I have often wondered inexpertly whether there is an "if all else fails . . ." lightning strategy. E.g.: 1. If the air is not charged and no lightning is striking in close proximity, paddle ASAP to nearest land and then follow land-based lightning safety rules. 2. If air is charged or if lightning is striking in close proximity, and risk of pursuing strategy 1 is unacceptable, then [the equivalent of curling up in a ball to protect belly and head till the bear leaves]? Anna Lind quotes a Finnish researcher as suggesting trying to ground your paddle with right hand. But what if your paddle is an insulator and your wet body is a better conductor? Is there any sense to deliberately capsizing and swimming (head in cockpit?) toward nearest shore, conditions permitting? Or is there no step 2 strategy and you always get to the nearest shore, paddling in a hunched-over position? Tom Joyce ------------------------------------------ The information contained in this e-mail message may be privileged, confidential, and protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, any further disclosure or use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message or any attachment is strictly prohibited. If you think that you have received this e-mail message in error, please delete it and notify the sender. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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