5 Original Activities to Use Wind to Your Advantage

🌬️ How to Transform Wind into an Ally for Your Outdoor Adventures?

You know what I realized after all these years on the trail? Wind is often perceived as the enemy of outdoor activities. Too many times, I've heard people cancel their outings because it was "too windy." But let me tell you a secret: original activities using wind to your advantage can transform an ordinary day into a memorable adventure! Rather than endure the wind, why not tame it? Whether it's racing down slopes with a traction kite, navigating our Quebec lakes, or even more unexpected activities like aerial photography, wind becomes your best accomplice. In this guide, I'll share my field discoveries and some original finds that will completely change how you view windy days.

🪁 Traction Kiting: Your New Favorite Sport for Windy Days

If you've never tried traction kiting, you're missing out on something extraordinary! I discovered this activity a few years ago at Parc du Mont-Royal, and since then, every forecast of strong wind makes me smile. The principle is simple: you use wind power to get pulled across different surfaces. In summer, you can do it with a longboard skateboard or rollerblades. In winter, imagine gliding on snow with your cross-country skis or even snowshoes!

Perfect Spots in Quebec

Gaspésie Beaches: constant wind and infinite space

Large urban parks: the Parc National du Mont Saint-Bruno has beautiful open spaces

Frozen lakes in winter: total freedom sensation

⛵ Navigation and Water Sports: When Wind Becomes Your Engine

Let's talk about something many people overlook: wind on water is free energy! You don't need a luxury sailboat to enjoy it.

Windsurfing and Its Modern Variants

Classic windsurfing is fantastic, but have you ever tried wing foil? It's the new trend that combines windsurfing and kiting. You hold an inflatable wing in your hands and literally fly above the water. I tested this last summer on Lake Champlain, and it's simply magical.

Activity	Required Wind (km/h)	Beginner Level	Equipment
Stand-up paddle wind	10-20	Easy	SUP + paddle
Windsurfing	15-25	Moderate	Board + sail
Wing foil	12-22	Difficult	Board + wing + foil
Downwind kayaking	8-18	Easy	Kayak + light sail

The Trick Nobody Tells You

Even in a traditional kayak, you can use wind to your advantage! A small improvised sail or simply planning your outings to have the wind at your back on the return. I discovered this trick during an outing near the Chutes Jean Larose where you can access beautiful bodies of water.

📸 Photography and Creative Activities Using Wind to Your Advantage

Here's where it gets really creative! Wind opens up a world of photographic and artistic possibilities you may have never considered.

Drone Flying in Windy Conditions

Counter-intuitive, right? But with the right settings and a capable drone, wind can create incredible dynamic shots. Racing clouds, dancing trees, rippling water... Everything becomes cinematic. My favorite spot for this? The Mont du Lac des Cygnes where valley winds create spectacular visual effects.

Ephemeral Land Art

Use wind to create temporary art! Hang colorful fabrics, create moving sculptures, or even organize giant soap bubble sessions. I've seen artists do incredible things with ribbons and wind at Parc Michel Chartrand.

Unique Sensory Activities

Wind listening: find rock formations or structures that create unique sounds

Wind-carried scents: identify tree and plant essences by their smell

Moving meditation: let wind guide your movements in tai-chi or yoga

🏃‍♂️ Training and Sports Challenges with Wind

Want to spice up your workouts? Wind can become your most demanding personal coach!

Running with Natural Resistance

Running into the wind is like wearing a natural weighted vest. It develops your power and endurance incredibly. I often plan my outings at Mont Yamaska to have headwind on the way out and tailwind on the return.

Outdoor Functional Training

Wind adds a fantastic instability dimension to your exercises:

Planks and balance: maintaining position becomes a real challenge

Movements with light objects: balls, resistance bands, everything becomes harder

Coordination: juggling or precision exercises in windy conditions

Creative Group Challenges

Organize original group activities:

• Homemade kite races
• Ephemeral structure contests (what resists wind best?)
• Adapted team games (extreme ultimate frisbee!)
• Treasure hunts where wind influences clues

"Wind is not an obstacle, it's a playground for those who know how to tame it."

🎯 Planning and Safety: Maximize Fun, Minimize Risks

Now, let's talk seriously about safety. I've seen too many people put themselves in dangerous situations due to lack of preparation. The essential questions to ask yourself before leaving are even more important with wind.

Assessing Conditions

Learn to read weather like a pro:

Wind Strength	Recommended Activities	Precautions
10-20 km/h	Beginners, photography, yoga	Ideal conditions
20-35 km/h	Kiting, windsurfing	Secure equipment
35-50 km/h	Experts only	Avoid trees
50+ km/h	Observation only	Stay sheltered

Essential Safety Equipment

• Fitted clothing: avoid loose items that flap in wind
• Eye protection: glasses or visor against debris
• Communication: whistle or waterproof phone
• Anchoring: straps and carabiners to secure your gear

Recommended Spots by Conditions

For safe activities, choose your locations according to wind intensity:

Light wind (10-20 km/h): urban parks like Parc du Mont Arthabaska

Moderate wind (20-35 km/h): open spaces away from obstacles

Strong wind (35+ km/h): coasts and beaches with significant clearance

🌟 My Favorite Activities for Taming the Wind

After all these years of experimenting, here are my three favorite activities that truly transform a windy day into an unforgettable adventure.

1. Wind-hiking

This is my personal creation! You plan your hike based on prevailing winds. The idea: use tailwinds for difficult sections and headwinds for warm-up. It completely changes the dynamics of an outing at Parc National des Hautes-Gorges de la Rivière Malbaie.

2. Natural Movement Photography

Use wind to create movement in your photos: flowing hair, dancing leaves, undulating fabrics. With a slow shutter speed, you capture artistic images impossible to recreate artificially.

3. Windy Obstacle Courses

Create a course where wind is part of the challenge. Balance on a beam in windy conditions, transport light objects, navigate with compass when wind influences your movements. It's fun and really develops your adaptation skills.

Creating Your Wind Adventurer Community

One of the most beautiful discoveries is realizing you're not alone in loving windy days! Join or create local groups. Check Facebook outdoor groups in your region, or launch your own outings. I met some of my best adventure partners during "difficult weather" outings.

Conclusion: Wind, Your New Adventure Partner

Here's where I am after all these years exploring original activities using wind to your advantage: wind is never again an excuse to stay inside. On the contrary, it's become my signal to go out and experiment! Key points to remember: • Traction kiting transforms any open space into a playground • Water sports become free and ecological with wind as engine • Creativity explodes when you integrate wind into your photo and artistic activities • Training gains intensity and variety with this natural resistance • Safety remains priority: appropriate equipment and gradual progression You know what makes me proudest? It's when someone tells me: "Now I check the weather to see if it'll be windy, not to avoid it!" That's exactly it, the mental shift I want to help you make. So next time you see clouds racing across the sky and feel that breeze picking up, instead of sighing, smile. Your playground just got bigger! Start with a simple activity, respect conditions, and let yourself be surprised by what wind can offer you in new sensations. The outdoors is meant to be lived in all its dimensions. Wind is just one of its most beautiful facets to discover.