Weather and wind for paddlers

The weather determines more than anything else how a paddle trip becomes. Reading the forecast and understanding the wind is the easiest safety measure you can learn – more important than expensive equipment. Always check the weather and wind before you go out, and be prepared to change the plan.

Wind is what determines

Wind creates waves and makes the paddling heavy. Check both wind strength (m/s) and direction in a forecast, and remember that the bywind is often several meters per second stronger than the average wind. A good rule of thumb for the above: paddle in the leather and avoid open water if it blows more than a weak breeze.

Away wind and onland wind

From the country wind blows from land to the water. It is soothing – at the beach it may seem calm, but further out it is hard, and paddling back to the wind is heavy. Pålandsvind blows into land; it builds waves against the beach but at least brings you in the right direction if you get tired. Plan the tour so you have the wind against you on the way out and in your back home, while you are horrible.

Waves and open water

On large lakes and open seas, the waves are built with wind power and with how far the wind has been allowed to operate. Open remotes and odd-passages are most vulnerable. Stay close to the country, plan short open passages and avoid crossing large water surfaces in the side wind if you are above.

Weather cover, cold and thunder

The weather can beat quickly, especially in the mountains and on the coast. Bring windproof and extra layers – water and blow cools fast. Go ashore in good time at thunder. Learn more about cold water and cooling in our guide on säkerhet.

Planning after the forecast

Look at the forecast the night before and again in the morning. Determine a turning point and a "last back" time. Is the forecast uncertain – choose a smaller, protected water. Find calm lakes and protected bays via kartan.