Before you spend money on visibility products, think about the application. Be sure you are getting what you are paying for, and meeting your requirements.

Are you paddling at night?

Is this for visibility under normal paddling conditions?

Is this for visibility under emergency search situations?

It is unlikely that the reflective tape will have any real value, in normal day or night conditions. The micro-spheres used to create these reflective tapes are designed to reflect light back at its source. This makes it great for nighttime automotive applications. Light from the car’s headlights strikes the tape and is reflected back at the car. The tape is much less useful in daylight. That is why most safety vests are bright orange.

You are correct in your concern over visibility. Kayaks are hard to see. However this is not just because of their color. They are also low to the water. In anything more that a 6-inch swell your boat will disappear from view when it drops into a trough. In these situations you and your paddle are what other vessels have the best chance of seeing. Spend money on making them visible. I would recommend a bright colored PDF and spray jacket. You may want to paint your paddle orange or yellow. A bright colored hat may also be useful. Reflective tape’s value is still dubious here. Boats rarely run with any kind of headlight that will reflect back at the boat.

A night time search and rescue is the one place I can see some value in reflective tape. In this situation you are hoping a search boat or helicopter will shine a light on you so the tape will reflect. This is OK. But why be passively waiting for a light to find you? Always carry the correct emergency signally flares, a flashlight and a 2-way marine radio. These items allow you to actively call attention to yourself.

If you still want to make your boat highly visible a painted haul and deck is the only real alternative. Bright colors like orange and yellow are best.

I hope this helps.

Don