Mastering the wind
Ever wondered why kiters are obsessed with wind? For most people, wind is just an occasional nuisance—messing up a picnic or making a bike ride harder. But for kiters, wind is everything. Let’s dive into why wind matters so much and how to understand it better."
Why wind matters to kiters
When you start your kite journey, you’ll quickly become obsessed with wind. You'll find yourself constantly checking the trees, and the forecast multiple times a day. That's because enough wind means you can kite!
Understanding knots
You might be wondering, what are knots and why do we measure wind in them? While wind over land is usually measured in km/h or m/s, marine activities use knots due to historical maritime practices. Sailors used a rope with knots and a piece of wood to estimate their speed. The number of knots that slipped off in 30 seconds indicated their speed. This tradition carried over into modern marine activities, including kitesurfing.
Wind speed
The wind strength you need depends on your skill level. For example, when you start, it is nice to go out when it is 15 to 20 knots. Are you a dedicated big air kiter? Then you would like the wind to be around 30 to 45 knots.
If looking at the forecast or the current wind in knots is not your preference, you can always use a calculator to get other measurements.
Wind direction
Ideal wind directions vary, but generally, you want wind blowing towards the shore (side shore or side onshore) to ensure you end up back on the beach if something goes wrong. Offshore winds (blowing from land to sea) can be dangerous, but many offshore spots have rescue boats for emergencies.
Wind direction for kitesurfing
Wind gusts and forecasts
While average wind speed is important, don’t overlook wind gusts. These unpredictable bursts can make or break your session. Always check the forecast for gusts to choose the right kite size.
There are some useful forecast websites. Find the most accurate one for your area. Some spots even have their own wind meter or a current wind forecast, so check that out as well:
Remember, forecasts aren’t always perfect. Be prepared for variations and prioritise safety to enjoy a great kite session!
xox Berit