Summer in South Florida equals squalls, storms, thunder and lightning (sometimes)!

In the summer time,

luck has a lot to do with it!

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(most images are links to additional stories and information!)

Summertime in South Florida means that one minute you’re lucky at the beach and find a dollar!
Paddling on Whiskey Creek at Mizell-Johnson (John U Lloyd) State Park in Dania Beach.

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A squall several miles to the north. Best to get off the beach and cross over to the relative safety of the inside!
The launching of the Grey Ghost (Stellar SES Multisport surfski).

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“Blind Faith”
Worship with the Church of the Double Bladed Paddle.

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Then a few minutes later, you can get hit by a mid-afternoon squall!
Paddling in the Rain, Just Paddlin’ and Campin’ in the Rain .. sing along!

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Time to duck in, out of the way. These storms usually move fast from west to east.
Your feet are the key to proper paddling posture!

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May Lady Luck be on your side!

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In the thick of it, a squall can kick up high winds of 20 – 30 knots for a few minutes.
The heavy rain can be a refreshing break from the heat though!
Kayakfari ART Photography.

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Hiding in the mangroves works well as long as you know where to go. They break up the deluge, wind and current!
South Florida’s walking coastal Mangroves – Roots Paddling, Photography and Dreadlocks!

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Mangroves really like to hold on to things – be it shoreline, boats or just trash, like this 2×4!
All that trash – the ugly side of kayaking in Miami!

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A hat really helps to keep the rain off and a neck gaiter prevents heat loss and keeps bugs away.
The End (of sunburn) – my total UV block solution!

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Afternoon storms, squalls and thunderstorms are almost a daily occurrence in South Florida. Sometimes twice daily! Winds, rain and currents are one thing, however thunderstorms and lightning are another! This is the wildcard for paddling in the summer.

The best advice is to start early and finish before noon, and thus hopefully avoid them completely.

However this isn’t always possible, and the storms can actually form anytime, day or night. You want to do everything you can to avoid being caught out in the open. Florida is actually the lightning capital of the nation, and it’s key to follow recommendations! For paddlers though, safety is a relative term, since you’re not likely to be next to a building to seek shelter. It’s good to know your paddling area well so that you can duck out of the way at a moment’s notice. Watching live radar or having an app on your phone can really help to know where and how fast the storm system is moving. This way you can gauge your risk and best figure out how to proceed!

The question you have to ask yourself is:

“Do I feel Lucky?”

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“I’ll bet you a dollar that it will rain.
Hold my paddle!”

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Well do you, Paddler?

😉

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The good news is that the afternoon storms move quickly and usually within 15 – 20 minutes it’s sunny again. The same protective garments work equally well in the sun and the rain!
Surrender to the summer HEAT!

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! BLESS – Luck be a Lady

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© 2019 Flex Maslan / kayakfari.com / awakenthegrass.com . All original photographs, artworks and music in this portfolio are copyrighted and owned by the artist, Flex Maslan, unless otherwise noted. Any reproduction, modification, publication, transmission, transfer, or exploitation of any of the content, for personal or commercial use, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved!

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DISCLAIMER:

The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!

This is a work of fiction. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. No skeleton, nor person, nor kayak was harmed in the making of this work. The author is sorely responsible for the contents of this work!

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I hereby disclaim any sponsorship, endorsement, nor association with any product or service described herein. The photographs, depictions, products, and ideas presented on this site are for informational purposes only. Your results may vary, and I do not imply nor guarantee the effectiveness, suitability, design or operation to adhere to any standard. I assume no legal responsibility for the implementation of anything herein presented! Use any and all information at your own risk! By using any and all information from this website, you accept the final liability for any use or possible associated misuse!

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With that said..
Blessings friends!

🙂