The first time it happened to me, I was deep in a mangrove tunnel. The air had gone still. Not quiet—still. Like even the birds were holding their breath.
Then the sky cracked.
If you spend enough time paddling in Florida, especially during the wet season, it’s not a matter of if a storm will catch you off guard—it’s when. One minute you’re floating in dappled light, dragonflies dancing over the water, and the next you’re counting seconds between flash and boom.
So what do you do when you’re stuck in a mangrove forest, miles from the dock, and the thunder starts shaking your ribs?
Here’s what I’ve learned—through experience, research, and a healthy respect for Mother Nature.
First Rule: Don’t Panic—but Do Act Quickly
Lightning storms in Florida can roll in fast and violent. If you hear thunder, you’re already at risk. Lightning can strike several miles away from the storm cloud itself.
That said, you’re better off moving quickly but calmly than freezing in place.
What Not to Do:
Don’t hide under tall trees or large branches. Mangroves may not tower like oaks, but they still conduct electricity.
Don’t keep paddling across open water. If you’re exposed on a wide bay or lagoon, you’re essentially waving a lightning rod.
Don’t cling to your aluminum paddle or metal gear. Get it out of your lap and stowed low if possible.
What You Should Do:
Get Low—but Stay Dry (If You Can)
Find the most densely vegetated, low-lying spot along the mangrove edge. You’re looking for cover—not shelter under a single tall tree, but a thicket of similar-height vegetation where you’re less likely to be the tallest object.
Flip Your Canoe or Kayak
If you’re in a lightweight canoe or kayak, turn it over and crouch low beside it—not under it. It can help deflect rain and make you feel less exposed without creating a conductive trap.
Crouch Down, Feet Together
This is the lightning safety position: crouch on the balls of your feet, heels together, head tucked, arms wrapped around your legs. It’s not comfortable, but it minimizes the surface area in contact with the ground—and the path electricity can take through your body.
Wait It Out
A typical Florida storm lasts 20–30 minutes. The hardest part is resisting the urge to move. Stay put until thunder has been absent for 30 minutes.
What I Carry Now—Just in Case:
A waterproof emergency poncho
A small, bright whistle (for signaling if needed)
A compact, high-quality headlamp
Electrolyte tablets (storms can follow heatstroke)
A Ziploc bag with a paper map of the mangrove trail and tide charts
And yes, a waterproof bag for my phone—because dead batteries don’t help in a storm
Final Thought:
If you’re paddling Florida’s backwaters, respect the sky. Mangroves are magical places—nurseries for fish, shelters for birds, and time machines for the imagination. But they are no match for a storm.
So check the radar. Listen to your instincts. And when in doubt?
Land fast. Sit low. Stay alive.
Authoritative Resources:
For more detailed information on lightning safety, consider visiting the following resources:
National Weather Service Lightning Safety: Provides comprehensive guidelines on lightning safety for various outdoor activities.
🔗 https://www.weather.gov/mlb/lightning_rules
Florida Department of Environmental Protection – Paddling and Lightning: Offers specific advice for paddlers caught in thunderstorms.
🔗 https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/Paddling%20and%20Lightning.pdf
~ LS