Navigation Lights Needed?

Had a kind of embarrassing experience when I was recently up at Lake Almanor.

I had been paddling much of the afternoon, mostly bait fishing a meal worm/cricket combination in front of the RV park.  Nothing happening all day so, toward sunset I decided I would troll a lure down to the jetties, about a mile north and back because this is what I caught a brown on last spring.  

I was slowly trolling, when about half way there I realized, "Wow it's getting real dark!" Thought I should head back, but then realized that I still had my sun glasses on, which I had used all day.  Without them there was still quite a bit of light. Didn't have my regular glasses with me, so decided I'd continue to make my way to the jetties and periodically check the light conditions by dropping my sun glasses down.  But that made me somewhat discount the degree of darkness that was descending.  When I got near the jetties I realized it really was dark and started heading back.  I had my headlamp on to light the way forward and had my FF/GPS to track my way back.  I was paddling right up close to the bank and could easily see the lights and hear the people on the shore so I  was not worried about getting back.

Suddenly, about two thirds of the way back I turn and see a band of blue strobe lights.  It's the sheriff's boat, and he's pissed.  He demanded to know what in the world I was doing out in the dark with no lights and why he shouldn't cite me.  I sheepishly replied, "I guess you should".  He said to paddle back to the light that marked Wilson's Camp and said he would decide from here to there whether he would cite me.  I was kind of shook up by his attitude and began paddling back full speed.  He said he was going to escort me back so no one ran over me.  It was now pitch black. With him breathing down my back, I was paddling so fast toward the light that I got a bit disoriented and rammed into the log boom that surrounds the marina. Finally, got near the entrance and he commanded me to pull up to the courtesy pier.  At that point I figured he had decided to cite me.  But it was a bit choppy by then and I was having a little bit of trouble pulling up along side his boat.  At that point he said it was beginning to cause him more trouble than it's worth.  "Don't ever let me catch you out in the dark again or I'll fine you and confiscate your kayak!!!"  Remembering some of the discussions I'd read on the forum and recalling how we all were night fishing at Lake Mendocino with just our head lamps, I asked him if it wasn't sufficient to have a white light.  He retorted, "Not on this Lake.  Just like a row boat, you are a vessel underway and you need full running lights!"

Was kind of embarrassed the next day because it seemed that everyone in the camp knew what happened to me and several made comments.  They could clearly see when the blue lights had gone off since it wasn't far from the camp.

Needless to say, I think I will be outfitting my kayak with lights before I return next spring.  Not that I intend to night fish, but I still could find myself in the dark if fishing near sun set.  Don't want to run into him again.

It seems that there is some uncertainly about what constitutes adequate lighting from past threads:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,970.0.html

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/Rules/Rule25.htm

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,2852.0.html

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,11056.0.html

But thinking it over, I can certainly see how dangerous it can be for a kayaker to be out on water at night where there are boats.  Other campers say, especially on holidays, there are a lot of drunk boaters even at night. As I returned, I saw several boats coming to shore.  They'd slow down because I'd hear them approaching, turn to look their way, and they'd see my headlight.  But I realize that if they approached rapidly from the sides or back and I didn't turn, toward them, I'd be essentially invisible to them until they were upon me.

Any one have experience with the Navelite?

http://www.tek-tite.com/src/product_info.php?id=2162

http://www.sit-on-topkayaking.com/Articles/Safety/NightKayaking.htm

Just wonder if it's bright enough...to keep the bogeyman away.

I believe Scotty makes one that sits atop a 24" pole and can be attached, using a choice of base mounts.

I think the Scotty light is a white light that can be used as the stern light or the 360 degree light. 

Great Bass 2, did you post a thread on how you rigged your running lights?

Here's what I use Doug.
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=15498.0

I think the Scotty light is a white light that can be used as the stern light or the 360 degree light. 

Great Bass 2, did you post a thread on how you rigged your running lights?

Doug here you go... http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,9881.15.html

Cabela's has some with a clamp style base. Thanks for reminding me I also need to pick some up. Glad you made it back safe!

and confiscate your kayak!!!"

Assshole!!! Idol threat! Just try! Anyone trying to get me to comply with over the top threats of stealing ( thats what it is when they take your stuff, thievery by thugs!) my boat is gonna get no joy.

and confiscate your kayak!!!"

Assshole!!! Idol threat! Just try! Anyone trying to get me to comply with over the top threats of stealing ( thats what it is when they take your stuff, thievery by thugs!) my boat is gonna get no joy.

ya sure, and then you can go to jail for resisting an officer and assualt on an officer. nice little felony there.

and confiscate your kayak!!!"

Assshole!!! Idol threat! Just try! Anyone trying to get me to comply with over the top threats of stealing ( thats what it is when they take your stuff, thievery by thugs!) my boat is gonna get no joy.

ya sure, and then you can go to jail for resisting an officer and assualt on an officer. nice little felony there.

Didnt say anything about assulting a LEO. I value my life. Could he take my boat, sure, they have the law on their side when it comes to legalized theft. He really wouldnt have a joyous time doing it. Besides he was dead wrong. USCG has checked me before, in the Oakland Harbor (3rd largest port on the W coast of the USA) and was happy with the headlamp.
Ireally dont give a rats ass what kinda name they want to paste on my head ( felon, mistamenor, infraction), its just another tool of oppression. I can deal with a little lock up time with a smile on my face. Done it before.

Look I understand the Leo's concern for his safety, but he didnt need to be a dick to get his point across.

Lake Almanor has special regulations over and above standard marine protocol?

Or was he just another prick?

Standard required equipment for boats on inland waters of California ...

http://www.dbw.ca.gov/pubs/ABC/reqequip.pdf

Page 40 of that document...

A vessel under oars may: a) display those lights prescribed for sailing ves-
sels, or b) have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing
a white light which must be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent colli-
sion (Figure 6).

By "under oars" they mean maunually propelled vessels like canoes and kayaks too and I'm pretty sure a head lamp is considered an "electric torch".

I always carry a headlamp in my dry bag if I get caught out on the water after dark.  If I was actually planning on staying out on the water after dark I would definitely invest in a set of navigation lights ala Tote.

That's what my research led me to conclude as well.

I'd like to have a conversation with that officer to understand where he's coming from, and/or set him straight on the law.

Those seizure threats would really make it really diffucult to stay calm and rational, though.

Besides, have you met Marmite? Hes the epitome of  the quiet, well mannerd, law abiding citizen. Totally uncalled for. I feel sorry for all the proficient LEO's out there having to operate in this jerks shadow.

Absolutely!  It sounds like pure jockish intimidation.

Those who know me understand I am a mellow dude, slow to anger, but nothing gets my blood boiling quicker than bullies.

I wonder if his "not worth the time" comment really meant he had time to think it thru and thought better of persuing the matter.

Speaking of lights, I remember when I was part of the USCG Aux.  We were guarding the impact area around the Santa Cruz Pier one night during the fireworks.  It was a moonless night.   After the show, 100s of drunken PBs took off for the harbor at high speed.   We motor back slowly looking for any disabled boats.  My buddy spotted a flicker in front of us.  We peered into the inky blackness trying to figure out what it could be.  We turned on the spot and to our amazement, saw a dozen kayakers paddling like mad towards the harbor.  Huge power boats were zooming by them with inches to spare. (!).  I threw on every light I had and tucked in behind them.  Boats roared past us with inches to spare.

I was a miracle that a large PB hadn't run right through the middle of them. It would have been ugly, ugly ugly.