There are two types of kayak lights: those that illuminate from the bottom, helping you see what’s beneath the water level, and those that light up the front and back of the kayak for safety.
No matter what you use your kayak for-whether it’s fishing, exploring the environment, or participating in a sport- you can’t overlook the importance of kayak lights. They help you stay safe while you’re in the water.
We explain everything you need to know about kayak lights and why they are important while kayaking in the sea.
What Lights Are Required On A Kayak?
Your kayak should be equipped with a stern light, sidelights, and at least one bright light as required by state law. The following lights should be on whenever the kayak is not docked at night: stern light, bow light, red and green side lights, and a white light at the top of the mast.
The recommended bright light should be visible from all directions to prevent any collision with other vessels.
Be sure to pick the right lights for your boat that follow boating laws and regulations. The purpose of having a single white light when paddling at night is to signal your position to other kayakers.
Make sure your lights are waterproof and have plenty of battery power before you start your journey. Bring extra batteries in case of emergencies.
Here are some of the light ideas you can use on your boat:
Navigation Lights For Kayaks
You need to follow safety guidelines when operating a kayak on the water, as set by the authorities that regulate water activities. One way to ensure your safety at night while motoring, sailing, or fishing is to have navigation lights.
Animal LED navigation lights are strongly advocated by both local and international authorities. You have a choice between two types of portable kayak lights- hand-free lights or LED neck lights. Quaarrow Hands-free LED Neck light is a good choice for kayaking because it is designed to work well in the water.
Underwater Lights
One can also go kayaking at night with the help of a headlamp to see where they are going and to avoid obstacles in the water. You can go kayaking at night by using a headlamp to see where you are going. Underwater lights are mounted on the bottom of the boat and provide light downward.
It exposes many beautiful features that are visible from a short distance. This underwater light makes kayaking more enjoyable by providing better visibility and security.
Strobe Lights
If you enjoy kayaking at night, it is important to have emergency strobe lights on your vessel. A strobe is a device that emits regular flashes of light. It is used to signal distress to other people. Use a red flashing light as they are more visible from a distance.
One way to mount a strobe light on your kayak is by attaching it to a PFD in a high position, such as your chest or shoulder. Another way to do it is by tucking it into a PFD pocket. If you have a problem with your kayak and need help, it will send a signal to other kayakers or your friends who you kayak with.
Strobes should only be used during emergency cases, and you should tell your friends about any night time activity in advance. Let them know what time you’ll be kayaking in advance so they can keep tabs on you in case something goes wrong.
If you are going with friends, make sure you stay close to each other. Night fishing and kayaking can be dangerous if the conditions are not stable or if you are a beginner. If you turn on your strobe lights during low-visibility conditions, it might take longer to get help.
Kayaks Fishing Light
fishing lights that are designed specifically for angling. The devices are not helpful for recreational activities because they are designed to make the anglers visible to other boaters, not to the prey. Kayak fishing lights improve efficiency and safety for fishermen when angling at night.
Here are some of the illumination devices you need while kayak fishing:
Head Lamps Lighting
It is recommended that you use a headlamp when night fishing, as you will be loading and unloading your boat most of the time. If you need to tie knots or see clearly underwater, a headlamp will be very useful.
You will want to find a headlamp that has a range of more than eighty lumens for night fishing. The high-end headlamps allow you to choose different colors.
Lights For Attracting Fish
You can use light to attract fish when you are fishing at night. There are many LED lights available that come in a variety of colors to choose from. We know you might be wondering how?
From what I understand, green lights are more likely to attract bugs which in turn will attracted more bait. The light from your device will attract predatory fish, which will then go after the bait fish.
If you use baitfish, they will attract larger fish, making it easier for you to catch them. A good example of this is the Green Magnet Fishing Light, which is designed for both fresh and saltwater environments.
Not only is this device useful for camping, but you can also use it for ice fishing.
Hands-Free Lights
These lights will ensure that your hands are free to do things like rig your rods in the darkness. This text is saying that some fishing vests and shirts come with a clip on the pocket, while others have a hole to thread a string through so it can be hung around the neck.
Most of these lights come with 100 lumens, making them powerful and useful while fishing.
Some great examples of pocket-sized flashlight are the iProtec Workbrite LED Flashlight and the Quarrow Hand-Free LED Neck Light.
The 6 Best Kayak Lights
There are several ways you can mount lights on your kayak.
Don’t worry, we’ll cover all of this next!
#1 Kayalu Kayalite Kayak Light
In the kayak light industry, Kayalu is a leader. There are two LEDs in the bright white light, and the lens is infused with titanium to diffuse the light. This light is designed to run on three AAA batteries for up to 100 hours. You can use the paddle for a long time before the batteries need to be replaced.
The light is 18 inches tall, making it easy to see, and it’s been designed for use in the water. It’s submersible and is IXP8 rated. This light is waterproof and can be used up to 1,000 feet deep. I hope you never have to go through a lot of trouble to get what you want.
It includes a steel clip and a bungee cord. So Kayalu is easy to use and attaches to any existing eyelet or pad eye on your kayak deck. You can clip this device to your kayak deck rigging or carrying handle for easy transport.
If you’re looking for a kayak light that works well with both hardshell and inflatable kayaks, this is a great option. The Kayalu Kayalite fulfills the requirements of US Coast Guard Rule 25.
#2 RAILBLAZA Visibility Kit
The RAILBLAZA Visibility Kit is specifically designed for kayaks. This kit is a must-have for a recreational paddler. The Visibility Kit ensures that you will be visible on the water, no matter the time of day.
The RAILBLAZA Visibility Kit contains the StarPort HD mount, 3-piece pole, i360 light, and a fluorescent orange flag to increase visibility during the day. This all-inclusive kit is easy to set up. The StarPort HD mount is compatible with other mounting ports, but you will need to purchase them separately.
This kayak light features a 3-piece pole, which is impressive. You can change the light’s height by adding or removing different sections. This feature is useful when you need the light to be brighter for certain water conditions.
The RAILBLAZA Visibility Kit also has three operation modes.
- Full brightness up to 25 hours of battery life
- Low up to 160 hours of battery life
- Flashing 200+ hours of battery life
This navigation light is one of the best because it is waterproof up to one meter and it floats without the pole attached.
#3 YakAttack VISIpole
It’s perfect for kayakers who want to get their fishing gear up and out of the way. The YakAttack VISIpole comes with a fiberglass mast and floating base, perfect for kayakers who want to get their fishing gear up out of the way.
At full height, the mast is 4’6″, making you visible from every angle. If you use the flag, you will be able to see less, but it will also keep the bugs away.
The YakAttack VISIpole has been designed to be compatible with the GearTrac track mounting system, created by YakAttack. It is easy to attach the light to any part of the track that works best for you if you are set up for it.
The VISIpole is able to be used with other track systems, but it might need an adapter.
The light is easy to use. To turn the light on, twist it. To turn it off, twist it again. It does not have a flashing or strobe setting. ‘Don’t worry, the kayak light is designed to be waterproof up to 1,000 feet.’
As long as it’s not been at the bottom of the lake for too long, it should still work if you need to retrieve it. The light requires 3 AA batteries, and the LEDs will stay lit for approximately 100 hours. You won’t need to replace the batteries for a while if you use them regularly.
It includes a 30-lumen LED light, which can be seen from up to two miles away. This Attwood kayak light combo kit includes a 30-lumen LED light, which is visible from up to two miles away. This kayak light kit includes a red and green LED bow light and a white stern light.
This kayak light kit comes with two sets of lights, which may help meet regulations for kayaking in your area.
This is a truly all-in-one kayak light kit. This set includes all the necessary equipment, such as the mounts, stern light pole, and hardware. The light is water-resistant.
There are two options for mounting the lights. You can attach the lights using the screws, or you can use the adhesive pads that are included. If you don’t want to drill holes in your kayak, the adhesive option is a good choice.
The adhesive will not stick well to porous or textured surfaces. When attaching the light to your kayak, most users recommend using the screws that come with the kit for better stability.
The stern light pole is made of sections that are about 24 inches tall, so it is visible at night.
#5 Innovative Lighting Inc. Led Stern Light
This white light is super simple to install with a suction cup. You can stick it wherever you want it. This is a great option for people who don’t want to drill holes in their kayak or don’t have DIY skills.
The kayak light has an on/off switch that is sealed and a spot where you can attach a lanyard or carabiner. The light body screws onto the base. This light requires 4 AA batteries, more than other lights on the market. Many users have reported the light has great suction.
If you want to buy a cheap white stern light, this one is a good option. The light is not tall, which may make it difficult to see from all directions. On a positive note, it’s easy to install. To ensure that the suction cup mount adheres to the kayak’s surface, check that the mount is compatible with the kayak material.
The light is not too bright and not too dim, making it perfect for the paddler.
#6 Attwood Clamp Mount Kayak Light
The Attwood Clamp Mount Kayak Light will help you stay safe and seen when you’re out on the water at night. The product includes a bow red/green light and a white stern light. You can easily install the lights, which are very strong and durable.
The main disadvantage of this light kit is that you need a place to attach the C-clamp. This can be challenging to do on a kayak, but once you have installed them they will be solid. The lights are bright can be seen well when you are out on the water at night.
These are a solid option if you can make them work on your vessel.
The stern light is tall, making it visible. Both lights use three AAA batteries and will last until the batteries run out, which will be after about 150 hours. The lights are resistant to water and the electronics are sealed in a housing that is resistant to shock.
