Having had to play the pipes in very windy conditions several times over the years, both hands being occupied on the chanter, I can attest that kilt pins don't help.
It would take several heavy lead weights attached all around the bottom of the kilt.
What has worked is wearing the biggest heaviest sporran I have, wearing it rather low, and playing backed up against a wall or statue etc.
Actually there have been times when the wind was so strong I had to pipe while doing a wide 3-point stance with by back leaning against a wall and my legs splayed out. People out in the open were literally blown over.
The problem is that we have a cemetery located in a canyon that functions like a Wind Tunnel during our Santa Ana winds.
I looked it up- at their worst they're stronger than I thought:
In early December 2011, the Santa Ana winds were the strongest yet recorded...sustained winds at 97 mph (156 km/h), and gusts up to 167 mph (269 km/h).
I know I've piped in 80mph winds.
Last edited by OC Richard; 11th July 24 at 02:18 AM.
Proud Mountaineer from the Highlands of West Virginia; son of the Revolution and Civil War; first Europeans on the Guyandotte
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