Beaufort Wind Scale for Paraglider Pilots

Here is a wind chart which will help you estimate wind speed by observing effects the wind is having on your surroundings. If you refer to this chart as you observe the wind over time you’ll learn to judge the wind more accurately. 

Symbol

Wind Speed

Description

Wind effects on land and water. 

Wind sock appearance

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0  mph

Calm

Smoke rises vertically. No movement in leaves. Windsock hangs limp. Water surface smooth and mirror-like.

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1

1 – 3 mph

Light Air

Wind direction shown by smoke drift. Minor movement of windsock. Scaly ripples on water no white caps.

windsock
2

4 – 7 mph

Light Breeze

Wind felt on face, leaves rustle, smoke leans. Small wavelets, crests have a glassy appearance but do not break.

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3

8 – 12 mph

Gentle breeze

Leaves and small twigs in constant motion. Smoke leans and 45 angle. Large wavelets small scattered white caps.  

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4

13 – 18 mph

Moderate breeze

Raises dust, small branches moved. Smoke leans 30 from horizon. Small waves becoming longer, frequent white caps.

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5

18 – 24 mph

Fresh breeze

Large branches wave. Smoke lies flat. Grass ripples. Moderate waves many white caps. 

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6

25 – 31 mph

Strong breeze

Large branches in motion, whistling heard in power lines, cloths flap. Large waves form, the white caps are more extensive.

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