Reflective Tape

I scored a nice roll of very reflective tape from Harbor Fright for about $5. It's very sticky, but time and water exposure will tell.

 My first thought was to wrap it to the ends of my paddle shaft with the thought that the movement while paddling would make me more apparent.

 But on second thought, the moving paddle would look like I'm hailing an oncoming boat or anybody else who saw me from a distance. Now I'm thinking that a pole or a flag would be more appropriate.

 Or maybe on the face of the paddle as that is not normally "facing" traffic. It would present more of a durability and sticking issue though.
Any thoughts?

The Lendal paddle I use has reflective decals on both sides of the paddle face.  I've never had someone come up to me thinking I was hailing them.

But ... the reflective tape sure is annoying when you're trying to take pictures in low light situations.  The flash reflects off of it (it IS reflective tape after all, duh!) and ruins the shots.

-Allen

I've ventured into this same idea lately.
I found some of that tape and pretty much want to put it on everything. I did put bands of it near the base of my paddle blades without hesitation and did not think of the fact that it might look like I'm hailing someone, so good thinkin. I think though that if you put in on a flag pole, at least one like I have which is one of those fiberglass atv ones, it would actually look more like you're trying to hail someone IMO because I find that my flag pole waves back and forth a lot sometimes. I think even if you had a more rigid flag pole, it still might have that back and forth effect because of the motion in the ocean if you're off the coast.

I would think a couple of shorter stripes near the bow and stern on each side would work for visinility and not get in the way of photo's so much.

let us know about the long-term durability of the stuff.  i'd be interested in affixing some to the paddleboard.  those jet skis are like ninja kittens, and always sneak up on me.  it'd be nice to not have to resort to a pink wetsuit.

Still won't help with the guy who's driving the water skiing boat and watching the skiier.  I almost got plowed last weekend but luckily the guy saw me in time to perform an evasive maneuver. 

spot, i'll have my crew lay additional units in the depths of hagg.

But AJ.... I thought pink was your favorite color.. It would so define those arms of yours. 

picked up some SOLAS paddle tape right after i got my yak... it was cut for paddle blade application... i took 2 peices of it, cut them in half lengthwise, and put them near bow and stern on both sides [ didnt even think to prep the area with alchohol or anything]..been there 2 years and have a few scratches and abuse, but holding up strong..

i think we're worrying too much about whether or not someone would mistake your active paddling for signaling with that type of tape on there.. most people can reasonably figure out the difference, and if someone slides up next to you, and asks if you need help, you know it did it's job and got their attention...

what's the worst that could happen?? you politely tell them you're fine and thanx for looking out for you??

That SOLAS tape is awesome. Picking up some of that as well.  Its the only tape that will only reflect back towards the light source, instead of everywhere.

M, don't think I won't roll with a hot pink suit for the rockfish party.

For arm definition, I use the anal gland squeezings of a Himalayan musk deer.  Just so ya know.

and the problem with pink is,,?

Nuthin', sailor! 

let us know about the long-term durability of the stuff.  i'd be interested in affixing some to the paddleboard.  those jet skis are like ninja kittens, and always sneak up on me.  it'd be nice to not have to resort to a pink wetsuit.

Pink? Pink? Whats wrong with pink?  Sounds like you have a pink kink in your think!