Thoughts on kayak color?

Thinking about getting my first kayak (looking at a Hobie Outback or revo, trying out both soon), and I'm starting to give a little more thought to color for safety.

I've read a few scattered threads on the subject on various forums, but color of the kayak typically wasn't the focal point.

I was originally interested in Camo so I could potentially use my kayak for duck hunting too, but realize that may be a bad idea if I'm going to use it 95% of the time in the ocean. I've also read a few topics that mentioned camo is an excellent color that stands out in the ocean, which I find a bit hard to believe. But I suppose if the water isn't an emerald green like a lake, maybe it does do well?

My main concerns are: boats seeing me, USCG seeing me, and (I know this probably will get a laugh) sharks seeing me.

From what I can tell from limited reseach, it seems like orange/yellow stands out quickest for boaters and USCG, and may also attract big fish (landlord?).

It seems like white may not be the best since it has potential to look like a white cap.

Any thoughts on how camo performs with regard to visibility in ocean and from the air? Would it be a reasonable safety measure to get camo but make sure you're sporting a bright yellow/orange PFD, hat, and flag?

I really like Hobie's Camo and Dune (white), but if it's at the expense of safety, I'll gladly turn another direction.

Get the camo,and orange pfd. Ware bright clothes,and maybe safety flag.

You can never go wrong with camo.

I have been holding out for hobie to produce a camo AI, but have been effective in the past pretending to be a ghost ship with liberal "you can't see me" garb on my person...

Comparisons of kayaks that have been hit by Great Whites do not show a link between color or pedal and paddle. There do seem to be more kayaks of certain colors out there so by the numbers it would be more likely that the kayak be yum yum yellow etc.  If you talk to people who free dive off kayaks they will tell you that looking up you just see a dark shape not the specific color.

If you want visibility in the ocean I suggest the Hobie Papaya orange.  GWS have no color preference, get a SS to keep them away.
Here is a study on visibilty.
https://www.newwaveswimbuoy.com/blogs/news/brightest-on-water

If you watch groups of kayakers out on the water, you will see that bright colors like yellow are a lot more visible than colors like white or dark green.  I buy yellow kayaks in an effort to reduce my chances of getting run over by a motorboat, and in hopes of increasing the kayak's chances of being seen if I need to be rescued.  I also choose bright colored gear such as PFDs and dry suits.

The report to which FishingAddict posted a link, https://www.newwaveswimbuoy.com/blogs/news/brightest-on-water, is real interesting.

Get yellow. Sharks love it, so other fish must too.

Actually, I'm a fan of Hobie red. IMHO, it looks way better than the their sickly mango/yellow color, and it seems at least as visible to me.

Camo/earth tones. Nice not having to haul a sopping burlap tarp around for hunting.

I vote for camo and use a hunter safety orange flag when you want to be seen. 

Just throwing it up for a visual...boaters should be able to see us in all colors if they’re paying attention but in swell I think we all disappear and reappear so I need a flag, otherwise can you see me?  I’m the guy in the disco kayak...

Here's a good combination of colors. Picture was taken in Monterey area in overcast conditons last Wednesday. L to R: Yellow Revo 13, Neon Green Viking kayak, Slate Blue Hobie Compass. Distance approximately 1/4 mile. To me the neon green and yellow stands out the most.

Pick a color that boats and Coast Guard can see easily.  Yellow or Neon Green.

Pick one that is closest to safety orange.  Why else are most of the safety flags that color.  I'm assuming because of the visibility. 

The Golden Gate Bridge at the entrance of San Francisco Bay is painted international orange to make it more visible in the fog.

My first two years in Shelter Cove and the 15 years prior, I paddled a “yum yum yellow” kayak without incident and never had issues with others finding me. After switching to a blue revo-13 three years ago, still no issues with people locating me, But, I have had three encounters with the “ Landlord “.
My personal take .... Get the color you like (they can all be seen by those looking for it) and dress as if they were looking for you without the kayak.
Sharks have no color preference and are always a possibility in saltwater.
Good luck with your decision
;0)