Clouds will also affect the wind. At this point let’s assume we all know light wispy clouds mean a fairly nice day, whereas dark heavy clouds mean bad weather is on the way. Clouds have an effect on the wind also. Light clouds will let the wind stay high in the atmosphere affecting the waters surface less. Dark, heavy clouds, on the other hand, are denser and will keep the wind low creating more turbulence on the water’s surface. A look at the sky can give you an idea of what kind of winds to expect. Even a brisk wind will skip over the surface of the pond if it is a cloudless day, though a 5-10 MPH wind will whip up a pond if the clouds are keeping it on the surface.

Unless you wake up to a windy day the first few hours of the day are the best to canoe. Get out on the water and enjoy yourself with some leisurely paddling and sightseeing. This is the best time to head over to the other side of the pond if that is your destination. By mid to late morning the wind will invariably pick up, so you want to be where the wind will be at your back or quartering from your back when heading back to camp. This will make the trip smoother and a lot more enjoyable.

Wind waves are built by three factors: wind strength, time blowing, and distance blowing over open water (fetch). You can't affect the first two, but paddlers seek to minimize fetch. If the waves get too high lower your center of gravity in the canoe. All in the canoe can drop to their knees and continue paddling. If you're still concerned, you can always sit on the bottom and slowly paddle to a nearby shore.

You can also use natural wind breaks to your advantage. Most obvious is a lee shore or the lee of an island. Even up to two miles away, waves will be less ferocious. You might need to adjust your route a bit, but it will be worth it . The best way to keep from getting wet is to hug the shoreline. You want to keep a hundred feet or so from the shore to avoid hidden dangers. Large rocks and dead trees will hide just below the surface near shore and the wind could push you into these areas if you are too close. Also if you capsize and are close to shore you can get on top of your canoe and push it to shore. Remember to keep your life jacket on and watch the wind for an enjoyable day on the water.

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