...as I got a chance to play with some at ACSKS this past weekend. A rep from the Coast Guard showed up with a truckload of expired pyrotechnics. We fired off a couple dozen parachute flares, a couple of smokes and a bunch of handheld flares (not very useful to kayakers).

I asked about the smaller flares (Skyblazers) which had been soaking in the cockpit of my boat for the past few months. He had no direct experience with them, but said that they carried something similar when on duty and they worked about half the time. A few of us set some off, plus some Orions, and they all worked fine, so perhaps they're not so bad after all. The Orions shoot higher and burn brighter, but they wont work in the foam block holder I have in my boat. I'll carry them in my vest and Skyblazers in the boat.

The only problem I had with the Skyblazers was that one of the caps leaked and the chain had become a black, goopy corroded blob. It still worked though. From now on, I'll check them periodically.

One thing that became glaringly apparent is that there is a HUGE difference between "real" flares and the "toy" stuff that we typically use. In particular, parachute flares are dramatically brighter and burn far longer than the smaller rocket flares. Unfortunately, they're also bulky, heavy and expensive. Still, I may get one and mount it to the bulkhead behind my seat.

BTW, kayakers are not required to carry pyrotechnics by the CG, though it is highly recommended. All that is required is a sound making device (your voice meets that requirement, but a whistle or horn is recomended) and a light if you paddle at night. Lights that flash at 60-80 flashes per second are considered distress signals and should not be used except in emergencies. Flashlights and headlamps meet the legal requirement. A slow or rapid flashing light would be legal and I assume a rotating light would also be legal. Food for thought.