Before you put the kayak in
A sunny forecast is not enough. Check the wind, the chance of storms, how cold the water is, and the tide before you launch.
Think about the paddle back
Wind below about 10 mph is calm water and an easy day in most places. From about 10 to 18 mph, you will feel chop. That is fine if you know the water and you are not crossing a wide bay. If you do not know the water, it gets tiring.
Above 18 mph, open water is hard work. The risky part is the trip back. You are tired, and the wind is blowing toward you. A clear sky does not make that easier.
If storms are in the forecast, stay on shore. If heavy rain is only expected for a few hours, be off the water before those hours start.
The same wind can be nothing on a narrow creek and serious on a wide bay. Look at the water you will actually be on. Do not look only at the wind number.
Tide and cold water
On the coast, a falling tide can leave you dragging the boat through mud. Wind blowing against the tide also makes short, steep waves in inlets. Check a tide station near the launch for the whole time you will be out, including the paddle home.
Lakes and rivers do not have tides. Pick a launch with some shelter, and a shoreline you can reach if the wind picks up.
Dress for the water you might fall into. The air temperature on the drive is a poor guide. On a cold day, bring a layer that still works when it is wet.
On a hot, still creek, the problem is the opposite. Drink water. Get out of the sun if you have a long crossing.
What to have in the boat
Wear a life jacket. Bring a sponge or pump so you can get water out of the boat. Put your phone, and the extra layer, in a dry bag.
On a calm day, bring sun protection. Glare off the water does not feel strong until later. If you already own the gear, it is packed. Buy or borrow whatever this forecast calls for before you get to the ramp.
Outside Plan scores the day for storms, wind, temperature, and the tide when a station is close. Read the reasons, then look at the water yourself.
More guides
- How much wind a paddleboard can take
- Whether the water is worth fishing
- A beach day that matches the tide
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