Paddling in bad weather can be dangerous, so it’s very important to know what you’re getting into before heading out.

Always, always, always consider weather conditions before going out paddling.

Even the nicest-looking days can quickly turn ugly, especially in the Lower Mainland here where the mountains manipulate the majority of the weather.

I’ve been caught out in bad weather a few times because I either didn’t check the weather properly, got caught in a storm, or had a rough ride on a tidal lake. Watersports can quickly become dire when the weather changes and you’re caught off guard and unprepared.

Staying safe must be a priority when you’re trying a new outdoor sport for the first time. If the conditions are not ideal, avoid taking the safety risk.

Mother Nature can be unpredictable at times but there are a lot of awesome resources out there that can help us be prepared for what’s to come.

Follow these steps to check the weather conditions for paddling in your area.

Check the Local Weather and Radar

Check the Weather Network website or mobile app for the latest weather conditions for the area around the body of water you’re looking to go paddle at for conditions.

Rule of Thumb: The radar never lies. If you’re unsure of how to perceive the variety of weather predictions from the weather apps, check out the radar for the most accurate prediction of the current weather in the area.

Obviously don’t go out during a downpour or thunderstorm. Make sure you’re prepared with sun protection during hot and sunny days. Monitor the clouds for dark areas and fast-approaching systems while on the water.

Remember it’s always colder on the water.

Check the Wind (Knots)

Wind is a very important factor when considering a paddling trip, especially paddleboarding. Paddleboarding is ideal in low-wind environments. Check the wind conditions on the body of water by using the Windy app.

Or the windy.app website. Change the wind measurements to Knots by clicking on them repeatedly.

Rule of Thumb: Do not paddleboard if the wind gusts and/or wind speed are 14 knots and above. Paddling around 10-13 Knots should be done with caution and at your own risk.

Check out the Beauford Window scale below for wind condition descriptions per knots.

Check the Water Temperature

Try to dress for the water temperature you’re paddling on, and be prepared to fall in. You can always take off a layer and store it, then be cold and without an extra one.

Check out this website for the water temperature in Vancouver and elsewhere.

Also in case you fall into the water the clothes and a PFD will help prevent cold water shock to set in. Sudden immersion into cold water can shock your system and induce immediate involuntary gasping, hyperventilation, vertigo and panic.

The majority of bodies of water around the Lower Mainland do not always reach suitable swimming temperatures during the summer.

Know the Water Currents

The body of water current’s direction is important to know because it needs to guide the direction of your paddle. It can also prevent you from approaching the shore on your paddle back.

Check the wind currents for bodies of water by using the Windy app or the windy.app website. Change the wind measurements to Knots by clicking on them repeatedly.

A lot of lakes within the Lower Mainland have persistent offshore winds during the summer meaning that the air from the shore moves toward the lake.

This changes the dominant current to move south to north. There have been many times I’ve had an easy paddle north onto the lake, then upon return south been stuck out in the middle of a lake, paddling through offshore winds and heavy currents.

Rule of Thumb: Aim to start your paddle moving against the current and wind. This will make coming back to shore easy. This will prevent you from being pushed out further on the water as well.

Always remember to check the weather conditions before venturing out to paddle! Stay safe and be prepared. 

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