Before I decide where to go paddling (or IF to go paddling), I check the weather report. Wind direction and speed are the two most important pieces of data for any experienced kayaker. We all know that people do use wind speed (and direction) as a qualifying factor for paddling an area. I grant that predictions of wind, weather, etc. are often erroneous, as are reports kayakers give of conditions (wave height, wind speed) that they paddled in. I cited several examples in my previous posts of paddlers reporting, without any actual measurement, that they were out in "35" or "40" mph winds, and that things were just fine, exciting, exhilarating, blah. And that such unsubstantiated reports could lead other, less experienced kayakers into thinking that they also could paddle in "35-40" mph winds. By all means don't bring or use an anemometer on the water or at the launch site if you don't want to, but don't tell anybody else that the winds were blowing at ......mph or knots or whatever, if you don't really know.