SOLAS tape is a bonus safety item to apply to your kayak if you paddle or fish from a kayak at night. Unlike regular reflective tape, SOLAS tape reflects directly back towards a light source -- which in kayaking's case is typically a sailboat's, powerboat's or ferry's spotlight.
SOLAS tape's reflectively facilitates rescues done by Coast Guard helicopter flyover: the tape is found on commercial fishermen's survival suits and higher-end PFD's.
As most paddlers know, sometimes we find ourselves paddling at night. Rescue issues aside, SOLAS tape makes a kayak more visible in darkness. Moreover, as any kayaker who fishes knows, night is often the most productive time to fish for saltwater species.
Here are links to a couple of SOLAS tape suppliers. The stuff is not exactly cheap. Thanks to Michael of connyak.org, who updated the list, found broken links, and added suggestions in the comment box below.
Incidentally, SOLAS is an ancronym for Safety of Life at Sea, an international convention and treaty created in 1914 in response to the Titanic disaster.
Solastape.com
Identitape.com
copyright 2008 North American Kayak Fishing
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6 comments:
I use SOLAS tape and other brands o my bike and kayak. Of your referenced suppliers, only two were active. A better place on the internet is: http://www.identi-tape.com/solas.html Price $18 for 2"x10 ft. After putting tape on four equal spots along my kayak, I feel that if I was to do it again I would arrange it differently. One roll will do two kayaks. So 60 inches per kayak. Put 13" strips on the sides of the kayak at the bow and stern. With the left over tape, put a 4" piece on the top of the bow and stern. I cant change it now because the stuff is so tenaceous I cant remove the tape that is on there now.
Thanks for the update and additional info, Michael. I would have incorporated your comment sooner except that blogspot was down all day yesterday for maintenance.
I'll check those links of mine and will add in yours.
Having bought a battleship grey kayak, I went a little crazy with the SOLAS tape. Even added some to the back of my PFD to augment the little reflective bits they had on it. Expensive, but worth it.
I have heard that it is good to add small bits of SOLAS tape to everything on your deck (bilge pump, etc.) or that is loose inside your cockpit. This way should you do a wet exit and get separated from your boat, all the small things floating in the water help the authorities determine where the paddler may be.
I got my reflective tape rolls at http://www.colebrothers.com/reflective
I got my reflective tape at
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE REFLECTIVE TAPE ONLINE STORE
Hi Adam; Saw your writing on the SOLAS tape and that of Mike K. I plan to order some in the real near future. Sew on tape even. Thanks George.
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