: Around where I live there is about zero night traffic. The only
: reason to mount lights would be for night paddlers to be able to
: stay visually in touch.

: A coloured LED on the back of the designated leader's hat is the
: ticket, with a different colour for the rest of the group.

: The light on a kayak hull is so low down that I can't really see
: the benefit for group night paddling.

: Some strobing lights around the sheer might be a fun display
: though. Like those sneakers the kids wear that light up on
: movement.

: Et

Nooooooo!!!! DO NOT put blinkie lights on your boat. Blinkie lights signal distress. It is the equivalent of standing on your deck yelling, "HEEEEELLLLLPPPPPP!!!! SOMEBODY HELP ME!"

Stick to the rules and be safe. One white all-around light is all you need. A proper red/green bow light is fine too. Nothing beyond that, and please no blinkie lights and no different colored lights. It's kind of like a language. Red/Green/White are arranged to make sentences. Three whites atop each other- "I am towing a vessel so steer clear of me 200 meters to my stern." Red over white- "I am fishing, don't go behind me or you will get tangled in my lines." Green light- "You are seeing my starboard bow." Flashing Strobe "HEEEEELLLLPPPP!!!" ... and so on. Multi-colored lights add confusion and also can be mistaken for shore lights which can often blend in with the lights on the water.

Nothing directed at you Etienne. I just saw a need to clarify the light thing because it is often brought up here about strobe lights, flashing lights, colored lights, etc. If none of the above is convincing enough reason not to do it, then I have one other- it just isn't proper looking!