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
0 mph
Calm
Smoke rises vertically. No movement in leaves. Windsock hangs limp. Water surface smooth and mirror-like.
1 – 3 mph
Light Air
Wind direction shown by smoke drift. Minor movement of windsock. Scaly ripples on water no white caps.
4 – 7 mph
Light Breeze
Wind felt on face, leaves rustle, smoke leans. Small wavelets, crests have a glassy appearance but do not break.
8 – 12 mph
Gentle breeze
Leaves and small twigs in constant motion. Smoke leans and 45 angle. Large wavelets small scattered white caps.
13 – 18 mph
Moderate breeze
Raises dust, small branches moved. Smoke leans 30 from horizon. Small waves becoming longer, frequent white caps.
18 – 24 mph
Fresh breeze
Large branches wave. Smoke lies flat. Grass ripples. Moderate waves many white caps.
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.