How to read a kitesurfing forecast
We kiters are a special breed—we check the forecast a lot. Sometimes once a day, sometimes twice, and if we’re really desperate for wind, maybe every hour. Why? Because forecasts change, and the wind is as unpredictable as that one friend who’s always "5 minutes away" but shows up an hour late.
Now, depending on where you’re kiting, different platforms will give you the best forecast. For my home spot, I swear by Windguru. But when I’m halfway across the world, somewhere exotic with perfect waves and wind, Windy might be my go-to. The truth is, there’s no perfect forecast website. Some are better for specific locations, and some are better at making pretty charts. The trick is figuring out which one works for your spot.
The big 3: Windguru, Windy, and Windfinder
These three are the holy trinity of wind forecast websites. Almost every kitesurfer uses them, sometimes even all three in one go (hello, overanalyzers!). But before you go on a clicking spree, here’s what you need to know to decode them.
The essentials: What to look for in a forecast
You don’t need a meteorology degree to read a wind forecast. But you do need to know what’s important for us kiters. Here’s a breakdown of what to focus on, using Windguru as an example (since it’s like the moody, complex artist of the forecast world—tricky to use but rewarding once you get it).
Windguru forecast
1. Wind speed & gusts
The wind speed, expressed in knots (or any metric you fancy), is what catches our eye the most. But don’t be fooled—just because it says 20 knots doesn’t mean it’s smooth sailing. Watch out for those wind gusts! If you see gusts jumping from 20 to 35 knots, get ready for a day of "smooth... smooth... oh no, HOLD ON!"
Wind ranges to keep in mind:
Under 15 knots? You’re not kiting, you’re tanning.
15-25 knots? Perfect day to shine.
25-40 knots? Experienced kiters only, please.
Over 40 knots? Now you’re just showing off (and possibly risking your gear... or your life).
2. Wind direction
Wind direction is crucial, especially if your spot only works with specific wind directions. Check for how consistent the direction is—if it’s switching every hour, maybe rethink your day on the water. Trust me, no one likes being sent into a spin when the wind suddenly decides to turn.
3. Waves (for those who love a good ride)
If you’re a wave chaser, the wave forecast is your best friend. Look at the swell height and period. Anything under 1 meter with a 5-second period means you’re going to have a bumpy ride with waves coming at you like an excited puppy—one after another. But a solid period of 10+ seconds? Now you’re talking!
4. Weather (because sun is nice)
Weather predictions show you temperature, cloud cover, and the chance of rain. Now, I’m all for a hardcore session, but if it’s looking like a storm’s brewing, maybe reconsider. Also, rain doesn’t need to be a dealbreaker—kitesurfing in the rain can be fun, as long as the wind holds. Read the blogpost about rain if you want to know more. If you’re a "fair-weather kiter" though, you’ll want to check for sunny skies.
5. Windguru rating (is it 3 stars?)
Windguru has this neat little rating system where they rate the conditions for kiting, surfing, or windsurfing. Three stars means you’re in for a treat. But don’t let it be your final decision-maker. Some days get no stars and still turn out to be decent. Remember, the best kite session is sometimes the one you didn’t expect!
6. Tides (don’t get caught in the mud)
Tides are a big deal at some spots. Certain locations only work at high tide (think lagoons and tidal basins), while others shine at low tide. Know your spot! If you’re unsure, check with the locals—they love talking tides. But if you want to have some decent knowledge about tides, read What you should know about high and low tide.
Visual forecasts: Windy and Windfinder
While Windguru throws all its data at you in a very... raw format, Windy and Windfinder take a different approach. Windy, for instance, gives you beautiful, animated maps of the wind. You can see exactly where the wind is blowing from, how strong it is, and even the tides and currents. It’s like watching a weather documentary unfold in front of you.
Windy forecast
Windfinder is the easiest to use. Their "Superforecast" gives you an hour-by-hour breakdown, which is great if you want to know when to grab your gear and head to the beach. It's user-friendly and gives you everything you need in a simple, digestible format.
Windfinder Superforecast
The art of overanalyzing
Now, I’m guilty of this—overanalyzing the forecast. Sometimes I’ll check all three websites, compare data, and even throw in a local weather app for good measure. But here’s the thing: forecasts aren’t perfect. Some days you’ve just got to head out and feel the wind for yourself.
If you think it might be a windy day, trust your gut. Worst case, you get there and it’s a bust—but at least you tried! And here’s a final tip: have a kite buddy who’s good at reading the forecast. If they’re heading out, you should probably go too. Kite friends are like walking wind forecasts—they know when it’s on.
Final thoughts
Reading the forecast doesn’t have to be rocket science, though it can sometimes feel like it. Wind speed, direction, waves, weather, and tides—these are your key metrics. Once you get a feel for them, you’ll be checking the forecast like a pro (and maybe even predicting the wind better than some apps). But at the end of the day, just remember: the best wind forecast is the one that gets you on the water. So get out there and let the wind guide you!
xox Berit