> Why do people ruin a perfect paddle with bright paint, why not wear a
> bright hat and vest instead. This way you are noticed but you don't have
> to look at that annoying color all day.

I can not speak for all people, but I paint my paddle for several reasons. First, the dayglo colors (particularly orange) is considerably more visible than even a bright PFD, especially under low light conditions. Second, the paddle blades attract attention (if they are seen) because they are swinging up and down as opposed to a more or less stationary PFD or hat. Third, if I am in the water and unable to get back in boat, a bright paddle can be waved back and forth up in the air whereas a PFD would be partly submerged and more often below the wave crests (and a hat may be gone altogether). Fourth, when in boat, a paddle blade will often be higher than the PFD which is particularly important in big waves. Last, I don't find those colors annoying, I actually like them.

-D-