Kayaking...?

Question

what do you do if you're kayaking down a long river and it starts to storm? do you just pull over to the side and sit on the bank and wait it out? what?

Answer 1

Oh I hate when that happens.... Hope you have your tarp and foulies.... Smoke a cig and wait it out and hope you don't freeze.

Answer 2

That's a toughie. It's almost like going through a tornado with no basement. I have the same problem kayaking on the coast. Storms, these days, pop out of nowhere here. I know you Don't want to be the tallest thing around & you Don't want to be in water during a lightning storm. They also say not to be under trees but I think the only thing to do is get to the bank, lay flat & wait it out. best 2 u!

Answer 3

If it's just raining, your fine, just wet.  If there is lightning, pull your boat to the bank, tie it up or haul it out, find a spot covered but not right under a tree (i.e. not against a tree) and squat or sit on your PFD, the foam in your flotation device will provide you with insulation from the ground in case of a lightning strike nearby.

Answer 4

If it,s just wind and rain i tough it out with my spray skirt and rain coat. If lightning or hail is involved i seek low ground and make shelter. The river offer,s a lot of materiel for shelter. Your local library has book,s on this subject ask at the reference desk. Happy paddling.

Answer 5

Conditions will vary. Best choice,  get to shore and seek the lowest point available to wait. Be sure a metal shafted paddle is not set upright. Always have dry clothes available. Often storms bring in cold weather and rain.