Weather check prior to paddling

[rcurry]

I always check my local weather before I head out to get my paddle fix. I weigh the chances of being out in less than perfect weather and make my decision. The chance of unexpected pop up summer showers/storms in Kentucky is present. So far, I have only had one incident of some really undesirable rain & wind while making my journey back to my put in spot. The rain was catching up with me fast, but really no harm done. I don’t use a skirt as it’s not needed in the waters I paddle (and to darn hot and confining) except if I’m in a sudden down pour of rain.
I loaded my kayak during the down pour and the sun was back shining before I unloaded my boat at home. Have any of you recreational paddlers had to make the decision to continue paddling to get to your take out point or just wait out the weather? I wouldn’t mind waiting out a storm if nightfall isn’t going to come in to play. A full moonlit summer night would be fine, dark stormy nights on the water… not my idea of relaxing.

[SteveH]

I always check the weather before I even plan to go out. This is my favorite weather forecast site: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/
You can also check the radar there and see when rainy weather is about to leave your area.

[BadFish]

Checking the weather in northern Michigan is pretty essential the short time I've been paddling I've been caught in some nasty weather. For safety reasons I plan to always check the weather before I go out.

[kayakmag]

Oh this is a great topic! I am working on a Safety article at the moment that talks about weather conditions ... I'll get it up soon for you.

Rcurry, sounds like you are making good judgement decisions and have set limits for yourself, which are very important.

I have done both, decided to make good and bad go/no go decisions. Once, get-there-itis had set it bad and I really wanted to go, the weather that was predicted came in and made for a pretty miserable day paddling back to the car.

The bad thing is that when you "make it", ones decision making process in the future could be skewed.

Paddle Safe,

[rcurry]

Thanks for the link SteveH. I just added it to my favorites. It’s been beautiful here today but rain is expected for the Kentucky Derby this weekend. That’s bad for the multitudes that turn out for the horse races and those of us who really wanted to paddle this weekend.


I always check the weather before I even plan to go out. This is my favorite weather forecast site: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/
You can also check the radar there and see when rainy weather is about to leave your area.

[rcurry]

I hope you have some safety precautions and advice about one of my fears…lighting. Honestly, getting caught in a summer rain shower isn’t on my list of most favorite things to encounter during a paddle, but it can be dealt with (just dig in, stay close to the shoreline and get back to the put in). My fear of getting caught out in a bad thunder storm with lighting included in it really freaks me out. I’m paddling with an aluminum (eeek lighting rod!) paddle. I’ve been fortunate so far and never been out when lightening is predicted or approaching. I always check the weather just for that very reason.

I imagine it would be best to get out of the boat, off of the water, and put the lighting rod of a paddle down on the ground away from me. I’ve always been told not to seek shelter among tall trees as it can draw in lighting. So would it really be better to seek shelter in “for sure snake areas” like rocky cliff overhangs and risk death by poisonous snake bite? Death by lighting or snake bite?:confused: I really do need some advice on this and I’m glad you’re doing the safety article. I look forward to reading it.




Oh this is a great topic! I am working on a Safety article at the moment that talks about weather conditions ... I'll get it up soon for you.

Rcurry, sounds like you are making good judgement decisions and have set limits for yourself, which are very important.

I have done both, decided to make good and bad go/no go decisions. Once, get-there-itis had set it bad and I really wanted to go, the weather that was predicted came in and made for a pretty miserable day paddling back to the car.

The bad thing is that when you "make it", ones decision making process in the future could be skewed.

Paddle Safe,