We just need to throw this out here first: according to the US National Weather Service, about 3% of disc golf-related lightning deaths occur when people play disc golf in the rain during a thunderstorm.
Now, not every rain comes with a thunderstorm, and if your heart is already set on playing disc golf in the rain, then these are 6 safety tips that you definitely need to know beforehand.
#1. Understand Weather Conditions
Check the weather forecasts before heading out into the rainy course. You want to know if there will be any approaching or developing storms.
What you need to look out for are a gathering of dark clouds, significant increases in wind velocity, and the first sound of distant thunder.
Assess whether continuing to play (in the rain or not) makes you vulnerable to lightning strikes, particularly the fatal direct ones. Since you will need some time to travel to a safe shelter (no, a tree does not constitute a safe shelter), always move out immediately at the first sound of thunder even when it has not rained yet. Lightning can strike many kilometers away from the rainfall area despite the location you’re on is not raining.
Always be aware of how the weather changes while playing the course. If you’re ever in doubt, it is better to reschedule your plans for better weather.
#2. Bring Extra Everything and Keep Them in a Ziplock
Preparation, preparation, preparation. You need to bring an extra of everything. Extra towels, socks, and clothes, and make sure you keep all of these items dry.
You can put them individually in a ziplock bag so that your belongings inside will remain dry if your bag accidentally gets wet.
If possible, choose to carry the following with you: waterproof and breathable clothing, shoes with good traction and waterproofing, rain covers for bags and other equipment.
You want to make sure you still have something nice and dry by the end of the game so you can change into them before you head back home and prevent catching a cold.
You can also change your socks and underwear in between rounds in case they get soaked and start to feel uncomfortable.
#3. Select Discs that Perform Well in Wet Conditions
Discs made of baseline plastic are the best option for rainy days. They tend to be more waterproof, making them the easiest to grip when wet. Regarding the flight rating, a stable or slightly overstable disc is your best option.
Since rainy days are often accompanied by wind, avoid understable discs that are more likely to be turned over by the wind.
If you want to know more about how wind affects your disc, you can check our post on how the wind affects disc golf right here.
#4. Adapt Your Game for Wet Conditions
Ensure a Dry Grip
The key to a good grip is ensuring that your disc is always dry. Put your disc under your jacket to keep it dry when you are about to play your game. Then, you can wipe your disc with a towel between games.
You can use a microfiber towel to wipe your disc and a sports towel to wipe yourself. Ensure the towels have a high absorbency rate so they do not get soaked easily.
Use Climbing Chalk or Friction Glove
These are extra accessories that can be useful to help you get the perfect grip during rainy days. The first item is climbing chalk. It is meant to help with sweaty hands, but you can also use it to absorb the moisture of the water and keep your hands dry.
Another option is to use friction gloves. These gloves were created to help you grip your disc when it is wet. They also keep your hands warm, making them ideal for playing in the rain.
#5. Identify & Avoid Wet Slippery Terrain
In the rain, the tee and ground may become muddy and slippery. So, be careful where you step as you navigate the course. Maintaining balance and avoiding slips are most important, so slow down on your footwork.
One idea to reduce traction during tee-off is to cover your tee pad with a towel. This is perfectly legal in disc golf. Minding your movement, path selection, and foot placement can help you play safer between holes.
#6. Maintain Your Body Warmth and Dryness
Adopt a three-layering system to keep your body warm, comfortable, and dry. The first layer, or the base layer, wicks moisture away from the skin. This layer should fit snugly but not be too tight, allowing it to move sweat away from your body effectively. Fabrics like polyester, nylon, or merino wool will be excellent for this layer.
Next, the middle layer will be the insulating layer. Its purpose is to retain body heat, so its size must be a bit looser than that of the base layer. This second layer maintains body warmth by trapping air close to your body, which acts as an insulator. Suitable fabrics for this layer are fleece, down, or other synthetic insulation that can retain body heat.
Third, the outer layer should protect you from rain and wind while allowing sweat and moisture to escape. Gore-tex is a good fabric for this purpose, as it is waterproof and breathable. This layer should fit comfortably over the base and insulating layers, providing freedom of movement.
Know that you can always adjust or remove layers based on your activity level and changing weather conditions. You may also want to choose outer layers with ventilation options (like pit zips) to manage heat buildup during intense activity.
Following the three-layering system, you can maintain your body’s warmth and dryness, ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable experience when playing disc golf in the rain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, playing disc golf in the rain can be challenging and rewarding if you take the necessary safety precautions. Remember to check the weather for worsening conditions that may develop into a thunderstorm; prepare and adapt your game, discs, and gear for wet conditions; identify and avoid slippery slopes and muddy terrain; and try to wear three-layer clothing to stay warm and dry.
We encourage you to prioritize safety and embrace the unique experience of disc golf in the rain. Please share your own safety tips and experiences playing in the rain with us—we’d love to hear from you!
