RE: [Paddlewise] Anyone Been In A Thunderstorm?

From: Bob Denton <gulfstream_at_flinet.com>
Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 23:07:46 -0500
Here in Florida it's a daily event in summer. You really can't go paddling
without some risk of being caught. The storms don't last long but the rains
are torrential obscuring all references and producing 6 or 8 inches of
splash (for want of a better word).

I usually try to head in when the cells start tracking my way but sometimes
it's unavoidable. I try to keep a low profile, head down near the deck like
setting up for a roll. I've been close to water hits and once to a
waterspout (tornado on the ocean)
 but never zapped.

Realistically, when you are in a boat that's good for 5 knots, you're not
going to dodge a storm moving at 20. I simply wait to be hit and feel
grateful when I'm not, knowing statically, I'm still pretty safe.

I did experience a lightning strike while diving. It does dissipate pretty
quickly but you could feel a tingle in the water. It's neat to look up and
see the flashes and know the folks on the boat were wishing they were
underwater!

Cya

Bob Denton
Delray Beach



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Received on Tue Mar 27 2001 - 11:56:51 PST

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