Lightning

[Craz Z]

I've always been abit scared of lightning while kiting. This year I think I have been braver then I should be. Two times the wind kicked up to nuking levels I've been out in this mess. The first time was near dillion, mt lightning everywhere 30-35mph winds swells and just having a good ol time. Boats where rushing off the water and I stayed until for awhile longer lightning crashing all around. I finally gave up when a bolt got within 300-400 yards of me.

2nd time I was Pond kiting and the wind kicked up to about 30-35 again.
Not as much lightning as the first experience after some wonderful jumps and tacks I jumped on the down slope of the approaching storm and felt a serious jolt in my right arm. Needless to say I dumped the kite and got the hell out of there. Never was there an actual strike but the static buildup I felt suggested the real thing wasn't far away.

Most of us are smarter then to kite in a lightning storm but I will say the winds are insanely fun until someone gets bolted.