Two Types of Airflow
Wind isn't just "strong" or "weak"—it's also "smooth" or "chaotic." Laminar wind flows in clean, organized layers. Turbulent wind tumbles and swirls unpredictably.
The difference determines whether your session feels effortless or exhausting.
The Physics
Airflow transitions from laminar to turbulent based on Reynolds number—a ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces. When wind hits obstacles, the smooth flow breaks down into chaotic eddies and vortices.
Critical transition happens when wind encounters surface roughness
Where Laminar Wind Forms
Laminar wind requires a long, unobstructed fetch over smooth terrain:
- Open ocean: Thousands of kilometers of smooth water
- Large lakes: Minimal surface disruption
- Flat beaches: Wind arrives directly from water without obstacles
- Offshore winds over flat land: Prairies, deserts, salt flats
This wind gives your wing constant, predictable pressure. You can feel power build smoothly without sudden spikes.
Where Turbulence Lives
Wind becomes turbulent when it passes over or around obstacles:
- Urban areas: Buildings create chaotic wind patterns downwind for 10x their height
- Forests and trees: Wind tumbles for 20x tree height
- Cliffs and headlands: Vertical surfaces create violent eddies
- Onshore wind: Wind from land brings turbulence from terrain it crossed
Turbulence Distance Map
Single Tree (5m tall)
Turbulent zone extends ~100m downwind
Building (15m tall)
Turbulent zone extends ~150-300m downwind
Cliff (50m tall)
Turbulent zone extends ~500m-1km downwind
How It Feels on a Wing
The riding experience is dramatically different:
Airflow Comparison
Laminar Flow
Smooth & predictable
Wing fills evenly, constant pressure, easy pumping
Best for learning
Turbulent Flow
Chaotic & unpredictable
Wing flutters, sudden gusts/lulls, hard to control
Exhausting to ride
Practical Spot Selection
Use terrain to predict wind quality:
Wind Quality Checklist
Cross-shore or offshore? Check what the wind passed over before reaching you
Clear fetch? Look for at least 2km of open water upwind
Terrain scan: Identify cliffs, buildings, forests in the wind path
Distance calc: Stay 10-20x obstacle height away from turbulence sources
Summary
Choose spots with a clear line of wind over smooth terrain. Laminar wind makes learning easier, reduces crashes, and lets you ride longer with less fatigue. Turbulent wind is survivable but exhausting—avoid it when possible.