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Beaufort scale for sea kayaks

Nigel_SharpeNigel_Sharpe
edited April 2014 in General
I was discussing this table with David Lewis today, and thought that it might be of interest to all sea paddlers.

http://www.ukseakayakguidebook.co.uk/understanding_forecasts/beaufort_scale.pdf

Comments

  • David_LewisDavid_Lewis
    Thanks for this Nigel. It's similar to the yachtsman version, adapted for sea kayaks. At the kayaking course I did at Weymouth the instructor described the sea-state numerically, e.g. 'Sea-state 4'. I am sure he meant - as found associated with Beaufort F4.
    Useful tip for converting wind-speed in knots to Beaufort. Speed = (Beaufort +5) /5. So 20 knots = (20+5) / 5 = F5. Land forecasts give wind-speed in mph. If you simply substitute knots for mph this formula will give you a slightly exaggerated (worst case) Beaufort figure, which is no bad thing. It's also worth remembering that the forecast figure is for average, base-line wind-speed and, at sea, you should expect gusts of one Beaufort scale higher, eg F4 gusting F5.
  • Jacqui_SJacqui_S
    Do you mean (speed in knots +5)/5 = Beaufort F (as in numbers in example)? If so, speed in knots = (Beaufort F*5) - 5. Have I got this right? Jacqui
  • Nigel_SharpeNigel_Sharpe
    I must confess, I treat it with a bit of poetic licence. If I am trying to convince others to paddle, the wind speed and sea state are at the lower end (unless it frightens me in which case it is higher), and if I am trying to impress people in the bar afterwards, then the wind speed and sea state go up in proportion to the amount of drink consumed ;-)
  • David_LewisDavid_Lewis
    Jacqui. Yes, sorry for typo.
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