I recently compiled a series of thoughts on minimizing the risks of leading a group through a surf landing under the cover of darkness. I don’t pretend to be an expert or have any particular depth of experience in this area, but I’ve found very little written on the topic. If someone has come across literature on the subject, please point me in the right direction.


Our Rhode Island 4 Star adventure was my second experience with navigating surf at night. The other was in January of this year with Ben Lawry in South Carolina under a new moon on a more sparsely populated (and more sparsely lit) beach with bigger surf and a longer break than at the Narrow River. Both groups escaped major incident, but both groups had elements of risks that could have been minimized to some degree. The thoughts below are the combination of my observations of my two night landings and discussions of one that didn’t go so smoothly with the leaders of that trip. Hopefully this will serve to spark a discussion so that we are all better equipped for the next one.

Location:
– Inspect the landing location during daylight, noting which landmarks will be useful in the dark. Look for bearings and transits that use buildings, houses, radio towers, etc. Many of these may not be readily obvious in the daylight (obstructed by trees, distance, etc), but will likely be lit and visible at night. These in addition to unique features of the horizon’s silhouette and lit nautical markers can all be used for navigation.
– Anticipate how the landing/surf/shore will change in differing tides. Estimate the tides and currents at expected time of arrival, but don’t forget to consider the full range of possibilities.
– Practice in the intended landing zone during daylight if possible. Specifically focus on controlling the landing (getting off the wave), with eyes closed, with swamped cockpit, etc to simulate night and/or rescue conditions. This gives additional opportunity to discover safe routes and/or hazards in the landing zone.
– If the location has insufficient markers or particular hazards, is it possible to create your own? A florescent object tethered to an obstacle (rock, piling, deadhead, etc) might serve as a supplemental marker and could be retrieved at the end of the night or the next day.

Visibility:
– Appropriate level of lights for the context of the night. The same set of lights appropriate for a full moon paddle or NY Harbor will severely compromise night vision of one’s self or others on a darker night in a more remote location. Be sure to consider moonrise and moonset in your choice of lighting.
– Personal. If a swimmer becomes separated from their boat, they must be independently illuminated. In the context of a swimmer, lights affixed to the PFD may be submerged. Lights attached to the top of helmet serve the best chance for visibility in these situations.
– Boat. Light attached to boat in the event of a capsize of separation from boat. The stern is best suited for this light, as a light source attached to the bow introduces unnecessary visual distraction for the paddler. Deck mounted lights and lights attached to the paddler may be submerged and the stern toggle will always be near the surface, regardless of boat position.
– Important gear. Reflective tape (glow sticks?) for paddles. Paddle leashes could be used to secure paddles, but also present opportunity for entanglement in the surf. Personally, I’m opposed to their usage in this context and would rather risk a lost paddle to an entangled paddler.
– Group members can be recognized by their voices and light patterns. In addition to counting off, voice and light pattern recognition games can be incorporated during the night paddle. Such recognition may be critical during the landing when audible communication is compromised.

Communication:
– Darkness reduces visual communication.
– Surf noise makes audible communication difficult.
– Necessary separation in the surf (one paddler per wave) compounds the communication barrier.
– Sort out the landing plan well before the noise and anxiety of the surf zone compromises the group’s understanding of the plan. This is not a time to be shy about being repetitive.
– Reiterate the approach plan, buddies approach together, one per wave within the surf zone. In the event of a capsize and unsuccessful roll, swimming the boat to shore is usually the safest option. Reiterate the importance of maintaining contact with boat and paddle in the event of a capsize.

Surf Zone and Landing:
– Helmets on.
– Spread staff through the group, not just lead and sweep.
– Staff should be buddied with non-staff whenever possible.
– Approach the surf zone in pairs, but only one paddler on a wave at a time.
– If possible, choose the safest spot (sandy beach) to land, even if it is not the final take out.
– A strong and experienced pair should land first, choosing the exact landing spot, noting any hazards on the way. They can help navigate others to shore. Lights on the landed group and their boats (headlamps, glowsticks, handheld flashlights, etc) serve to guide the rest of the group through the surf. From the vantage point of land, observation of others and coordination of rescue efforts is easier. Headlamps and handheld flashlights can be used to illuminate obstacles and hazards that may be obscured from the paddler or swimmer. In the event of a capsize, someone on land is assigned to follow each swimmer (tracking their progress, boat, gear).
– Once all have landed, count off and assess any possible damage. Repairs, first aid, distribution of replacement gear are all much easier and more effective on land.
– Reenter boats, and proceed to final takeout. A portage to calmer waters might be an option.