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Adding reflective tape to a kayak

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Tragedies in kayak fishing occur far too often because of inattentive people driving bigger boats. An easy way to heighten your visibility is with D.O.T. C2 reflective tape, the stuff truckers use that the U.S. Department of Transportation approves. The tiniest bit of light makes this stuff flare. It costs about a dollar a foot, but 10 feet is sufficient. Lined measurements on the back make cutting easy. <p> <em>Captions: Dave Mull</em>
Tragedies in kayak fishing occur far too often because of inattentive people driving bigger boats. An easy way to heighten your visibility is with D.O.T. C2 reflective tape, the stuff truckers use that the U.S. Department of Transportation approves. The tiniest bit of light makes this stuff flare. It costs about a dollar a foot, but 10 feet is sufficient. Lined measurements on the back make cutting easy.

Captions: Dave Mull

Decide where to place pieces of tape on deck so some pieces will reflect no matter where the light comes from. For my 14-foot Hobie, I cut 10 feet into 28 pieces ranging from 2 inches square to a foot long.
Decide where to place pieces of tape on deck so some pieces will reflect no matter where the light comes from. For my 14-foot Hobie, I cut 10 feet into 28 pieces ranging from 2 inches square to a foot long.
Most went along the top of the hull.
Most went along the top of the hull.
Some strips judiciously placed on the hull at and below the waterline will help rescuers find the capsized yak at night (hopefully, with the angler hanging on).
Some strips judiciously placed on the hull at and below the waterline will help rescuers find the capsized yak at night (hopefully, with the angler hanging on).
Tape on a paddle blade will help get the paddle seen both by reflecting bright sun and nighttime searchlights when waved in an emergency.
Tape on a paddle blade will help get the paddle seen both by reflecting bright sun and nighttime searchlights when waved in an emergency.

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