Written for iROCKER SUP in 2021
Here in Calgary, Canada, at the foot of the Canadian Rockies, paddleboards have become a popular addition to the active, outdoor lifestyle. Paddleboards can be used year-round to access spectacular remote locations, drift scenic glacial rivers, or to fly-fish idyllic alpine lakes in a creative and exciting new way. Many enthusiasts relish the haul-anywhere portability and significant cargo-carrying utility. Others enjoy the stunning views and the feeling of “walking on water” amongst soaring peaks in glassy mountain tarns.
The mountain terrain is incredibly varied and diverse, and mountain weather is equally, and notoriously, capricious. Temperatures plummet to well below -35C (-30F) in the winter and soar above +35C (90F) in the 16 hour summer sunlight. Summer days in the alpine can begin calm and tranquil, and develop into monstrous thunderstorms, raging winds, and crackling lightning by mid-afternoon. It’s rare to have a day where conditions don’t change, and therefore it’s a good practice to get used to paddling in a variety of conditions, including, rain, snow – and for this post, wind!
Something many first-time SUPers will notice is that paddleboards are very susceptible to wind. When standing, the paddler essentially becomes a sail, and this can greatly affect where, how quickly, and how confidently you are able to travel. The effect of the wind can be diminished noticeably by shifting to a kneeling or sitting position, but due to a shallow draft and light weight, there will almost always be noticeable drift and orientation changes due to wind. Like any wise sailor, it is better to go with the flow than fight against it!
1. Start your paddle by heading into the wind.
This is perhaps the most useful piece of advice for first time paddlers who are haven’t yet developed the confidence to put the power down and move swiftly across the water in high-wind conditions. If you are paddling on a large body of water, and intend to return to your starting location, it is almost always best to begin your float by paddling directly into the wind. This will ensure that, as you tire, you will drift back towards where you started, and avoid you having to paddle aggressively against a headwind. I’ve battled headwinds for many miles in windy mountain passes, and it can be exhausting and frustrating – wise paddlers take note of the winds and enjoy a leisurely drift home.
2. Know what to expect for weather.
We have a saying in the Rockies – if you don’t like the weather, just wait an hour! Conditions in the mountains change rapidly. I’ve experienced sweltering heat and snow-showers in the same afternoon, and temperature swings of over 30C (90F) in a few hours are surprisingly not uncommon (it’s called a “chinook” in the winter, and it’s fascinating!). A clear day in the alpine can quickly turn to pouring rain or blanketing snow, as weather systems pass through and mother nature sends humbling reminders of who’s in charge! It’s a good policy to check the weather in advance – and the longer or more remote the outing, the more thorough the research required!
Typically, the hotter the day, the more convective energy there will be to drive winds and build thunderstorms. In the summer, pay particularly close attention to the chance of storms, prevailing winds, and UV indices. All of these factors are intensified at higher elevations, and it can make the difference between a relaxing paddle and an “old-man-versus-the-angry-seas” sort of a day.
Winter paddling can present some excellent conditions, as the colder weather typically brings stability and clear sparkling winter scenery, but due to sub-zero air and frigid water temperatures, special considerations must be taken to stay warm and dry (click here to learn more about winter paddling in the North!).
3. Plan to float with your back to the wind.
Paddleboards are fantastic platforms for fishing, providing better visibility into the water than kayaks or canoes (due to the higher angle of refraction) and a comfortable standing position for casting (see my write up on SUP fishing here!) However, they can be tough to manage in the wind, as your hands will likely be occupied fishing and only sporadically available to work the paddle. Here’s a little tip - in the standing position and windy conditions, the paddleboard will typically naturally want to turn to face downwind (your back to the wind). You can use this knowledge to plan your float starting upwind of the desired track, casting forward off the bow, and letting the wind push you precisely where you’d like to go.
4. Travel perpendicular to the waves.
High winds mean larger waves, and more difficulty maintaining balance on a SUP. If you’re struggling to stay on your feet, it’s usually easier to face directly into the waves and the wind. Lateral rolling and yawing motions do a far better job of throwing a paddler off balance than pitching up and down, and small waves are easier to manage when they are visible directly ahead. It also helps to keep paddling - the paddle strokes can be used as a stabilizing aid or to provide thrust as you top out on chop or small white-caps.
5. Look for lee, and crab!
If you just can’t resist a paddle on a windy day (I know the feeling!), you can often find more manageable water on the lee of islands or trees, or nearer to shore where the currents induced by the wind are slowed by friction with the shallower bottom. In any case, it helps to focus on good paddling technique and consistency, and if you still can’t make progress, crabbing at an angle to the wind may help. If all else fails, attempt to reduce the size of the sail (that’s you!) by kneeling or sitting on the board, and simply take the easiest path back to shore.
These are just a few tips to help you better manage your SUP in windy conditions. If you have other suggestions, anecdotes, or helpful tips, drop a comment below!
Happy paddling!
Kayle.