{"id":182,"date":"2022-07-27T21:18:53","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T21:18:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/?p=182"},"modified":"2022-07-27T21:25:26","modified_gmt":"2022-07-27T21:25:26","slug":"how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Wind Is Too Much for Kayaking?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_45_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"ez-toc-toggle-icon-1\"><label for=\"item-64ff6f275fc25\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;direction:ltr;\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input  type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item-64ff6f275fc25\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-visibility-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking\/#Wind_Limits_for_Fun_and_Games_when_Kayaking\" title=\"Wind Limits for Fun and Games when Kayaking\">Wind Limits for Fun and Games when Kayaking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking\/#Choosing_Safer_Kayak_Venues\" title=\"Choosing Safer Kayak Venues\">Choosing Safer Kayak Venues<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking\/#Kayak_Safety_Concerns\" title=\"Kayak Safety Concerns\">Kayak Safety Concerns<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking\/#Reading_the_Wind_for_Kayaking\" title=\"Reading the Wind for Kayaking\">Reading the Wind for Kayaking<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking\/#A_Wet_Finger\" title=\"A Wet Finger\">A Wet Finger<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking\/#Wind_on_Your_Face\" title=\"Wind on Your Face\">Wind on Your Face<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking\/#Install_Yarn\" title=\"Install Yarn\">Install Yarn<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking\/#Technical_Method\" title=\"Technical Method\">Technical Method<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking\/#Anemometers\" title=\"Anemometers\">Anemometers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking\/#Constructing_Your_Anemometer\" title=\"Constructing Your Anemometer\">Constructing Your Anemometer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking\/#Estimating_Wind_Speed_from_Visual_Cues\" title=\"Estimating Wind Speed from Visual Cues\">Estimating Wind Speed from Visual Cues<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking\/#Kayaking_Risks_of_Sea_Winds\" title=\"Kayaking Risks of Sea Winds\">Kayaking Risks of Sea Winds<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking\/#Wear_a_Life_Jacket\" title=\"Wear a Life Jacket\">Wear a Life Jacket<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking\/#Choose_Your_Kayak_Carefully\" title=\"Choose Your Kayak Carefully\">Choose Your Kayak Carefully<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking\/#Know_When_to_Quit\" title=\"Know When to Quit\">Know When to Quit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking\/#Prepare_to_Ensure_a_Watertight_Kayak\" title=\"Prepare to Ensure a Watertight Kayak\">Prepare to Ensure a Watertight Kayak<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/how-much-wind-is-too-much-for-kayaking\/#Fun_and_Safe_Adventures\" title=\"Fun and Safe Adventures\">Fun and Safe Adventures<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wind_Limits_for_Fun_and_Games_when_Kayaking\"><\/span>Wind Limits for Fun and Games when Kayaking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Fun paddling in your kayak provides great entertainment as it has since ancient times, between 6,000 and 8,000 years ago. However, kayak safety remains a significant concern. Regardless of kayaking, it\u2019s wise to recognize the wind\u2019s safety limits.<\/p>\n<p>Recognizing wind limits provides a safer kayaking experience. Generally, winds of 15 miles per hour or more become dangerous. Kayaking on small ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers can become dangerous in 10 mph winds if substantial waves become a factor.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Choosing_Safer_Kayak_Venues\"><\/span>Choosing Safer Kayak Venues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Most recreational kayakers stick to safer bodies of water, but these locations don\u2019t always offer sufficient challenges for experienced and competitive kayakers.<\/p>\n<p>The fetch, also known as the distance that wind can move over open water without being diverted by land, can prove deceptive. Paddlers often fail to detect the fetch on shore because the wind is blocked by land, and the water appears placid;<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s best to choose a lake, river, or ocean venue with little open water for overwhelming fetch winds &#8212; such as areas protected on the windward side by a landmass. This strategy is called choosing to be in the lee of the windward shore.<\/p>\n<p>Safety-conscious paddlers choose areas with a bit of fetch to enjoy their time on the water without constantly fighting the wind. Typically, the north side of land masses protects you from the high winds and waves generated by the fetch.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kayak_Safety_Concerns\"><\/span>Kayak Safety Concerns<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Most people use kayaks for recreational purposes on safer bodies of water, and most large lakes have miles of fetch that pose distinct challenges and threats.<\/p>\n<p>When the wind picks up the water, the process creates large waves even in relatively calm waters. That doesn\u2019t stop competitive people from kayaking on Lake Tahoe and Lake Superior, but kayakers need to learn how to read the wind.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reading_the_Wind_for_Kayaking\"><\/span>Reading the Wind for Kayaking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Reading the wind for kayaking and sailing depends on two measurements: wind speed and wind direction.<\/p>\n<p>Determining wind direction provides a base for calculating speed and wave size. Myriad clues about the wind surround kayakers, and you can learn to recognize these clues without relying on fancy electronics.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Traditional methods of measuring wind speed, direction, and fetch potential include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Wet_Finger\"><\/span>A Wet Finger<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Moisten your finger, and hold it up in the air. One side will dry faster and feel more relaxed or colder. That side indicates the direction from which the wind is blowing.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wind_on_Your_Face\"><\/span>Wind on Your Face<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Your face ranks as the body&#8217;s most sensitive area, and detecting wind against the face shows direction. Experienced sailors can even estimate the wind\u2019s speed. Using your hearing also fine-tunes pinpointing the precise wind direction.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Install_Yarn\"><\/span>Install Yarn<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>I am installing a length of yarn up high, showing the continuous direction of the wind without needing to stop and use other detection methods.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Technical_Method\"><\/span>Technical Method<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re a tech enthusiast, electronic masthead weather sensors provide precise wind direction on digital screens.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Anemometers\"><\/span>Anemometers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Anemometers are instruments that calculate wind speed with great precision to within plus or minus .5 millimeters per second. Anemometers are now available as an Android or iOS app for phones with a small sensor that easily fits in your pocket.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Constructing_Your_Anemometer\"><\/span>Constructing Your Anemometer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can construct your version of an anemometer from four paper cups mounted sideways on a central rotating axis. The wind catches the cups and starts the assembly rotating. The faster the makeshift device rotates, the faster the wind is blowing.<\/p>\n<p>Count the number of complete rotations the arms make in 30 seconds. Multiply the total by 2 to get the number of rotations per minute.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll need an anemometer temporarily to calibrate your device and develop a formula for converting the measurements into miles per hour. Alternatively, learn the number of rotations that indicate safe wind conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Estimating_Wind_Speed_from_Visual_Cues\"><\/span>Estimating Wind Speed from Visual Cues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Visual cues can help you calculate a ballpark figure for wind speed. Smoke drift can show speeds of 1-3 miles per hour. Light breezes of 4 to 7 miles per hour can be detected by the feel of the air on your face. Gentle breezes of 8 to 12 miles per hour move leaves and twigs constantly.<\/p>\n<p>Dangerous conditions for kayaking develop in fresh breezes that blow 19 to 24 miles per hour. Small trees and large branches begin to sway, and you can detect wavelets on large rivers or inland lakes.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kayaking_Risks_of_Sea_Winds\"><\/span>Kayaking Risks of Sea Winds<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Many conditions can cause your kayak to capsize out on the ocean, and that\u2019s dangerous for even experienced sailors.<\/p>\n<p>Even those who know how to make a wet exit and return to the kayak can forget their training when capsizing in high winds and alone on the ocean.<\/p>\n<p>Ocean kayaking has grown increasingly popular despite the safety risks. Many paddlers enjoy moving up and down the beach following dolphins or using kayaks rigged with the latest fishing gear to catch trophy ocean fish.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The following safety tips can ensure that your fun and games don\u2019t turn into tragedies:<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wear_a_Life_Jacket\"><\/span>Wear a Life Jacket<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Kayaking is never safe if you don&#8217;t wear a life jacket &#8212; especially in ocean kayaking. The ocean generates tremendous power and hidden currents that prove life-threatening if you get separated from your jacket.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Choose_Your_Kayak_Carefully\"><\/span>Choose Your Kayak Carefully<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Longer kayaks are often recommended for ocean use, but sit-on-top styles provide the most significant safety.<\/p>\n<p>These kayaks are completely sealed against water intrusion, so they pop onto the surface, facilitating getting out of the water. Kayak rentals are usually available for ocean kayaking.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Know_When_to_Quit\"><\/span>Know When to Quit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The ocean often becomes too rough for kayaking. It would help if you didn\u2019t kayak when the waves reach 2 or 3 feet. Regardless of your final decision, study the wave pattern, estimate wind speed and determine the fetch.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prepare_to_Ensure_a_Watertight_Kayak\"><\/span>Prepare to Ensure a Watertight Kayak<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Always confirm that your hatches are tightly shut, and any drain plugs are securely secured. That prevents water from getting inside your kayak, which can cause the kayak to sink.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fun_and_Safe_Adventures\"><\/span>Fun and Safe Adventures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Kayaks provide great fun and challenging adventures, but it\u2019s necessary to understand the potential effects of strong winds for kayaking safety.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wind Limits for Fun and Games when Kayaking Fun paddling in your kayak provides great entertainment as it has since ancient times, between 6,000 and 8,000 years ago. However, kayak safety remains a significant concern. Regardless of kayaking, it\u2019s wise to recognize the wind\u2019s safety limits. Recognizing wind limits provides a safer kayaking experience. Generally,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":184,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=182"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":183,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182\/revisions\/183"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/184"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=182"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=182"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=182"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}