Sharing Cautions

[Freedomlover]

Easy there. I'm a country boy. You can't tell me there isn't a drastic difference in the wind strength between the warm hills of rural Tennessee and the city streets further north. Nothing I've encountered in this TN town can touch my WPG -- I was feeling pretty safe.

You'll have to understand some of us aren't so well-traveled and seasoned, too.

No offence meant. And there certainly are differences between city and country winds. What I meant to convey is the idea that those who wear kilts ought, at the very least, to be on the lookout for such situations at all times.

[Riverkilt]

Living on a mesa in the canyonlands called "The Windy Mesa" and being a new kilter and a rural loner I've had to figure out the wind stuff for myself.

As far as the very high winds, I learned by watching what skirted ladies do. They put their arms straight down at their sides with their fingers extended to keep their skirts from being "windswept." Having "stuff" in Utilikilt pockets, a sporran, or carrying a briefcase or plastic bag of groceries helps.

But very high winds are infrequent...the ones that surprise are the regular winds. When I first wore kilts it was a new experience and I couldn't help but feel a bit "exposed" and worried at every gust of wind.

Best thing I did to get used to being kilted in the wind was go off hiking where I felt safe if the wind did win. I focused on what the wind did to my kilt. I realized how functional the double apron is. If the wind blows from my left then it holds the outer apron in place. If the wind blows from my right and catches the outer apron it still holds the under apron in place.

I've come to enjoy how the wind plays with my kilt, sort of adds to the swish of it sometimes. I think there is an extra air of confidence in a man walking proudly kilted in the wind.

There seems to be a bit of similarity to sailing in the art of being kilted in the wind. I'm surprised no one has written a how to book on it yet....or a doctoral thesis for physics.

The areas I've found where the wind can win and embarrass are standing next to a vehicle - particularly a high wheel base vehicle like a pick up. The wind coming under the vehicle seems to rush up when its free to...so I don't stand near a vehicle talking on a windy day. Walking up to the entrance to any building can be a challenge. Winds are hitting the edge of the building then rushing up the face of it at the same time the entrance doors are opening and there may be a sudden blast of air into or out of the building.

Walking down the street the wind changes as you leave the protection of a building, but those winds are usually side winds.

And, of course those updraft vents in the sidewalk in the big city.

In the boonies, standing on the edge of a canyon or on top of a hill near the edge is bound to bring some fresh air under your kilt.



A good updraft can even raise a heavy leather kilt



Main thing is get out there and learn to "sail" your kilts in the wind on a windy day. Got to a remote area if it gives you comfort. Get used to what the wind does to your kilts so you don't overreact to the beauty of the wind playing in your pleats.

Go play kilted in the wind...enjoy the new sensations, feel the joy.

Ron

[Archangel]

Don't forget the whole idea of this thread was to share real accidents for the sake of prevention. The assumption is that you honestly did not want it to happen.

Some scientific geek type could do wind tests on various kilt types but it still wouldn't allow for gusts. Like I said in my example, I'm a bit more used to this and wear a heavy kilt, and I still was surprised.

So, watch for grates and the funnel effect.