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Yeeeaaaahhhaaaaaa. Wind’s up, and off I go trotting happily down to the beach with me kite bag on me shoulder, me board under me arm and me wetsuit on me ass, flat water, about 10 knots, getting better all the time, it’s even sunny man, what more could you want from life? Can’t wait to get into the water.
Dump me board on the shore, chuck the kite out of the bag, pump it up, lay out the lines, check em, run back to the bar and just as I bend to pick it up in me eager little paws this incredibly deep baritone voice barks in me ear, “DON’T YOU DAREâ€

: - )


thanks!

Kites may not conduct electricity, but water on the lines definitely does help it travel

Great story man!

Greetzzzzz Louis

Yeah, It really was comical, all set and raring to got then
babdaboom, yikes.

Hey Missionman,
I think it also has to do with the fact that really high voltages can turn non-conductors or poor conductors into efficient conductors, extreme temperatures also change the physical properties of materials.
As far as I know no one has actually been hit by lightning so far, (or
been around to tell the tale perhaps) any volonteers?
I'm out, I still have the voice of the gods ringin in my ears.
I hear and obey.......
Any electro technicians out there?
Jo

Actually there has, but not on an extreme level. i remember a post (can't remember where) where a character complained about high levels of currents on his bar during cloudy pre-lightening conditions. He said he kept getting minor shocks and eventually left the water.

Someone else casually explained that salt water on the lines is one of the best conductors you get, and what he was getting was the pre-lightening build up of electricity in the air.

Makes you realise that its not safe before a lightening storm, never mind afterwards.

Hi

I know one guy who was hit by lightning while he was kiting. I don,t know if it was a direct hit because nothing happened to the kite. He just could not feel his other arm for a while.

your kite WILL attract lighnings when you should be stupid enough to go out ...

yes, it is made of plastic, but the (wet) lines and the height are enough to put you in serious danger!

you did the right thing even though it came out that it was wrong - don't go out in these conditions.

I've also heard of people getting pretty shocking shocks of their bars when using kevlar core lines near or after a storm, must build up an electrostatic charge, like in a coil.
Jo