Wind Flags Interpretation
Wind flags (or pennants) placed on the field give you visual information about wind speed and direction.
Flag Angle Guide
- Limp (0-10°): Calm, 0-3 mph — no adjustment needed
- Light flutter (10-30°): Light breeze, 3-7 mph — minor adjustment
- Half-mast (45°): Moderate, 8-12 mph — moderate adjustment
- Extended (60-80°): Strong, 13-18 mph — significant adjustment
- Fully extended (80-90°): Very strong, 18+ mph — major adjustment or wait
Sight Adjustment Calculations
Rule of thumb: For every 5 mph crosswind at 70m (recurve), adjust approximately 1 ring-width on the target. This varies by arrow weight, bow speed, and conditions.
Wind Direction Effects
- Headwind: Arrow drops — aim slightly lower or add distance to sight
- Tailwind: Arrow rises — aim slightly higher or reduce distance setting
- Crosswind (left/right): Adjust sight into the wind (aim where the wind comes from)
- Quartering wind: Combination effect — adjust both vertical and horizontal
Practice Drills
- Flag watching: Spend 10 minutes before each session just observing wind patterns
- Wind groups: Shoot groups in varying winds and record sight changes
- Commit drill: Pick your wind reading, commit to it, and shoot without second-guessing
- Mirage reading: Learn to read heat mirage on the ground for subtle wind clues