I agree that it is important, but... what do you do with that information. How wind effects an area is more important that just knowing its speed, that information you can not get from an anemometer.

Simply put, I don't think about what I can paddle in terms of what other people can paddle. I know the upper limit of my ability, and also know that lots of people can paddle in conditions beyond my limits. I don't think that because someone else claimed to paddle in a certain wind speed, or even actually paddled in a certain wind speed, means I will be able paddle in those conditions.

Maybe it is just me but I have never heard people use wind speed as a qualifying factor for paddling an area. I have never come across such phrases as 'you are safe to paddle in that area as long as the wind is below 15 knots', or 'I have paddled in 35 knot winds so you should be able to as well'.

Sure knowing the wind speed is useful, but how useful? 15 knots in one area might mean something totally different than 15 in another area. Or a N wind might have a completely different effect than a NW wind. Obviously paddling in an area in calm conditions is much easier than paddling in difficult conditions. I base that decision not on the numerical speed of the wind but how the wind feels (not just on my skin but also in my judgment). Wind predictions are rarely accurate and conditions can change at anytime (in fact they are constantly changing).

hmm... after thinking about it... I think a numerical value for wind speed is an over simplification, especially when it comes to ocean conditions, personal ability, and personal comfort.