9/22 - DC - would you could you in the rain?

[Kenny]

Thought today would be a skunk with no wind in the morning and clouds coming in. Thanks to Marty, Billy, and Mike May for keep me updated on the wind & rain at DC today. Arrived around 4 to 15 - 20 mph wind. Two windsurfers on the water. Rigged in the rain and had a good session until the wind began to diminish. Probably could have rigged my SA and gotten more rides, but then I would have two massive foils to dry out in my garage. It was a keeper.

[joshgubler]

What's the general consensus regarding kiting in the rain? Not trying to start a flame war or slam Kenny or anything, just curious.

I know you can often tell the difference between storms that produce lighting and those that don't, but I don't think I would be comfortable kiting in the rain even if I knew I wasn't going to get zapped.

Once again, not judging anyone. Just trying to see how others feel about it.

[JimSouthwick]

http://homepage.mac.com/jsouthwick/PhotoAlbum88.html

[Carl Christensen]

Rain can be pretty benign. When it starts turning to snow it gets a little cold. I try to avoid that anymore. Electric activity really gets my attention either way. Like the time I was carrying my skis and heard buzzing noises with every step. I looked up and saw little blue arcs shooting 2-3 cm off the tips of my skis every time my next foot hit the ground. Not what you want. It changed my priorities.

[bordy]

The kites flys mainly on plane in the rain, If there is no obvious lightning have at it.

I think you may have a better chance of getting bit by a shark in the ocean kiting then hit by lightning in the rain. If the sky lites up I am still coming in however.

Its not the lightning you should fear in the rain anyhow its the storm gust.

[Kenny]

I think that is a fair question. I have kited 5 - 10 times in the rain. Everytime it was during a steady drizzle with steady wind. Often the rain will shut down the wind.

I flew my foil kite and I noticed that the rain impaired the performance. The rain adds extra weight to the canopy, not a big deal if there is enough wind.

I have kited in the snow (on the water) a couple times. Snowkiting has been my salvation from super cold weather water kiting. I would much rather being snowkiting in the spring and late fall than kiting in ultra cold conditions on the water. Let's pray for an early snow season so we don't have to use the drysuit!