Since kiteboarding is a wind-powered sport, the wind and weather conditions are the most important factor.The Tampa Saint Petersburg area also has unique geography, therefore more unpredictable weather forecasts.
Just because the wind is blowing, doesn't mean that it's OK to go kiteboarding. There are many factors to consider when choosing whether to go kiting or not. That first consideration is, and always should be the weather and what is causing the wind. Watching the local weather channel isn't enough to know when the conditions will be good for kiteboarding.
When learning to kite surf, a beginner is generally going to learn and practice their first few sessions in 10-15 knots of clean wind with minimal gusts. As you progress to an intermediate level kiter, you will be able to control manage the power of the kite in winds of up to around 20-25 knots.
Winds of over 30 knots are considered higher winds for kiteboarding and definitely not for beginners. Pro kiteboarders can go out in winds of over 40 knots, but also know the risks associated with high-wind kiting.
Let's begin discussing some basics of weather, wind, cold fronts and warm fronts, and how to read weather forecasts.
Things you should ALWAYS be aware of include:
- Wind Direction
- Wind Speed/ Gusts
- Quality of Wind
- Weather Conditions
- Frontal Activity
As the speed of the wind increases, the power in the kites increases exponentially, meaning it can double or triple the power in just a little stronger winds. Make sure to check several weather forecasts before you go out kiteboarding, and ALWAYS keep an eye on the sky!
Even though weather reports give you predictions and current wind conditions, observing the conditions firsthand is tremendously useful. Local Tampa Bay kiteboarders have a pretty good network for communication via text messaging and phone calls to let you know wne conditions are good for kitesurfing.
In this article you’ll learn a few things that will help you forecast and read the weather, wherever you may be.
Air is set in motion when Mother Nature tries to equalize pressure by moving regions of high pressure to regions of low pressure. Basically, when pressures change, winds blow. You can measure wind by its speed, direction and the change factor.
WATER TEXTURE
When winds blow, they affect the water’s surface. Here are some facts that will help predict how smooth or choppy your ride might be.
• Whitecaps start forming at around 12 knots. The larger and more frequent they are, the stronger the wind.
• Consistent water textures indicate stable winds.
• Darker patches of water often look like a cloud’s shadow that’s moving across the water. Typically, this indicates a strong gust is coming.
• Flatter, glasslike water indicates little air movement at the water’s surface. If you notice glassy spots forming, the winds are decreasing and may stop completely.
• Often, you can see the wind “line.” In some areas, winds may be light near shore but stronger out at sea. On the beach, you can actually see the line where whitecaps will start, which signifies stronger winds approaching. Wind lines can move fast (especially squalls), so be cautious.
The Beaufort Scale is the standard for determining wind strength, and goes more in depth with describing the water's surface conditions. Click the link below to find out more about the Beaufort Scale.
READ ABOUT THE BEAUFORT SCALE HERE