Navigating the Weather and Paddleboarding

Reading weather conditions is an important part of planning and preparing for a paddleboarding trip.

When you invest in the best standup paddleboard, you want to be sure you use it often, but you may be wondering how the weather might affect your time on the water.

This post explains how to determine changes in the weather system while out on the water and gives you tips on how to plan around the weather for paddleboarding.

While it’s easy to get out on a bright, sunny day when the water is flat and calm, this post helps you understand how you can still enjoy your standup paddleboard, even when conditions aren’t quite as perfect.

What Are the Best Weather Conditions for Paddleboarding?

The best weather conditions for paddleboarding can vary depending on personal preference and skill level, and most beginners will want to seek out the following conditions:

• Calm winds: If the wind is too strong, it can make it difficult to maintain balance and control your paddleboard.
• Sunny skies: Sunny weather just feels more pleasant, but it also makes it easier to see your surroundings.
• Warm temperatures: If the water is warm enough to not give you a shock when you fall in—because you will fall in—you feel more confident to test your skills without worrying about hitting the water.
• Calm water: To practice your balance and beginner skills, look for calm bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or protected bays.

While ideal conditions can make for a more enjoyable paddleboarding experience, they are not always necessary or desirable if you’re at a more intermediate or expert level. In fact, you may be seeking out choppy water or waves to give yourself a challenge.

As long as the weather and water conditions are safe and manageable, you can still enjoy using your standup paddleboard while testing new skills and challenges. In fact, paddleboarding in different conditions can help you develop new skills and increase your confidence on the water.

It's important to always check the weather forecast and conditions before heading out and to adjust your plans accordingly. Be prepared for unexpected changes in weather and have a plan in case conditions worsen. Safety should always be your top priority when paddleboarding.

Even though paddlers at an intermediate or expert level can handle conditions that are less than ideal, you should always be prepared in case conditions worsen. On the water, the weather can change rapidly. So knowing how to handle those changes can help get you out of the water safely when needed.

Consider these tips for paddleboarding in changing or less-than-ideal conditions:

• Adjust your plans: When you notice changes or get to the water and conditions are worse than expected, consider adjusting your route or the length of your trip. Paddle in protected bays or rivers instead of open water and stay closer to shore.
• Use proper gear: Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and water conditions and use a leash to prevent your paddleboard from drifting away from you in strong currents.
• Paddle with a friend: It's always a good idea to paddle with a buddy, especially in challenging conditions. Make sure you both have a plan in case conditions worsen or someone gets separated from the group.
• Be prepared: Bring extra food and water, a first aid kit, and a way to communicate in case of an emergency. Be aware of the weather forecast and potential hazards, and make sure you have a plan in case conditions change.

If the conditions are too challenging or you feel uncomfortable, stay on shore or get to shore and wait for better conditions or seek another place to explore.

How to Detect Waves or Bad Currents

If you're paddleboarding in open water, it's important to be aware of waves and currents as they can significantly impact your experience and safety. Here are some ways to determine if there are waves or bad currents when paddleboarding:

• Check the weather forecast: Before heading out, check the weather forecast for the day. Even if you checked the night before, weather patterns can change. If there are high winds or storms forecasted, there's a greater chance of waves or strong currents.
• Ask locals or lifeguards: If you're unsure about the conditions, ask locals or lifeguards about the conditions. They can give you valuable information about the water conditions, potential hazards, and what to expect as normal for that area and time of year.
• Use a marine forecast: A marine forecast provides information about the water conditions such as wave height, wind speed, and tide levels. You can find this information online or through a weather app.

When you’ve made plans to be on the water, it’s disappointing to change plans, but safety should always be your top priority when paddleboarding.

How to Plan Around the Weather for Paddleboarding

Now that you know what conditions to look for, planning is key. Use these tips to plan your outings or adjust your plans when heading out to the water:

• Check the weather forecast: Before you go out, check the local weather forecast for the day. This will give you an idea of the expected temperature, wind speed, and precipitation. It is important to plan your paddleboarding trip based on the forecasted conditions.
• Look at the sky: Before you get onto the water and while you’re paddleboarding, check out the clouds since they can be a good indicator of weather conditions. If you see dark, thick clouds, it could be a sign of an incoming storm. If you see high, thin clouds, it could mean that the weather will be sunny and clear.
• Observe the wind: Pay attention to changes in the wind while paddleboarding. Sudden gusts or a change in wind direction or speed can indicate an incoming weather system. If you notice changes, check a weather app and stick closer to shore.
• Check the water: Like the wind, changes in the water conditions can indicate a change in weather. Water that is calm and flat that changes to even slightly choppy can indicate an incoming weather system. Of course, if the water is already choppy or there are whitecaps, it could be a sign of strong winds or an incoming storm.
• Use a weather app: Download a reputable weather app that can help you stay up to date on weather conditions while paddleboarding. These apps can provide real-time information on temperature, wind speed, and precipitation. If you notice sudden changes in conditions, your weather app can give you a read on what might be coming your way.

While you may want a simple recovery day on your standup paddleboard or time out with friends, the weather can be the difference between completely enjoying your time on the water or dreading to get back in. So plan your trips according to the forecast and be prepared to change them if the wind and weather change or you feel uncomfortable paddling in the conditions.