How to Read Weather for Sea Kayaking

Kayaking in open water can be a lot of fun but you do need to be aware of weather conditions before going out. Not only do you need to know information such as wind speed and direction, wave heights and tidal currents, before you go out on the water, but you should also pay attention to changes in cloud patterns that might affect you while you're on the water. 

Knowing what the weather is doing and being prepared for it is the best way to have a safe, enjoyable trip.

How to Dress for Kayaking

    

Kayaking on a hot sunny day


When kayaking on a hot sunny day, it is appropriate to wear quick dry shorts and a t-shirt. A swim suit could be worn underneath, as on some of our tours you can enjoy a dip in the ocean or one of the lakes. Sturdy sandals are the footwear of choice when the temperatures rise. Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. 

This is a common look when the weather is  hot and dry.

Weather and Sea Kayaking in Aegean Sea

The normal paddling season in the Aegean Sea, is from April through to October. The summer has a settled weather pattern that is predictable from year to year. During summer it is extremely dry and hot. Also, in the summer the meltemi blows briskly down through the Aegean at anything from 15 to 40 knots. One should anticipate its maximum during July and August. Usually the wind starts in the early afternoon reaching 4-5 on the Beaufort scale and dies out at sun set.

The meltemi is a katabatic wind and the Aegean is full of acceleration zones that funnel the wind producing gnarly waves. It is not uncommon for this katabatic wind to reach force 6-7 gusting 8 (Beaufoft scale) during the day. In fact, some islands are notorious for funneling the Northerly to gale wind speeds. Although, the pattern is predictable , usually the meltemi blows over many days, sometimes even up to two weeks. If during this period paddling cannot be avoided, it can be very wise to start the trip before dawn and to cover most of the mileage before the fresh morning breeze.

Kayak Touring Safety Checklist and Precautions

Kayak touring can be a rewarding activity if you have adequate paddling and navigational skills for the trip you are doing, if you are using sound equipment that is suitable for the paddling conditions you anticipate, and if you use common sense and take certain precautions. It is an activity that demands sound judgment and caution. This is always the case, no matter how experienced you are.

The following information outlines basic equipment needs and precautions for paddling. It is meant solely as an outline of reminders for experienced paddlers and does not purport to be a teaching or learning tool.