Beaufort Scale — SUP Decision Threshold
Per the Beaufort scale, wind above 5 is not suitable for SUP. Beaufort 1–3 (1–10 knots) is the ideal range. Calm surface, easy paddle stroke, easy board control.
Beginners must not launch at Beaufort 4 (11–16 knots). Above Beaufort 5 the entire session is cancelled; that is our shore rule.
By the Beaufort scale, a 1 km paddle takes about 12 minutes at Beaufort 3 and 18 minutes at Beaufort 4.
Beaufort — SUP Decision Table
Per ISO 12402-5, life vests provide 50N of buoyancy. The table below shows the beginner, intermediate and advanced decision at every Beaufort threshold. This is our shore protocol.
| Beaufort | Knots | Surface | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (light air) | 1–3 | mirror | ideal | ideal | ideal |
| 2 (light breeze) | 4–6 | small ripple | ideal | ideal | ideal |
| 3 (gentle) | 7–10 | short wave | shore parallel ok | ok | ok |
| 4 (moderate) | 11–16 | foam starts | cancel | short route | ok |
| 5 (fresh) | 17–21 | white caps | cancel | cancel | cancel |
| 6+ (strong) | 22+ | foam piles | cancel | cancel | cancel |
The table is for Çalış bay. In open water hold the same thresholds one Beaufort lower.
Çalış Bay Wind Hours
By medical definition, hypothermia begins when core body temperature falls below 35°C. Morning 06:00–09:00, easterly wind sits at 2–4 knots. This is the calmest window; ideal for sunrise.
Afternoon 13:00–17:00, the western meltemi blows 8–12 knots. After 19:00 it drops back below 4 knots.
Per MGM Fethiye data, the wind peak typically occurs around 14:30 in the 10–12 knot band. The calmest hour is 06:30, averaging 3 knots.
For a detailed route see Çalış Beach to Şövalye Island SUP Route.
Current Direction and Threshold
In our view, paddling with a partner is always preferable to solo SUP. In summer (June–August) the current stays under 0.2 knots. In autumn a westerly 0.5-knot draw begins.
Do not paddle with the current; you tire on the way back. Go against the current, return with it.
Above 0.5 knots stay within 200 metres of shore. If a draw is present, point the nose into the wind and paddle a diagonal line back.
Water Temperature and Hypothermia
Mediterranean water reads 19°C in May, 27°C in August, 21°C in November. Hypothermia risk starts under 22°C with long contact.
In May and October, contact above one hour brings shivering. A wetsuit is not required, but dry change and a warm spare must be ready.
Below 20°C, 30 min of water contact causes serious chill. In water under 18°C, pick a short route and bring your own thermal layer.
Month-by-month guide: Fethiye SUP Season.
Boomerang Rule — Half-Half Energy
Spend half of the day's energy outbound. The other half is for the return; conditions usually shift on the way back.
If wind is present, paddle into it on the outbound and ride it on the return. Reverse and the return doubles, raising hypothermia risk.
Our rule: if outbound is 25 minutes, turn at 25 minutes. A wrist watch is mandatory for time control.
Reading Storm Clouds — Cumulonimbus
A cumulonimbus is a tall vertical cylinder. Within 30 minutes of its appearance, wind rises 5 knots; head to shore.
If the cloud base turns dark grey, move to shore at once. Rain usually starts about 15 minutes later.
If you see lightning, leave the water within 10 minutes. The metal paddle conducts; lay it flat on the sand and stand away from the waterline.
Equipment Safety — Leash, Vest, Pressure
ISUP pressure must sit at 15–18 PSI. Low pressure breaks the board's stiffness and weakens the stroke.
The leash attaches to the wrist or calf. The vest is mandatory; both arrive with a waterproof bag.
Typical equipment issues are leash breakage and vest buckle. If you notice it on the beach, WhatsApp us; we'll bring a spare as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I SUP in the rain?
Light rain is fine. If lightning appears, leave the water at once; the metal paddle conducts.
Which footwear?
Bare feet is best. For rocky coves, aqua shoes prevent slips.
Are polarised glasses required?
Polarised sunglasses are mandatory. The retainer cord is a must; surface glare causes fatigue.
Can a pregnant paddler go?
Pregnancy is a personal call; decide with your doctor. A short shore-parallel route in a calm morning window can be suitable; if wind goes above 4 knots the run is off.
Ready to paddle? Pick a date via SUP Booking or compare packages on Fethiye SUP Pricing.