Before getting out of the house to go and check out your local beach you can check the conditions on your computer before you go. As Kiteboarders we need the wind to move so its vital we have a minimum of 12 mph to have fun for intermediate to advanced kiters. For beginners 8-10 mph is great to get your kite down the beach for a kite control session on the sand. If its blowin 30 mph, leave your gear in the car and go and watch the local's rip it up.

 

If you are ever in doubt about the weather do not ride. Even the most experianced riders can not control their kites if the weather becomes unstable. Don't force yourself to ride in questionable conditions just because you drove 1 hours to get to the beach. It is not a bad thing to sit on the side lines, at lest you know and respect your riding ablity.

 

Wind comes with the flow of air from high pressure to low pressure. The greater the pressure the stronger the wind will be. Clouds also have a great effect on the winds. Just remember Cumilonimbus, the big fluffy clouds, white or black just get out of the water and get you kite secured on the beach. This is danger, gusty winds on the way.

 

Cold fronts can bring both stable and unstable winds. They can bring hazardous squall lines, strong gusts, 90 degree wind shifts and temperature changes.These cold front conditions have claimed many kiteboarders over the years. Only kite in stable winds this is perfect for everyone. Avoid unstable winds, gusty or the wrong direction winds, if you do go out ensure your kite and safety systems work and tell your someone your going out and where you will be kiting.  

 

Tropical systems can have a powerful embedded squalls with unstable gusty shifting winds. Squall free, stable winds can come with tropical systems but are less common, so be aware, safety first.

 

Internet sites to look for the weather in the USA.

 

Check out the forcast to see about temperatures, cold fronts, tropical storms and actual weather in your area

 

These are storm maps, identified by bright coloured masses on the maps

 

These are the significant weather systems, as seen on tv news. Tropical storms, strong high/low pressure systems. Tight or close isobars indicate stronger winds.

 

For up-to-date wind for your local area in the US, this give the best forcast and live updates. We recommend to spend the $100 per year for the subscription, you will get Belmont Beach, Seal Beach & Sunset Beach. Well worth the money. If you buy this through the AKA you will recieve 10% off. just send us an email.

 

For international weather check out our links in our weather section for the UK and Australia.