Thunderstorm procedure instructs paddlers to do what?

• A. Land, avoid tall objects
• B. Stay on water and persevere
• C. Paddle toward the nearest inlet
• D. Seek shelter under a tall tree

Answer: (A)

Thunderstorm safety for paddlers centers on getting off the water and away from potential lightning targets. Lightning tends to strike tall objects, and being on open water makes you a highly exposed, conductive target. Landing quickly reduces exposure and lets you move away from lone trees, poles, or other tall structures that could attract a strike. That’s why the correct action is to reach shore and avoid tall objects.

Staying on the water during a thunderstorm keeps you exposed and exposed to strong winds. Heading toward an inlet on the water still leaves you out in the weather, and sheltering under a tall tree is specifically discouraged because trees are common lightning targets.