... I've been zapped many many times while kiting.
I live in the tropics where in the monsoon season we get heaps of static build up in front of storms where we usually get the best wind too. While kiting you get zapped as you land from a jump, and the zaps get worse the higher and longer you go. Each jump you have to build up the guts 'cause you know your gunna get a zap at the end of it.
One of the worst I got was when landing from a big jump, I was landing just infront of some rocks. The zap was so bad that my front hand jolted and let go of the bar, going through my fingers on the bar and I didn't redirect the kite properly and nearly skidded into the rocks.
Mate and I even got to the point where I could hear the crackling around the rails of the boards just as you hit the water and would jolt the hand, felt like some one poked a pin in the ends of your fingers. If you don't jump and then you don't feel anything.
I know, its a bit dangerous but some times the lure of wind out weighs the risks!!
cheers,
Robbie