I got the Promars from Sport Chalet as well and returned them. I could tell by the packaging that I was not the first person to return them.
I ended up getting the Life Gear Glow Sticks that are waterproof. I got them off Ebay. The glow sticks came in today and they look good. They are as bright as the other non-waterproof glowsticks from Home Depot and seem well constructed. I will try them out on Friday. Two of the glow sticks were out-of-battery because they were accidentally turned on during the mailing process. Other than that, the seller is legit.
Ebay Link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Life-Gear-Wa...item2eb8620855
Rei Link:
http://www.rei.com/product/802218/li...oof-glow-stick
$15 for three....not too bad. We'll see how they handle hooping from a kayak.