RE: [Paddlewise] How Windy Was It (Really)?

Chris Wein wrote:

> C'mon gearheads!
>
> Get a hand-held anemometer. They run from US$25 - US$165.
> Try Edmund Scientific Catalog for the largest selection.
>
> -chris

Attention gearheads, save US$25 - $165:

All you need is a ping pong ball, a piece of thread one foot long, and a
protractor

Thread the ping pong ball onto thread and hold up in the wind.

Wind speed in ms-1 = 8.1 * sqrt(tan(angle of thread))
Wind speed in mph = 18 * sqrt(tan(angle of thread))

So next time you want to know the wind speed simply:
	1. Raft up, attach sponsons, or stand up in your klepper (delete as
appropriate) 	2. Duck tape the thread and the protractor onto the end of
your  greenland style paddle, and hold it up into the wind.
	Hey presto!!!!! Never overestimate the wind speed you managed to paddle
against again!!!!!!!!

Who says you don't get useful information on paddlewise :-)

Cheers
Colin Calder
57º19'N  2º10'W

PS - For an extra sophisticated instrument, build a spirit level into the
protractor, or have your native paddle carver incorporate one into your
paddle looms.

PPS - For a super extra deluxe sohpisticated instrument, as above but also
have your native paddle carver engrave the protractor scale directly onto
your paddle and add a recessed hook for the thread.

PPS - ALWAYS use an authentic native greenland style paddle or storm paddle.
Under *** NO *** circumstances try this with a Western style paddle - the
teeth of the wind will simply whip the paddle from your hands and laugh in
your face.

PPPS - Always keep your tongue firmly in your cheek and out or your wise ass

PPPPS - There is a actually a plan out there on the net somewhere (on a kite
flyers site) for an anemometer made with a ping pong ball, thread, and a
card/plywood protractor marked in the beaufort scale.  If anyone is
interested I'll see if I can find the site.

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