On the Hudson
If the wind is of an appreciable amout coming from either north or sout, I generally paddle first into the wind and waves exerting lots of energy at times. Surf with the wind and waves on the way back. Coming from the west or east, who cares?
psychology
a big headwind feels like hard work, and it is easy to eventually get fed up. current, on the other hand, you don’t notice that much unless you have a gps. wind behind you with current coming at you is often fun, since it builds steeper waves you can surf- you’ll feel like you are going fast, even if you really arent.
X Wind equals Y Current
Assuming (average) a 10 knot wind exerts a force of on thestationary boat, paddler, and paddle of one pound.
Paddling at 3K into a 14K wind produces an apparent wind of 17K, the force NOW on the boat, paddler, and blade is 3 lbs.
This is the same force it takes to go 3K per hour in calm water. Thus, with a 14K wind, you will stand still, or go backwards if stop paddling.
To maintain 3K per hour you would have to double your energy output, something that is not easy to do for long.
A Current of 1.5 K is equivalent to a wind of 14K
Thus it is knowable to figure out whether the force of current or wind will be greater and to wisely decide which way to go taking into account the biggest factors.
There are other factors to know about, some of which are that paddling into or downwind must also figure in increasing waves, rolling waves, the differential effects of heading down wind, effects of following seas, and so on.