When a storm comes in, a fun time on the water can quickly turn dangerous. These tips will help you avoid getting caught in a storm while kayaking and explain how to survive if it's unavoidable.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure, so avoiding dangerous weather conditions while kayaking is the best course of action.
Anytime you're planning on going out on a kayak, make sure to check the marine forecast first. The Canadian government provides this information on its website. Avoid heading out if there are storms predicted.
Always have a weather radio while kayaking. Weather systems can change abruptly, so having up-to-the-minute information is vital. VHF Marine radios will actually allow you to communicate with the Coast Guard and others on the water so that they can provide early warnings or get help when needed.
Do not wait until a storm is on top of you. If you hear thunder in the distance, get to shore immediately. Even if you cannot find a dock, it's imperative to get off the water. Failing to do so could result in the need for more drastic actions.
Move towards shore. Even if you don't make it to shore before a storm shows up, it's important to continue paddling as long as it's safe to do so. Do not wait until lightning is right on top of you, as your paddles could attract it. If you're near shore and can safely make it, that's where you should be heading.
Once ashore, look for cover immediately. A building with plumbing is grounded, so it's usually a safe bet. If this isn't possible, head for a vehicle. If it's impossible to reach either of these relatively safe areas, find a low point in the area and hunker down. It's best to avoid places with trees, but if this is unavoidable, try to be somewhere where the trees are uniform height and thus won't attract lightning more than other areas.
If a worst-case scenario arises and it's impossible to get to shore, hunker down in the water. Deploy your anchor if you have one and keep at least a 20-foot distance between you and other paddlers. At the point when it's impossible to get to shore, it's likely that lightning is nearby as well, so don't touch your paddles to avoid being injured.
Staying safe while on the water is imperative. Following these simple steps can keep kayaking a fun and safe activity.
