How currents can affect your kitesurfing session
Wind is the star of the show in kitesurfing. It dictates your kite size, your speed, and whether you’ll be carving through waves or floundering in the water. But while the wind grabs all the attention, there’s another factor that can dramatically affect your session: currents. If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to stay upwind or suddenly being swept down the coast, you’ve encountered the power of currents.
The basics: What are currents?
Currents are like underwater conveyor belts, moving water from one place to another. They’re driven by tides, wind, and the earth’s rotation. Unlike the wind, which you can see and feel, currents are invisible forces that can either boost your session or turn it into a frustrating battle.
When currents work against you
Let’s start with the not-so-great scenarios. Currents can be your worst enemy, especially when they’re not working in your favor:
Current and wind in the same direction: You might think that having the current and wind both going in the same direction would be ideal, but it’s actually one of the trickiest situations. When the current flows in the same direction as the wind, it becomes harder to stay upwind. The water is moving under you, making it more difficult to edge your board effectively against the wind. This scenario can quickly turn a good session into a frustrating one, especially during a spring tide when the current is at its strongest.
Spring tide struggles: During a spring tide, the difference between high and low tide is at its peak, resulting in particularly strong currents. Even with strong winds, if the current is flowing in the same direction, you’ll struggle to stay upwind. It’s like running on a treadmill set to max speed—exhausting and seemingly endless. Read more about tides in this blogpost.
Currents in low-wind conditions: Currents have the biggest impact when the wind is light. In these sessions, the current can easily overpower your kite, dragging you downwind no matter how hard you try to stay upwind. If you’re not careful, you could find yourself much further down the coast than you intended, with a long walk back.
Crashing with the current against the wind: If you crash and the current is flowing against the wind direction, be prepared for a workout. Body dragging back upwind can take a lot longer because you’re fighting both the current and the wind. It’s a double whammy that can test your patience and your endurance.
When currents work in your favor
It’s not all doom and gloom—currents can also be your ally if you know how to use them:
Wind against the current: This is the scenario you’ll want to look out for. When the wind blows against the current, it creates more apparent wind (the wind you feel while moving). This makes it easier to stay upwind, allowing you to edge harder and maintain your position. The water might be a bit choppier, but the trade-off is worth it. Plus, when the current is working against the wind, you might find that you need a smaller kite size than usual because the force of the current adds to the apparent wind. This can give you a boost and make your ride smoother.
Downwind bliss: Planning a downwinder? If the current is moving in the same direction, you’re in for a treat. You’ll glide effortlessly along the coast, covering more ground with less effort. Just be sure to have a plan for getting back.
Harnessing side currents: If the current is moving slightly to the side and you’re aware of it, you can use it to your advantage by adjusting your angle. This can help you maintain your position without expending too much energy, turning what could be a tricky situation into a smoother ride.
How to anticipate currents and make them work for you
Now that you know the good, the bad, and the frustrating aspects of currents, here’s how to anticipate them and optimize your session:
Check tide tables: Tides are a major driver of currents. A rising or falling tide can create strong currents, especially during spring tides. Know when the tide is changing, and plan your session accordingly. A good website to get all the information is Windy.
Learn local conditions: Every kiting spot has its own current patterns. Talk to locals or do some research online to understand how currents typically behave in your chosen location.
Use visual cues: While kiting, keep an eye on the water’s surface. Rips, eddies, and changes in water color can all indicate strong currents. If you notice you’re drifting faster than expected, adjust your technique or take a break to reassess.
Plan for low-wind days: On days with light wind, be extra cautious of currents. If you know the current will be working against you, consider using a larger kite to give yourself more power to counteract it.
Consider your kite size: When the current is working with the wind, you might find that you can use a smaller kite than you normally would. The current adds to the wind’s power, making it easier to stay upwind with less kite. This is especially useful in conditions where you’re looking for a more controlled and smoother ride.
Conclusion: Currents are a force to be reckoned with
Currents can be tricky, but with a little knowledge and preparation, they don’t have to ruin your session. By understanding how currents interact with wind and tides, you’ll be better equipped to anticipate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
So, next time you’re checking the wind forecast, don’t forget to think about what’s happening below the surface. Because when it comes to kitesurfing, the best sessions happen when you work with the wind and the water, not against them.
Happy kiting! And remember: When in doubt, go with the flow—unless the flow is dragging you downwind. Then, it might be time to take a break and reassess!
xox Berit