With what wind can you paddle surf?

Enjoying your inflatable paddle surf board is easy as long as it is done in safe conditions. The wind can be a determining factor when paddle surfing. Therefore, we must take into account both its direction and speed. Here you will find everything you need to know about the wind in paddle surfing, from how it affects to what types exist and tips for sailing on windy days.

How does wind affect paddle surfing?

In paddle surfing, wind is an element that can directly affect the experience. Therefore, it is important to consider it when organizing your next route. A session with strong gusts of wind will eventually affect the state of the water and can become dangerous if you do not have the necessary experience.

Types of wind: on-shore, off-shore, side-shore

Direction is one of the factors by which the different types of wind can be classified. This gives rise to three types of wind in paddle surfing depending on their direction:

• On-Shore: this is the wind that blows from the sea towards the coast, which makes it the safest. In case of strong gusts, it will always push the board towards land, which reduces the risk of ending up drifting. However, the on-shore wind also generates more waves on the beaches, something to keep in mind if you want to paddle surf in calm waters.
• Off-Shore: is the opposite of the previous type of wind, in which the air blows from the coast out to sea. The off-shore wind generates complex conditions in the water and increases the risk when paddle surfing. This is because the force of the wind will push you offshore and generate waves that are more complicated to tackle on a Stand-Up Paddle board.
• Side-Shore: the third type of wind is known as side-shore and is, as the name suggests, the one that blows parallel to the coast. It generally reduces the possibility of being pushed towards the bottom or land, and also produces less swell. However, it does not prevent you from paddling upwind if you do not define your route well.

Recommended wind speed

The other factor that defines the type of wind in paddle surfing is the speed or intensity. Depending on this, we will find a scenario where the wind barely interferes with navigation or, on the contrary, one in which it is very difficult to paddle the board. Therefore, we can find three types of wind depending on the speed:

• Light wind, up to 12 km/h (6.5 knots): this is the type of wind most recommended for beginners and users who want to enjoy a day of calm paddle surfing. This type of wind, together with its direction, is the one that causes less waves on the coast. It is ideal for crossings, long routes or simply to practice if you are still learning to paddle surf.
• Moderate wind, between 13 and 22 km/h (7-12 knots): at this speed, small waves begin to appear on the shore, with a breeze perceptible even from land. It is a wind in which paddling downwind we will reach a higher sailing speed. Although it will also be much harder to make progress when rowing against the wind.
• Strong wind, more than 22 km/h (12 knots): this is the least recommended type of wind for paddle surfing if you do not have enough experience yet. There will be bigger waves, the sea will be rough and paddling will be difficult, especially with beginner equipment and with the wind against you. However, you can find areas sheltered from the wind, either in coves, breakwaters or ports.

Wind applications and websites

Information is power, and having the necessary tools to access that information is key even when paddle surfing. Technology allows us to quickly check wind direction and speed, with free apps and websites that provide that data in a matter of seconds.

For example, on the website of the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) you can check the wind direction and speed at the different weather stations in Spain. Just access their platform and select the Autonomous Community in which you want to consult the data.

An interesting platform, especially for forecasts, is the El Tiempo website. It has an interactive map that dynamically shows the wind direction on the coasts and inland of the Spanish territory. It also shows the intensity of the weather on a color scale. This makes it easy to know in which areas the sea will be calmer and in which we will find rough waters.

If you prefer to have all this information on your phone, there is a very interesting free mobile application. It displays all the data you need to know about wind direction and speed. It is called Anemometer and is available for both Android (Google Play) and iOS (App Store) devices.

Tips for beginners in wind paddle surfing

If you are just starting to paddle surf, it is especially important to pay attention to the wind. It can play a trick on us if we do not consider it when going out with the Stand-Up Paddle board. Therefore, it is vital that you consult the weather forecast and, above all, the direction and speed of the wind. Here is some practical advice:

• Paddle first in the opposite direction to the wind direction: if there are gusts of wind on your outing, set the route to sail in the opposite direction first. The reason for this is a question of physical endurance. Rowing downwind requires more energy, so you will be more tired for the return trip. If you make the return trip downwind, it will be easier to get back to land.
• Beware of the swell: the wind generates waves and these can become an obstacle if you are not yet experienced enough. Try paddle surfing in areas where the water is not too rough. You can also try getting down on your knees until you reach a calmer area if it is too difficult to keep your balance.
• Keep an eye on your course: if you are rowing downwind, keep an eye on the direction in which you are sailing, especially if it is an off-shore wind (from the coast to the sea). It is easy to lose track of how far offshore you are, and then find yourself at a point far out to sea where you will have to row against the wind to get back to land.
• Board Caution: If the wind is pushing you, pay attention to where your board is taking you on the shore. There may be rocks or shallow water, which could damage your keels or board.

Useful equipment for paddle surfing in windy conditions

When paddle surfing on windy days, it is essential to have the necessary equipment to do so in conditions of maximum safety. Therefore, we recommend that you have the following accessories for a successful day at sea:

• Life jacket: in scenarios with very rough waters, wearing a life jacket is key and highly recommended, as it will keep you afloat in case you fall into the water in an area with strong waves. Check here in which cases it is mandatory to wear a life jacket in paddle surfing.
• Safety leash: this accessory is attached to your ankle by means of an adjustable Velcro band. At the other end of the rope, it is attached to the board. Its function is to prevent the SUP from moving away from you in case you fall into the water. And this is especially important on windy days.
• Waterproof bag: this element allows you to keep your possessions away from the water. You can store your cell phone or keys inside and attach it to the elastic bands on the surface of the board. This way, splashing water won't get your belongings wet and they won't be affected if the board tips over.
• Technical clothing: if you want to practice paddle surfing in winter or days with low temperatures, it is advisable to use technical clothing prepared so you can maintain body temperature. Remember that the wind lowers the thermal sensation and facilitates the onset of cold, especially if you are wet.

When to cancel your departure for safety?

At HUIIKE we recommend that you paddle surf only in safe conditions. Therefore, if the day is presented with considerable gusts of wind or you are going to go to a beach with a strong level of waves, it is best to cancel the output unless you already have enough experience to navigate in this type of scenarios.

Therefore, before going out with your paddle surf board, check the weather forecast, choose a beach where the water conditions are favorable and check the paddle surf regulations. Remember that Stand-Up Paddle is a sport created to enjoy in the water, but this does not prevent you from always looking out for your safety and the safety of others when you go out to sea with your board.

Life is a journey to be experienced!