Dear wow: the problem with lightning is that it is so unpredictable, so hard to know when
precautions are worth the trouble. I am genuinely surprised that surfers should be hit, since
there seems to be so llittle antenna effect to just human standing. And unless thunder is
repeated and getting closer it is not a helpful indicator. A useful bit of trivia, inside an automobile
is the safest place to be. My next choice would be a moderate distance from something tall
that might behave like lightning rod, to attract a stroke, but carry it harmlessly to the ground.
The dumbest thing I can think of would be to carry upright a metal fishing rod.