How do you read a wind forecast?

How do you read a wind forecast?

If you're just starting out with wing foiling, it's important to understand how to read a wind forecast. This will help you get out on the water safely and in the right conditions.

Where can you find a wind forecast?

You can view a wind forecast on various websites and apps, such as:

• Windy ( windy.com )

• Windfinder ( windfinder.com )

• Rain radar ( buienradar.nl )

• KNMI ( knmi.nl )

What are the main components of a wind forecast?

Wind speed

This indicates the average wind speed. It's usually displayed in knots (kt), kilometers per hour (km/h), or meters per second (m/s) .

Rule of thumb for beginners:

• 0-6 knots : Light wind, barely noticeable.

• 7-16 knots : Moderate wind, clearly noticeable.

• 17-30 knots : Strong wind, trees will move considerably.

• 30+ knots : Very strong wind or storm, not suitable for lessons.

  
  

For the wing foil lessons at WingXperience we use these guidelines:

• 0-7 knots : E-foil lesson or foiling with the boat.

• 7-20 knots : Beginners lesson or foil lesson.

• 15-30 knots : Intermediate/advanced lessons.

• 30+ knots : No lessons possible.

Wind direction

• Often indicated with a compass direction (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW).

• Also shown with an arrow indicating the direction the wind is coming from .

• For example: A down arrow (\↓) or the letter N means the wind is coming from the north .

  
  
  
  

Gusts of wind

• These are short, sudden increases in wind force.

• They can be much stronger than the average wind.

• Especially important to take into account with water sports.

Wind maps and graphs

• Some websites show a map with moving arrows or color codes:

  • Blue/green : Light wind.

  • Yellow/orange : Moderate to strong wind.

  • Red/purple : Very strong wind or storm.

• Graphs show hourly wind speeds so you can estimate when the best conditions are.

Wind forecast for WingXperience

Our location is on the IJmeer , a peripheral lake that forms part of the Markermeer . This open water provides relatively stable winds, and wingfoiling is possible in almost any wind direction. Each wind direction does have its own characteristics, however.

Wind directions and what to expect:

• North wind : Arriving over the Markermeer. Steady wind, moderate chop.

• Northeast wind : Can be amplified thermally in spring. Ideal for flat water close to the shore and chop further out.

• East wind : This comes across Flevoland, creating mirror-smooth water. Depending on the wind strength, it's suitable for experienced wing foilers or lessons with a boat guide.

• Southerly wind : Wind coming across the Gooimeer lake and can be gusty at the shore, but builds well further out on the water. Often slightly weaker than forecast.

• Westerly wind : Blowing across the entire IJmeer, creating a nice chop. Above 25 knots, serious waves develop.

Not sure if the circumstances are right for you?

Please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help you!

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