If you’re a paddle boarder, yearning for the next challenge, or simply looking for some nighttime adventures, you are in luck. While paddling during the evening hours brings a new element of excitement to the sport, it is essential to take specific safety measures to ensure your safety on the water.
One of the most important safety accessories you will need is a paddleboard light or, in the least, some light meant for being out on the water. Not only will you be able to steer your paddleboard more effectively, but a light source will also make it easier for boats and other hazardous crafts to spot you allowing them to keep a safe distance mylabcorp. If they can’t see you, they won’t know enough to steer away from you!
Depending on the type of water you are traversing and the kind of light you choose, you might even catch a glimpse of the aquatic nightlife below the surface! Nighttime is an extraordinary time to observe some of nature’s beautiful marine creatures. With less action out on any given body of water, animals can come out of hiding. There’s far less noise and waves to scare away all of the sea’s beautiful wildlife.
Choosing An SUP Light
Don’t be foolish; lights are a necessity if you’re going to go paddle boarding at night. If you are in the U.S., the Coast Guard regulations require paddle boarders to have some form of light if you are out after sunset.
If you are going to buy a SUP light, your first choice is whether or not you want the light to be mounted above the waterline (out of the water) or underwater. Check out this guide on choosing a stand-up paddleboard light.
Underwater Lights
Underwater lights are made for safety and visibility. These types of lights make you much easier to spot by boats and other moving vessels that pose a danger to you. Underwater lights accomplish this by illuminating the water immediately around you.
Have you ever seen one of those cars with the ground effects kits underneath? They kind of work, in the same way, only instead of merely trying to look cool, underwater lights could prevent you from getting hit by another oncoming boat!
Above Water Lights
Above water, lights have slightly lower visibility to other vessels out on the water. They don’t surround you and your board with that persistent glow. Above water lights, however, are far more effective for navigation. While underwater lights create a dim glow around you, above water lights work very much as the headlights do in a car.
Above water, lights shine bright and far ahead. But like a car headlight, they can only be seen if they are more or less aimed towards the viewer. Don’t you know a car’s headlights from behind, right?
Costs
To be forthright, paddle boarding lights can be pretty expensive. However, it would help if you didn’t let the cost prevent you and your friends from trying the nighttime paddleboarding experience. It’s a wholly unique experience, one that, if you’re up for it, can be something you look forward to.
There are many illumination options out there, ranging at different price points while still providing the necessary safety for you and your family. If some of the higher-tier light kits are too high for your budget, at the least, use a headlamp or essential flashlight for nighttime navigation on the water.
Waterproof LED strip lights are a cheaper but effective choice for visibility and can be attached to your board with a bit of do-it-yourself know-how. The options are pretty limitless.
SUP Lights Overview
When choosing the best illumination options, keep in mind that the underwater-style lights are best for making your board visible to others spy dialers, and some light kits can even allow you to see aquatic wildlife. Most underwater options are designed specifically for a paddleboard and do present a unique nighttime experience.
Above water-style lights are great for navigating around the water because they typically have a more focused beam, allowing you to see far across the water as you paddle your board. There aren’t as many above water options made exclusively for paddleboarding, but the all-purpose models still work just as well.
Not only are SUP lights a necessity for a night out on the water, but they also enhance your experience and increase your overall safety…a win-win!
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