Which effect speeds progress but may cause loss of control?

• A. Venturi effect
• B. Tailwind effect
• C. Katabatic wind
• D. Onshore wind risk

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how wind pushing from behind can change your speed and your control. When a tailwind helps you, your kayak speeds up because the wind adds to your forward motion. That makes crossing distances faster and can feel easier, which is why it’s appealing for making progress. But moving faster also reduces your ability to respond to changes: gusts, chop, and waves can push you off course more quickly, and steering inputs become less immediate in their effect. So you may find yourself drifting or broaching if you don’t anticipate the extra speed and adjust your paddling, edging, or course accordingly.