RE: [Paddlewise] Anyone Been In A Thunderstorm?

Tom wrote: Has anyone been caught in a thunderstorm?  What did you do?
 Were you still on the water when it hit?  

I have been caught in thunderstorms more then once. In a kayak I try to
avoid it, but apart from that, I love walking in the woods in a
thunderstorm, or just watching it from some minimal shelter. A thunderstorm
is so powerful, so majestic... So far I haven't been hit, blinded or
electrocuted. According to statistics, the risk is not high, but the
statistics don't apply to someone that actually goes looking for
thunderstorms. I think it is something like wanting to paddle in a gale: You
know about the risks, but the pleasure makes it worth it.

I do realize the risk, I have been thinking about it and have some thoughts
to share:

- When the weatherforcast predicts thunderstorms, I plan kayak trips without
any open crossings. Since I love paddling on warm summerdays that frequently
include the possibility of a thunderstorm, cancelling a trip because of this
possibility is not an option to me.

- When I get caught in a thunderstorm on open water, I paddle like hell.

- I try to find cover, off the water or close to shore, close to some trees
or rocks, but not so close that a tree hit by lightning can fall on top of
me.

- Since thunderstorms usually occur at the end of a very warm day, I always
have to choose between staying on the water and racing to my car, or waiting
it out, in minimal clothing in the pouring rain, risking hypothermia. The
choice is not always easy.

- Lightning is not only dangerous when you get a direct hit. The electrical
current, leading away from the impact, can still kill you. Since a kayak is
a good insulator, I stay in the boat, on the water or on land, but do not
touch my paddle. Especially when the paddle is in your hands with one blade
touching water or land, the current may flow through your paddle and through
your body back to the ground.

- I heard a recommendation, when paddling on open water, to keep paddling
with your paddle as low as possible. I don't think that will really help: I
would choose between paddling for shelter as fast as you can with your
fastest stroke, or parking your paddle and just wait.

I'd like to hear other facts and opinions.

Niels.

 
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