Well that's tough to answer. Some days if you can get positioned just right its not to bad slow easy pedal into the wind, other days you fight it all day long. It's 10x easier then the paddle kayak since your hands are free but can still be frustrating. Remember if the wind is blowing your having to adjust your rudder constantly unless you can find that perfect placement. Here is where the new Hobie 360 would rule. If an affordable option for you I would look at those. Also, the pedal kayaks do not turn as sharp as you can with the paddle. Several times I've found myself doing the scene from Austin Powers in the cart turning around in the hallway....lol.