Which effect slows progress and causes fatigue?

• A. Headwind effect
• B. Tailwind effect
• C. Anabatic wind
• D. Sea breeze

Answer: (A)

The headwind effect occurs when wind blows from in front, directly opposing your direction of travel. That wind increases the apparent wind over the kayak, boosting drag and making each stroke require more effort to maintain forward progress. The extra resistance slows you down and drains energy, leading to quicker fatigue. A tailwind would aid progress and usually feel easier, anabatic winds are vertical upslope breezes not typically a factor over open water, and a sea breeze is a coastal daytime onshore wind with its own effects but doesn’t inherently cause the same slowing and fatigue as a headwind.