By way of introduction; I have a degree in metrology. I also have some experience dealing with thunderstorms in a cruising sailboat. 1. To my knowledge nobody has ever been killed, or seriously injured by lightning while in a fiberglass (read insulating) vessel. 2. It is most unlikely that lightning would strike a kayak since it is low and has nothing like a mast or antenna to attract a strike. 3. If you turn over I doubt if the stray electric currents in the water would harm you. In fact if the water was reasonably warm and if I was sure I could re-enter my boat I would get in the water. I know a person who blew over in a day sailor during an intense L.I. Sound thunderstorm. He reported several water strikes in his vicinity but only "tingling" sensation from the salt water carried electric surge. I AM NOT PLAYING DOWN THE DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE EVENTS. But the real danger lies with the high winds and confused building seas not lightning. Richard Smith *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Mar 26 2001 - 06:16:04 PST
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