Semi-dumb Question - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Ohana · 10-01-2010, 10:58 AM

Considering salt water is a great conductor of electricity, the lightning can strike near you and you might still get electrocuted due to the salt water conduction if any part of you is in the water.

Also be aware you can be under sunny skies and a T-storm miles away can zap you. When I was in Florida we had a storm over our navy base inland (NAS Whiting) that sent a bolt out that hit a young boy at the beach near Pensacola even though he was under sunny skies at the beach.

Kevin

bentrod1 · 10-02-2010, 08:50 PM

My family and I were enjoying a beautiful day in S.D. near Sea World (on the Ocean side near an amusement park) when off in the distance we heard thunder and saw lightning. The lifeguards told everyone to "get out of the water and off of the beach, head for cover". We did!

About 10 minutes later this T-storm came right over us as we took cover in the outdoor bathrooms. Women in mens, men in womens, cats playing with dogs it it was crazy. I later learned that's not even a good place to go. I managed a peak out toward the parking lot and saw lighting strike horizontally just over the top of the cars all the way across the lot. The hair was standing up on the back of my neck. Not sure if it was from electricity or fear but judging by the stains in my shorts, I'm guessing the latter.

So, long story short... I'm guessing they said get out of the water for a reason. With scupper holes and being surrounded by H2o, whether in plastic or not I would GTFO.

dsafety · 10-02-2010, 09:11 PM

So far we have had a lot of reasonable answers to the question. Basically the advice has been that if it looks dangerous, get out of Dodge. I agree with that.

Beyond behaving reasonably, I would really like to know if there is any actual evidence that being on the water in a kayak during a lightning storm puts one in grave danger. I have never heard of anyone being hit by lightning while on a kayak. On the other hand, I prefer not to be the first one to have that experience.

We need more information.

Bob

StinkyMatt · 10-02-2010, 10:00 PM

Went to NPB Friday around 4:30. As I am getting ready to launch, a distant thunder and a bolt. Now, I'm thinking...what did that post on BWE say about this??? So being the dumbass that I am I decide to go anyways. I only heard a couple more thunders that afternoon but rest assured your experience on the water will not be a relaxing one. I was worried the whole time and decided to cut it short.

I don't care what anyone says, when you get that weird feeling, listen to your gut. No fish is worth getting your ass zapped.

PS, Thanks Kevin for the info, got a few Spotties in the short time I was out there.

Matt

10-02-2010, 08:50 PM	#2
bentrod1 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Upland Posts: 60	It must be dangerous My family and I were enjoying a beautiful day in S.D. near Sea World (on the Ocean side near an amusement park) when off in the distance we heard thunder and saw lightning. The lifeguards told everyone to "get out of the water and off of the beach, head for cover". We did! About 10 minutes later this T-storm came right over us as we took cover in the outdoor bathrooms. Women in mens, men in womens, cats playing with dogs it it was crazy. I later learned that's not even a good place to go. I managed a peak out toward the parking lot and saw lighting strike horizontally just over the top of the cars all the way across the lot. The hair was standing up on the back of my neck. Not sure if it was from electricity or fear but judging by the stains in my shorts, I'm guessing the latter. So, long story short... I'm guessing they said get out of the water for a reason. With scupper holes and being surrounded by H2o, whether in plastic or not I would GTFO.

10-01-2010, 10:58 AM	#1
Ohana Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Coto de Caza, CA Posts: 155	Considering salt water is a great conductor of electricity, the lightning can strike near you and you might still get electrocuted due to the salt water conduction if any part of you is in the water. Also be aware you can be under sunny skies and a T-storm miles away can zap you. When I was in Florida we had a storm over our navy base inland (NAS Whiting) that sent a bolt out that hit a young boy at the beach near Pensacola even though he was under sunny skies at the beach. Kevin

10-02-2010, 09:11 PM	#3
dsafety Olivenhain Bob Join Date: May 2008 Location: Olivenhain, CA Posts: 1,122	So far we have had a lot of reasonable answers to the question. Basically the advice has been that if it looks dangerous, get out of Dodge. I agree with that. Beyond behaving reasonably, I would really like to know if there is any actual evidence that being on the water in a kayak during a lightning storm puts one in grave danger. I have never heard of anyone being hit by lightning while on a kayak. On the other hand, I prefer not to be the first one to have that experience. We need more information. Bob

10-02-2010, 10:00 PM	#4
StinkyMatt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Under a bridge Posts: 2,169	Went to NPB Friday around 4:30. As I am getting ready to launch, a distant thunder and a bolt. Now, I'm thinking...what did that post on BWE say about this??? So being the dumbass that I am I decide to go anyways. I only heard a couple more thunders that afternoon but rest assured your experience on the water will not be a relaxing one. I was worried the whole time and decided to cut it short. I don't care what anyone says, when you get that weird feeling, listen to your gut. No fish is worth getting your ass zapped. PS, Thanks Kevin for the info, got a few Spotties in the short time I was out there. Matt