In this article, we discuss the best ways to paddle in the wind. Including seven actionable tips you can use the next time you're paddling in the wind.
...
Paddle boarding in the wind is an exhilarating and (sometimes) fun way to spend time on the water. It’s also a great way to implement resistance training to improve your health and well-being. Of course, you should always take the proper precautions before you give it a go.
This is because on windy days the difficulty and danger of paddling increase. Especially if you are paddling into the wind. And unless you are participating in a downwind run, you will have to paddle into the wind at some point.
To better prepare yourself and understand the best techniques you can use while paddling in the wind, we’re going to break it all down for your here. This is the Perfect Paddles ultimate guide to paddle boarding in the wind.
Let’s get into it!
What Causes Wind + Common Wind Patterns
Before we get into paddling in the wind, there is one question you might be curious about, "What exactly causes the wind?"
According to the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Association, "Gases move from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas. And the bigger the difference between the pressures, the faster the air will move from the high to the low pressure. That rush of air is the wind we experience."
Through a process called diffusion, high-pressure pockets of air naturally move to low pressure to effectively "spread out." It's this continuous movement that causes the wind and familiar wind patterns in certain areas.
For example, residents in California often experience what is called the Santa Ana winds. They are described as strong, extremely dry downslope winds that originate inland and affect coastal Southern California and northern Baja California. They originate from cool, dry high-pressure air masses in the Great Basin.
In addition, seasonal mistrals in the Mediterranean create predictable wind patterns. The mistral is described as a strong, cold, northwesterly wind that blows from southern France into the Gulf of Lion in the northern Mediterranean. It produces sustained winds often exceeding 40 mph, sometimes reaching 115 mph. This wind is most common in the winter and spring, and strongest in the transition between the two seasons.
It is these repeated wind patterns that paddlers in these areas are able to come familiar with, predict, and either uses them to their advantage in a fun downwind run or avoid heading to the water at all. This is why local knowledge of any paddling environment is key. The best way to get this knowledge? Contact a local Paddling Pro in your area through our SUP Search section!
Wind And Waves
How are waves made? And where does their energy come from?
According to the NOAA, "There are a few types of ocean waves and they are generally classified by the energy source that creates them. Most common are surface waves, caused by wind blowing along the air-water interface, creating a disturbance that steadily builds as the wind continues to blow and the wave crest rises. Surface waves occur constantly all over the globe, and are the waves you see at the beach under normal conditions."
Contrary to these types of waves, there are stronger, more powerful waves created by adverse weather or natural events that produce larger and more hazardous waves. These include waves created by earthquakes, landslides, or even tsunamis.
For the purposes of this article, we'll be covering the first kind. It's these waves that you can use to your advantage during a fun downwind run or even SUP surfing some fun waves. Obviously, the stronger the winds, the more powerful the waves. In addition, strong winds can also leave the ocean disorganized. This makes it difficult to make it past the breakers if you are trying to paddle on the ocean. Yet another reason why it's important to pay attention to the wind forecast before you head to your launch location.
What to Expect While On The Water
There are a few things you need to consider before you go. First, is the direction of the wind. The way the wind is blowing will greatly affect your time on the water. Beginners tend to make the mistake of paddling with the when leaving their launch location. And battling against it on the way back.
This happens for a few reasons but mainly it’s because they don’t have the paddling strength to head into the wind on the way out and get pushed in whatever direction the wind is blowing. And second, they tend to be unaware of the effect the wind has on their paddling.
Do you see anything wrong with heading with the wind on the way out and against it on the way back?
Doing it this way affects your stamina. At the beginning of your paddling fun, you are fresh. Your arms and core aren’t tired. And you’re happily paddling with ease.
But you are also burning energy. The energy you will need to get back to your launch location after spending hours on the water.
Don't Go With the Wind on the Way Out
If you go with the wind on the way out, you burn your initial energy, and you’ll be too tired to return to your launch location when paddling against the wind.
So, with that in mind, always head into the wind on the way. This will make your paddle back much easier.
An additional consideration is the strength of the wind. Stronger winds will affect every aspect of your time on the water. And not just whether or not you’ll be able to return to your launch location after a few hours of paddling.
In general, it is a good idea to pick a different day when the winds are too strong. We’ll get into wind speeds and what constitutes safe in detail below.
But mostly, what you can expect when it comes to paddling in the wind, is a more difficult time paddling on the water. And a greater need to rely on your technique compared to a leisurely paddle on a calm day.
How to Prepare
1. Choose the right board.
Some boards are better suited for paddling in windy conditions compared to others. Any board with a displacement hull, or a pointed nose, is built to cut through the wind and waves instead of just floating on top like you would on a rounded nose board.
This tip, of course, only applies to paddlers who are blessed with having a choice. If you only have one board at your disposal, you will have to go with what you have. No worries!
2. Choose the right paddle.
Again, this tip applies only to those who have more than one paddle. But in general, a lighter paddle is easier to paddle with. If you have a full carbon fiber paddle, the weight of the paddle will save your arms and shoulders from unnecessary stress and will increase your paddling speed. Something that is vital for paddling in the wind in order to not lose any ground in between strokes.
If you have the option, always go with a 100% carbon fiber paddle.
3. Dress properly.
Take into account the weather, air temperatures, and water temperatures. Paddling in the wind can test your balance. And it’s not unusual to take a dip in the water by accident. This is not a problem if you’re dressed properly. For colder temperatures, opt for a drysuit or other option.
For additional information about what to wear and when, refer to our previous article, “What to Wear for Cold Water Paddling.”
4. Map out your trip.
When the wind is high, it’s a great idea to know where you’re paddling, the distance you want to paddle, and if there are any locations where you can return safely to shore if the wind speed is too much or it picks up. With a solid plan in place, you will stay safe.
5. Take special note of the wind and weather.
This one is a bit self-evident but worth repeating. Before you go, check on the wind speed and direction. It might be different at your launch location, but it’s a good idea to know what it is before you go when creating your plan for the day.
There are plenty of great apps online that give detailed wind and weather reports in real time. If you’d like a list of our favorites, check out our article, “Top 5 Weather Apps You Should Use For SUP.”
6. Tell others about your plans.
Before you decide to head to your launch location, let your closest friends or family members know that you’re heading on the water. Give them a general idea of what time you’re launching and when you plan on returning to shore. This will alert others if you don’t stick to the schedule and they can provide assistance if needed.
7. Take a phone with you.
There’s nothing worse than being stuck somewhere and unable to return your vehicle. Scratch that. There’s nothing worse than being stuck somewhere, not being able to return to your vehicle, AND not being able to contact someone for help. There are some great waterproof and floating bags for your cell phone on the market. Make sure to grab one and use it on windy days.
What Wind Speeds are Safe?
The answer to this question depends solely on your paddling experience and skill. Generally speaking, anything over 10-15mph is considered too difficult for beginning paddlers. This speed will make it difficult to paddle directly into the wind and challenging to stand.
It also depends if it’s a variable speed, with periods of lull, or a consistent, strong wind. It is much easier to paddle in variable speed winds as there are breaks in the resistance while you paddle.
Of course, for strong, experienced paddlers, these speeds should be fine. But anything over 25mph is considered dangerous. And unless you are paddling on a downwind run with other experienced, it’s best to pick another day to paddle.
What to do While Paddling in the Wind
First, as we’ve already stated, head straight into the wind on the way out from your launch location. This will make your return trip much easier.
Second, make sure to use the proper paddling technique. By employing the proper technique through each stroke, you move more efficiently through the water. This way, you don’t lose any ground in between strokes.
For more information on the proper paddle stroke, refer to our beginner’s guide, “Perfect Paddles Beginner’s Guide to SUP: Everything You Need to Know Before You Get On The Water.”
Next, always be aware of your surroundings. In windy conditions, it can be easy to lose track of your location on the water. As well as any potential water hazards. Don’t lose sight of the horizon as you’re trying to battle the wind.
Also, it’s important to take your time. There’s no rush when fighting against the wind. Take your time, pace yourself, and remember to breathe through each stroke.
In addition, one great way to mitigate the wind is to stay close to the shore when paddling. By staying loose to the shore, you stay out of the deeper waters full of rushing currents.
And last, stay calm. Paddling in the wind can drain your energy. If you can remain calm, focus on your breath, and maintain your technique, you’ll cut through the wind and the waves with ease.
But, in cases when you feel drained and just can’t seem to push any further, you can always drop to your knees while paddling, this helps to reduce the resistance you face while paddling into the wind or pull off onto shore to take a breather and regain your composure.
What Gear Helps?
The gear you use will depend on the season and environment you’re paddling in. As we’ve already stated, always dress for the appropriate temperatures, including water temps.
As a general rule, it’s a good idea to overdress than underdress. You can easily remove layers but can’t put any on once you’re on the water and committed to your paddle.
In addition, here’s a list of useful gear to take along with you:
In windy conditions, you can be separated from your board after a simple fall. Make sure you are attached to the biggest flotation device out there with a strong leash.
To carry your gear as well as your cellphone and keep it DRY, always use a combination of a dry bag that you can attach to your board’s bungees and a cell phone bag.
Unless you are paddling in the ocean where a PFD can sometimes be a liability as opposed to an asset, it’s important to use a working PFD. Again, windy conditions elevate the danger of being on the water. With a PFD you know that works and can float your weight, and you are assured of staying safe in case of an emergency.
When you’re on the water, you’re directly under the sunlight. Always be sure to wear proper sun protection to keep your skin safe. This can be especially useful if you need to pull ashore and wait for the weather to change for an extended period of time.
You don’t necessarily have to carry this item on board with you. But it’s a useful piece of gear to have in your vehicle in case an accident should happen.
What Other Factors Can Affect You?
While on the water under windy conditions, there are additional factors you need to be aware of.
Other paddlers.
If you find yourself on the water with other paddlers, you should be able to tell whether they’re experienced in paddling under these tougher conditions, or completely new. In most cases, it’s a great idea to steer clear of other paddlers while paddling in the wind. One simple slip can send their board crashing into yours, putting you in a dangerous situation and possibly costing you money on repairs.
Of course, if you see someone in trouble, offer assistance to the best of your abilities. But always keep your own safety in mind. The only thing worse than a paddler in trouble is two paddlers in trouble.
Your fitness.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, it’s likely you have a general idea of your fitness level. Paddling in the wind requires a ton of energy. And a solid fitness baseline. To maintain safety on the water, practice on calm days when you get the chance. Build your fitness and cardiovascular levels up. And train on off days with on-land workouts.
Not sure where to start? Check out our list of workouts under our Knowledge/Resources section on Perfect Paddles.
Additional Resources
As part of our safety series, we like to include special notes from a Paddling Professional. This week we have special insight from Tim at Paddle Method. He explains...
We all know SUP is responsible for getting more people on the water than anything else over the past decade. That means a lot of people are being introduced to water sports for the first time. And many of those people may not have prior water sports experience. As a Paddle Pro who lives, paddles, and coaches paddlers in an area by the ocean we have embraced wind paddle skills and techniques as one of the classes we offer to help guide new paddlers through early wind paddling experiences. We do this to keep them paddling safely but also so they don’t get turned off from paddling after having a bad experience.
From a distance, paddling looks easy and mellow. And it definitely can be that. But any place there are oceans, islands, mountains, lakes, large bodies of water near large bodies of land where high and low-pressure areas meet you’re going to also have wind. Wind can be predictable like an afternoon sea breeze as well as a surprising micro-burst that can blow you right off your board and be gone within minutes.
With that in mind, we start every paddle with a question...
Which way is the wind blowing?
At some point, this becomes automatic and you won't think about it you’ll just feel it. It is surprising that 20 percent of our students can’t id the wind direction even when it’s blowing at 5-6 mph. Your next thought should be what can you expect over the duration of your paddle. If you’re going out for a 2-3 hour paddle a lot can change and you want to be sure you can get back to your car.
As you develop your paddle skill set you should focus on your technique, your fitness, and your ability to read the water conditions as they change. It is a fluid environment where changing happens all the time. Working with your local coach, reading, and videos help but really you’re going to learn by doing, and building up a tool kit of skills to help you along the way is your next step.
Here are some things we cover in our wind class for beginners:
- Paddle straight – both hands should be stacked one on top of the other over the rail of the board and over the water - this takes practice!
- Paddles should go deep - if they splash or hit the board it’s not deep enough
- Tempo – paddle twice as fast and reach out half as far
- Widen your grip – dropping your lower hand shifts you into a higher gear and keeps your body low under the wind and brings your tempo up
- Drive the board to your paddle with your hips – try to avoid just yanking your paddle backward. All your muscles and energy should be used to push the board forward
- Cadence – think two in the water and one in the air. Basically, get your paddle back in the water as soon as you can but go slow as you bring your body and board forward to meet the paddle. This also takes practice!
- Use the bumps – If you can, time your stroke with any waves or wakes going in your direction and try to catch a ride!
- Have a plan B – knee paddling or paddling prone (on your belly) can get you home!
Always Be Prepared Before You Go
The best advice we can give you when it comes to paddling in the wind is to always be prepared before you go. This includes consulting a high-quality wind app on your cell phone. Or contact a local Paddling Professional in your area as they are likely familiar with the wind patterns that are a common occurrence.
Become familiar with your paddling location, what direction the wind is blowing, and the speed it’s blowing, create a plan, let others know when and where you’re paddling, grab the right gear to keep you safe and prepare yourself mentally for the challenge ahead.
When done correctly, paddling in the wind is a great way to increase your paddling technique and fitness. And most importantly, have fun!
Want to learn more, check out everything Perfect Paddles has to offer. Including savings of up to 20% off participating shops and outfitters around the world! Head to perfectpaddles.com/member-benefits for details.
About the Author
Share this Post