So, are you interested to make an amusing kayak tour wearing a kayak drysuit? Then you have to be alert on kayaking weather conditions as if you can make an interesting and safe tour.
With a poor style of judgment, finding the right kayaking weather may prove to be really tough. I have seen quite a number of people put off kayaking simply because it was pretty cold. Well, if you asked me, I would have had a different opinion.
On the “right cloudy weather” kayaking may be the best sporting you’d ever hard. There will be no sun to bake your skin dry and or leave you blistery sunburns. However, if sudden winds would find you out there, then, you will definitely be in problems. The same should apply to heavy downpours!
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Why Keep Kayaking Weather in Mind
Keeping the weather trends in mind will give you the perfect weather for kayaking. When you can comfortably step out and get the best kayaking experiences without having to watch your back. Wind directions play the greatest role in determining when to go out and kayak. While heavy winds can easily get fatal and indeed extremely choppy for beginners.
How to Determine the Best Kayaking Weather
In case you have set aside a day for Kayaking, it is important that you determine how ideal it will be for Kayaking. There are a number of things that will help you to do that; including the following.
Determine the Weather Patterns Yourself
I have seen quite a number of people determining their best kayak weather alone. Using the right weather equipment such as a windsock and a wind vane, you can determine the direction of the wind and the strength.
This should be done for two consecutive days before you go kayaking. Keep a watchful eye on changes in wind directions. Paddling into the water and allowing the wind to draw you back will be easy – no straining.
Check Out Local Weather Forecast Too
Local weather forecasts and reports are very important. It will give you the weather patterns that will affect you directly. Find the Beaufort-Scale and determine the type of effect that wind patterns will have on the water.
Consult Marine Forecast for Wave Patterns
So how big will the waves be? I would not advise you to kayak on waves that you aren’t entirely comfortable with. You could easily lose control and capsize under their strength. Checking out with marine weather will help you to settle.
Find Local Kayaking and Boating Clubs
Local kayaking, boating, dive-shops, and outdoor recreation clubs will have weather patterns readily available for people who need them. They have the best knowledge of the area that you will be kayaking in. They will easily provide you with the latest tidal current charts so you don’t get caught in heavy currents.
Keep Tabs with Your Personal Environment
It is not every day that weather forecasts will be right. You need to be prepared for anything. Nonetheless, it is the sea. Keep your eyes open for clouds.• If you see the highest clouds; cirrus – turbulence could easily be on its way.• Thicker and heavier clouds will signal rainy or wet weather.• Rolling, dark clouds will indicate thunderstormsWhichever clouds you see among these, it will be time to pack up your bags and leave the water before it comes rolling.
What Other Factors Help to Determine the Perfect Kayaking Weather
You don’t need any special instruments to understand the best weather patterns for kayaking. Finding the right cloudy weather can make up for one of the best kayaking weather in the cold. Even so, here are the basic determinants of the weather.
Clouds
Watching the clouds will help. High clouds are a great forecast for the next day’s weather. Middle clouds will determine the weather around bigger regions, while low clouds point directly to your immediate weather.
Air Pressure
Change in temperature means the air changes its movement too. High air pressure determines warm and compressed air in downward patterns. This will mean warmer weather conditions and patterns. Low pressure on the other side determines the onset of rain, storm, or wind.
Wind
Wind strength, speed, and direction will help you to determine the safest days to hit the water and go kayaking. Nonetheless, the truth is that reading the wind is quite complex and you should seek the help of an expert if you are new to it. Remember, it is the greatest determinant to the best kayaking weather.
Nature
This is trickier than you may find out. Even so, people who have done it for long will easily get the best results out of it. What I have learned is this.
If you find bees active it will mean fairer weather if birds and insects are flying low, if you can smell more odors, and is sounds seem louder, the pressure is low. And when the moon is bright and the stars warm a clear sky; there is little moisture around us – but you knew that already!
FAQs
Here are a few questions that you might wish to understand before heading out on the kayaking trail.
What’s the Right Wind Speed for the Best Kayaking Weather?
Generally, at1 to 3 knots wind causes smaller ripples in the sea. This will be easy for beginners and better for pros. Moderate speeds of 11 to 16 knots can, however, prove a little tough with waves of up to 4 feet high.
What Are the Best Wave Strengths for Experienced Kayakers?
An experienced surfer may have no problem riding a 6-foot wave. A newbie should, however, stick to calm water with waves below 2 feet tall. How much disaster a wave can cause depends on how best you can handle it.
Which is the Best Kayaking Weather for Beginner Kayakers?
Personally, I would go for a bright sunny day. They are obviously some of the most popular times for kayakers. However, I have seen many people kayaking in cold weather too.
What Should Any Newbie Consider?
More importantly, any newbie shouldn’t ride alone. Always take with you a few pals or ride in the presence of other kayaking surfers. It is safe and you won’t risk getting lost out there in case the weather changes.
You should also find a trainer and get some lessons before you hit the waters. Kayaking clubs will be some of the best places to find information on the perfect weather for kayaking, trainers, and also survival tips.
Conclusion
If you intend to hit the seas with you kayak in a few days, it will be important that you start keeping the tabs as soon as possible. Make sure that you check out your weather forecast often and including right before you head out. This is the safest way to determine the best kayaking weather.