If you put your finger in your mouth to get it wet (which works well when there is no water nearby), be sure that you get it wet all the way around. Closing your eyes eliminates the visual messages coming to your brain and allows you to focus fully on your other senses. This way, you will be able to concentrate on feeling the wind with your skin. [2] X Research source

If you’re not near a large body of water, put out a pan or bucket of water. You should still able to see the wind rippling on the surface.

Whether you are looking forward or back, you will use the same technique of identifying a horizontal stretch and observing the ripples.

You can also hang up flags to get a sense of where the wind is blowing. [12] X Expert Source Nitzan LevySailing Instructor Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.

A lot of boats have an arrow installed on top of the mast—this is called a Windex, and it flips in the direction that the wind is coming from. [14] X Expert Source Nitzan LevySailing Instructor Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.