WST the best thing is not to worry
remain calm look around and decide which is the best and safest thing to do. When I'm out I know who the boss and winner is and it's not me...it's God and the water. The best I can do is break even. Don't fight a losing battle...Calmness in most drastic situations leads to good decision making.
If you ever get caught out in a real lightning storm write me and tell me how exciting it was.
Paddle safe
Richard
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my opinion would vary slightly regarding open water, as the surf conditions can get pretty rough. but in my case I say bring it on!!!
Unique situation
Pop up thunder storms actually form over one my favorite paddling areas, the Jersey Pine Barrens. The area is so wet and hot that it’s a perfect incubator. Dealing with storms forming around you is an interesting challeange.
Generally speaking, only an all day rain forcast will keep the boats in the garage. And it’s still a go if the temp, with rain, is above 85. I paddle rivers and lakes with thunderstorms forcast. If I hear thunder, it’s off the water until it passes. Out on the bay I head to shore if the sky starts to get that funky weather’s coming look. Years of sailing small sailboats in summer weather have given me a healthy respect for these storms, yet taught me not to change my plans because of them.
Yes ran into that …
… My first time in a squall … popped out from a protected area and found I couldn’t make any headway in against the wind gusts.
I do check NOAA forecasts before I go out … the wind direction usually infuences where I paddle … I like to go against wind going out, wind at my back or quarter coming in. If T storms were around I’d also factor that in … would want places to head to for shelter.
Here in Central Florida…
aka, the lightning capital of the U.S., the weather can change quickly. Sometimes you can’t help but get caught in it. The lightning can be popping all around you and being caught in the open gulf in an open canoe will make you question your sanity. Still, you can take a little comfort in knowing the most dangerous part of the paddle is driving to and from the put-in.
I hope you don’t mind a OT reply to …
your post.
If the group that you paddle with would leave you behind when the group is trying to outrun a storm, then they are a bunch of jerks and you need to find a new group to paddle with.
The strongest paddler in that group should be right beside you in a situation like that.
cheers,
jackL
Forecasts
are just that. When I was an WX observer, we called forecasters Weather Guessers. Use your eyes, do you see towering clouds with anvil shaped tops in the area? do you see a dark area approaching? if so head for shore, other wise paddle on.
Paddling through a storm
"When you paddle through a storm,
Hold your head up high,
And don’t be afraid of the Dark.
‘Cuz at the end of the storm,
Is a Golden Sky,
And the sweet, silver song of a lark.
Paddle on through the wind!
Paddle on through the waves!
Tho’ your kayak be tossed a-and blown,
Paddle on, Paddle on, with your PFD on,
And you’ll never paddle alone!
You’ll never paddle alone."