Why Is It So Important to Check the Wind Forecast Before Going Out?

One of the most common questions we get at our kitesurfing school in Tarifa is: how do you correctly interpret the wind forecast?

If you practice kitesurf, windsurf, surf, wingfoil or any wind sport, you already know that a good forecast is key to enjoying your session safely and to the fullest.

The Most Used Platforms by Riders and Schools

These are the most reliable websites we check daily:

  • Windguru: the most consulted by kitesurfers.
  • Windfinder: good visualization of wind and waves.
  • Windy: very detailed with a map view.
  • ElTiempo.es: reliable for general forecasts, shows wind in km/h.
  • Spotfav: great for checking real-time conditions and if there are riders out.

How to Read Windguru: A Beginner’s Guide

Windguru can seem overwhelming at first, but here’s how to interpret it easily:

1. Wind Speed and Gusts

  • Top row: constant wind speed (in knots).
  • Bottom row: gusts.
    In Levante conditions, gusts can be very strong. If there’s a big difference between steady wind and gusts, be cautious.

2. Wind Direction

  • Arrows pointing left = Levante (easterly).
  • Arrows pointing right = Poniente (westerly).
  • Arrows pointing up = South.
  • Arrows pointing down = offshore wind (generally discouraged in Tarifa).

3. Forecast Model Columns

  • GFS50: general forecast within a 50 km radius.
  • WRF9 and WRF3: more accurate for Tarifa. WRF3 is ideal (3 km resolution).

Important: If you don’t have a Premium Windguru account, the data will be delayed by 24 hours.

Quick Tips to Interpret Other Platforms

Windfinder and Windy

  • Show similar data to Windguru, but with more intuitive visualizations.
  • You can see wind and wave animations on the map.

ElTiempo.es

  • Wind speed is shown in km/h.
    Quick conversion: 1 knot = 1.85 km/h.
    For example: 30 km/h ≈ 16 knots.

Spotfav: The Real-Time Bonus

  • Allows you to watch live from the Tarifa spot and other places worldwide.
  • The webcams show if people are riding, kite sizes, and sea conditions.

Final Tips Before Heading Out

  • Check at least 2 different platforms to get a complete picture.
  • Pay attention to wind direction and consistency, not just strength.
  • If you’re a beginner, avoid strong Levante or offshore winds.
  • Talk to local instructors if you’re unsure — we’re here to help!

Contact Us for Lessons or Wind Info in Tarifa

Juan I. Fernández – KitePassion Tarifa
🌐 www.tarifakitepassion.com
☎️ 615 683 051
✉️ info@tarifakitepassiontarifa.com