather than the sport being inherently dangerous.

Cold water is the biggest hidden risk, since even a mild-looking lake or river can be cold enough below the surface to cause cold shock and rapidly sap your strength if you end up in the water unexpectedly. This is why experienced paddlers dress for the water temperature rather than the air temperature, and why a properly fitted life jacket is non-negotiable, even for strong swimmers. Weather can also change quickly on open water, and wind that seems minor from shore can produce whitecaps and strong currents once you are out on a lake.

The good news is that nearly every serious risk can be managed with basic precautions: always wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket, check the weather and water conditions before you launch, paddle with a buddy when possible, carry a whistle or signaling device, and stay within your skill level, especially around moving water, tides, or busy boat traffic. Taking a short beginner course or paddling with a more experienced friend the first few times is one of the best investments a new kayaker can make. With reasonable preparation, kayaking remains one of the safest and most accessible ways to enjoy time on the water.

This page has been moved to our new dedicated kayaking website:

click here to visit Kayak-101.com

Full gear guide: Kayak 101.

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What is the best way to take care of my kayak?

What is the best way to take care of my kayak?

A little routine maintenance goes a long way toward keeping a kayak in good shape for years, whether it is a hard-shell plastic boat or an inflatable. After every outing, especially in salt water, rinse the hull, seat, and any hardware with fresh water to wash away salt, sand, and grit that can wear down seals and fittings over time. Letting a kayak dry completely before storing it prevents mildew and mold from building up inside the cockpit or storage hatches.

Storage matters just as much as cleaning. Kayaks should be stored out of direct sunlight whenever possible, since UV exposure is the number one cause of plastic becoming brittle and faded over time. Store the boat on padded racks or foam blocks rather than resting it directly on the hull for long periods, which can cause warping, and avoid stacking heavy items on top of it. If you store your kayak outside, a UV-resistant cover adds real protection against sun and weather damage.

A quick inspection before each trip catches small problems before they become big ones: check the hull for cracks or soft spots, make sure hatch covers and seals are not deteriorating, and confirm that foot pegs, seat straps, and any rigging are still secure. For plastic kayaks, a UV protectant spray applied a few times a season keeps the material from fading and cracking. With just a few minutes of care after each paddle and smart storage between trips, a well-maintained kayak can easily last well over a decade.

This page has been moved to our new dedicated kayaking website:

click here to visit Kayak-101.com

Full gear guide: Kayak 101.

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How do you transport a kayak?

What to Wear Kayaking: Clothing, Shoes, and Wetsuits Explained

What you wear kayaking matters more than most beginners realize. The wrong clothing can make a fun day miserable — or in cold water, genuinely dangerous. The right gear keeps you comfortable, protected from the sun, and safe if you take an unexpected swim.

The Golden Rule: Dress for the Water, Not the Air

This is the most important principle in kayaking apparel. The air temperature might be a beautiful 75°F, but if the water is 55°F, falling in without proper layering can lead to cold shock and hypothermia in minutes. Always check the water temperature before you paddle, and dress accordingly.

What to Wear in Warm Weather (Water 70°F+)

When both the air and water are warm, you have a lot of flexibility:

• Top: A moisture-wicking, quick-dry synthetic shirt or a UPF 50+ sun shirt. Avoid cotton — it holds moisture and chafes. A lightweight long-sleeve sun shirt actually keeps you cooler than bare skin by blocking UV.
• Bottom: Board shorts or quick-dry hiking shorts. Anything that dries fast and doesn't absorb water. Avoid jeans completely — they become brutally heavy when wet.
• Footwear: Water shoes, sandals with heel straps, or neoprene booties. You need something that stays on your foot when wet and protects your feet on rocky launches and landings. Flip flops are a bad choice — they come off too easily.
• Hat and sunglasses: A wide brim sun hat and polarized sunglasses are essential on the water. Polarized lenses cut glare dramatically and help you see into the water.
• PFD: Always. No exceptions. A Coast Guard approved life jacket is required by law in most states, and it's just plain smart regardless of your swimming ability.

What to Wear in Cold Water (Under 60°F)

Cold water is where kayaking clothing becomes a safety issue, not just a comfort issue. Here's what you need:

• Wetsuit: A 3mm full wetsuit provides excellent protection down to about 50°F water. The neoprene traps a thin layer of water against your skin, which your body heats and maintains as insulation. You'll still get wet, but you won't get cold.
• Drysuit: For serious cold water paddling (below 45°F), a drysuit is the gold standard. It keeps water completely out, and you layer underneath like you would for winter hiking. Expensive, but genuinely life-saving in the right conditions.
• Neoprene gloves: Cold hands lose grip strength fast. A 2-3mm neoprene paddle glove keeps your hands functional.
• Neoprene booties: Your feet often go in the water first. Protect them with 3-5mm neoprene boots.
• Skull cap or beanie: You lose enormous amounts of heat through your head. A neoprene or wool skull cap under your helmet (if wearing one) makes a big difference.

Layering System for Spring and Fall Paddling

The transitional seasons are the trickiest. Water is cold but air might be mild. The solution is layering:

• Base layer: A thin wetsuit or rashguard directly against skin
• Mid layer: A fleece paddling jacket for insulation
• Outer layer: A paddling jacket or anorak that blocks wind and splash

The advantage of layering is you can peel off as you warm up from exertion while still being protected if you capsize into cold water.

What NOT to Wear Kayaking

• ❌ Cotton (holds water, causes chafe, takes forever to dry)
• ❌ Jeans or heavy pants (impossibly heavy when soaked)
• ❌ Flip flops (come off your feet in water)
• ❌ Heavy boots (drag you down if you capsize)
• ❌ Loose scarves or dangling accessories (snag risk)

Full gear guide: Kayak 101.

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What Should I Wear When Kayaking?

What Should I Wear When Kayaking?

What you should wear on the water really comes down to the season and the water temperature more than the weather forecast. On a warm summer day with warm water, quick-dry shorts, a rash guard, and water shoes are usually enough. As the water cools in spring and fall, even if the air feels warm, a wetsuit or splash jacket becomes important since falling in cold water is far more dangerous than a chilly breeze. A simple rule many paddlers follow is checking the water temperature, not just the air temperature, before deciding what to pack.

Fabric choice matters as much as the outfit itself. Synthetic, quick-dry materials or merino wool wick moisture away from your skin and dry fast if you get splashed, while cotton stays wet and can leave you cold for the rest of the trip. Layering lets you adjust as the day warms up or a breeze picks up on the water: a light base layer, an insulating mid layer for cooler mornings, and a wind or splash resistant outer shell cover most conditions you will run into on a lake or river.

A few small accessories make a bigger difference than people expect. A hat with a chin strap keeps sun off your face without blowing away, polarized sunglasses cut glare off the water and help you spot obstacles below the surface, and fingerless paddling gloves protect against blisters on longer trips. Always finish the outfit with a properly fitted life jacket, since it is the one piece of gear you should never paddle without, regardless of how warm or calm the day looks from shore.

This page has been moved to our new dedicated kayaking website:

click here to visit Kayak-101.com

Full gear guide: Kayak 101.

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