I went for a paddle on Lake Ontario on Sunday.
It was a windy day, but the wind was from the North, so when I arrived to launch my boat Lake Ontario was completely placid.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskXkfo7ePUfoOYty6DLlQvFdd6d2h56x8lOWRT4R5QaCWOVTTHF_PhF7o2_UcVUbQPufHX2X6gdvg_bic_bj7gBSnihW-PxTWrzlDx5vrsxk2ysmNqwiaqwM2JQPV6nHTMZDD6ez7ONhh/s1600/LakeOntario.png)
I started paddling, and all was wonderful. I had a slight headwind, but nothing to really bother me too much.
As I got closer to the far end of my intended trip, I noticed the wind had changed slightly. It was now more from the West, and the waves were starting to pick up a bit. Nothing too bad, so I kept going.
Big Mistake.
I swear not more than 5 minutes later I was rocking and rolling. I decided it was best to turn around, short of my destination, but I was getting worried.
Now the wind was at my back, I was fast... but the waves were faster, and building! Soon they were up to 2-3 foot swells. I would feel the back of the boat rise, the wave would get under me and I would almost surf the crest for a moment... then woosh, front comes up.
Several times the boat twisted entirely sideways, I was incredibly lucky to stay dry. Still not sure how a wave didn't manage to wash right over the boat! I was just very dainty, tried not to make any sudden moves.
Finally - mercifully - I made it back to shore...
What Went Wrong?
This is what the wind actually looked like. The top arrows show the direction.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjz2KuI5USFA0NVIOWxYVErDwNwjKyYVvcPy29oSnbO8DiduNgHan-oIkD3_gJa-XLewKSr-kAG_e_oMIupFgGB50XkmGHkYGLibeAGGogehVW3Q0JmL5fRhp8hjM_15iqThS0S3Bk16T/s1600/WindyDay.png)
North... North... Northwest... Northwest... Northwest...
WEST! WEST! Surprise!!!
Damn.
It's just amazing to me how quickly the lake went from completely calm to ferocious.
Windfinder.com had predicted a slight shift to Northwest. In hindsight I should have paid more attention to that... but really when the wind is that strong, it's best to avoid Lake Ontario. It's such a large body of water that it can really bring a strong lick.
Lesson learned!
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