Things To Remember When Paddling At Sunrise

If you’ve never witnessed a sunrise from your paddling vessel, then it’s time to set your alarm and make it happen. Paddling at sunrise provides seemingly endless rewards. There are the empty waterways, wildlife viewing opportunities, and breathtaking morning light that you can only witness at dawn. Kayaking, canoeing, and SUP boarding at sunrise is a worthwhile endeavor, but it also adds a few complications you should prepare for.

When you paddle at sunrise, remember to check the detailed weather forecast to ensure clear weather. Select a familiar route with minimal boat traffic and hazards, and opt for locations with unobstructed views of the horizon. Wear reflective and bright colors, and layers that are easy to remove. Bring a light and whistle to make yourself visible, and don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beauty.

If you’ve never paddled at sunrise, then you’re missing out. There’s a unique color and tranquility that only exists when the sun first arrives. Wildlife is more visible, and waterways are much quieter than they are later in the day. Before you venture out to a paddling location in the pre-dawn hours, however, read the tips below to make your experience both safe and memorable.

12 Tips To Remember When Taking A Sunrise Paddle

1. Check The Cloud Forecast Before You Launch

When you go through all the effort to wake up early and navigate your paddling vessel to a launch location in the dark, you want to be certain you’ll see a beautiful sunrise. Just because there are stars in the sky at night, and no signs of rain in the forecast, it does not mean there will be a clear sunrise.

Before launching your paddling vessel early in the morning, check the detailed weather forecast, including visibility and cloud cover. Opt for clear mornings with low humidity to ensure an unforgettable morning sky.

2. Wear Bright And Reflective Colors

Paddling at night and before dawn has many added risks. The main danger is a lack of visibility. Not only is it harder for you to see potential hazards, but it’s also difficult for boats to see you. To reduce the risk of colliding with other vessels, you should wear bright and reflective colors.

Opt for a PFD with reflectors, and wear neon and vibrant clothing. If you can add reflectors to your vessel, that’s also a smart idea. Making yourself more visible before the sun rises is a great way to minimize the added risks of paddling in the dark.

3. Avoid Paddling Alone

While it’s always a good idea to paddle with a buddy, sunrise paddles should be enjoyed in groups of two or more whenever possible. For one, the larger the group, the more visible you are to motorized vessels.

Furthermore, paddling with a group is generally considered safer. If you get into trouble, there is someone nearby who can assist. Enjoying the sunrise with someone you care about also tends to be more memorable than watching it alone.

4. Choose A Familiar Route

When you plan a sunrise paddle, you shouldn’t choose a new and ambitious route. Navigating unfamiliar waters in the dark is never a good idea. Instead, opt for waterways you paddle in frequently that offer a nice sunrise view.

When you paddle in familiar waters at dawn, you minimize added risk factors, including hidden hazards and unfamiliar currents. If you plan to paddle a new route for an epic sunrise, you should do a dry run during the day so you are more comfortable paddling in the area at dawn.

5. Don’t Neglect Sun Protection

It might feel strange putting on SPF when it’s still dark, but you’ll be happy you did. The sun’s rays become harmful as soon as the sun rises. It’s much easier to effectively apply sun protection to your body on land, rather than when you are already sweating and rocking on the water.

As part of your morning preparations, which should include stretching and hydration, remember to apply sunscreen. You should also bring a hat and sunglasses, as you will likely have a sunny return to shore.

6. Bring A Light And A Whistle

In addition to wearing bright clothing, you should also bring at least one light and whistle (or another noise maker) with you when paddling at sunrise. A headlamp is a great light option, as it allows you to see where you are looking without having to hold it with a hand.

A whistle, fog horn, or other noise maker is important to have any time you paddle in low-visibility conditions. It allows others to notice you in the water, and it can come in handy if you need a rescue.

7. Opt For a Location With An Unobstructed Horizon

As you plan a sunrise paddling excursion, take the time to find a spot that offers an unspoiled view of the horizon. You should avoid areas with islands, trees, and peninsulas. Remember that the sun rises in the East, so you’ll want to ensure that as you head eastward, you leave hills, trees, and buildings behind.

Choosing a spot with a flat and unspoiled horizon will ensure an epic sunrise, even if there are a few clouds in the sky.

8. Be Aware Of Potential Hazards

Since sunrise paddles involve periods of darkness, you must note any potential hazards before venturing out. If there are sections with small currents or shallow rocky bottoms, try to avoid them and proceed with caution. Whenever possible, choose the safest route with the fewest hidden hazards.

9. Be Prepared For Rising Temperatures

Once the sun rises above the horizon, temperatures will rise quickly. Therefore, you must wear layers that are easy to peel off as your body warms up. Easy-to-remove layers will make your sunrise paddle much more comfortable.

Since you will likely expose more skin later in your paddle, ensure you have a bottle of sunscreen, so you don’t experience sun damage at the end of your paddling session.

10. Keep Your Eyes Peeled For Elusive Wildlife

As the sun rises, animals wake up. The period just before and after sunrise is an excellent time to experience wildlife encounters, especially rare species. Before you venture out on a sunrise paddle, do some research on wildlife in the area.

As the shoreline becomes more visible, keep an eye out for movement. This is a great time to spot wildlife, especially animals you rarely have the chance to see.

11. Stay Away From Areas With Motorized Vessels

One way to take a lot of stress and danger out of a sunrise paddle is to avoid busy lanes frequented by motorized vessels. You may need to pass a few busy locations when leaving a protected cove or crossing a bay. When it’s necessary, ensure you are cautious and visible.

Otherwise, try to avoid busy waterways, especially areas with heavy motorized boat traffic in the mornings.

12. Don’t Forget Your Camera Gear

In addition to packing all your paddling safety essentials, you should also bring some type of camera to capture the sunrise and the warm light it casts on the water and coastline. A GoPro is a great option for those looking to capture action videos or time-lapse images of the sunrise.

If you bring a phone or digital camera, ensure you keep it dry and safe in a protective case when you aren’t capturing the beautiful spectacle.