🌤️ The basics of weather for surfing and kitesurfing (without being a meteorologist)

When you're starting out in board sports, there's one thing you often underestimate: the weather. And yet, it's the key to riding at the right time, in the right place, and avoiding unnecessary hassle.

Whether you're a surfer or a kitesurfer, understanding the basics of weather is a bit like having a superpower. 🌊 You'll know when the swell is coming, when the wind is shifting, or when you'd be better off staying on the beach and having a GIMBER beer.

In this article, we explain everything without any hassle: swell, wind, tides, orientation, apps to know… In short, the weather kit of the modern rider.

🌊 Surfing vs Kitesurfing: two sports, two different weather interpretations

Before going into detail, a brief clarification:

• Surfing is about finding clean waves, formed by the swell and little disturbed by the wind.
• Kitesurfing is the art of playing with the wind… so we are looking to get some (and good wind!).

👉 Result: what is a perfect session for a surfer can be totally rubbish for a kitesurfer, and vice versa.

🌬️ The wind – friend or foe depending on the sport

🏄♂️ In surfing: the less there is, the better (except in specific cases)

• Offshore wind : it comes from the land and blows towards the sea. It "cleans" the waves and makes them more beautiful, more hollow. Ideal for surfing.
• Onshore wind : it comes from the sea and pushes towards the beach. The result? Rotten, choppy waves that are barely surfable.
• Side shore wind : blows laterally. It depends on the spot, sometimes tolerable, sometimes a pain.

👉 In general, surfers seek conditions with no wind or with a light offshore wind .

🪁 In kitesurfing: the wind is the fuel

• Ideal strength : between 12 and 25 knots for the majority of riders.
• Orientation :

• • Side shore or side-on shore = safety and comfort. Perfect.

  • Pure onshore = not great, dangerous if you drift.

  • Offshore = prohibited except with a safety boat. Too risky.

👉 Kitesurfers often use the Beaufort scale or knots to estimate the wind. Always look at the consistency (gusts vs. average wind).

🌊 The swell – the key to success in surfing

Swell is what creates waves. And it often comes from very far away.

To understand:

• Swell height : in meters. 0.5 m to 1.5 m, perfect for beginners.
• Period : the time between two waves (in seconds). The longer it is (10 to 15 seconds), the more powerful and spaced out the waves will be.
• Swell direction : depending on the orientation of the spot, it can be ideal… or completely deflected.

👉 Example: a west swell of 1m50 with a 12 second period = a session that can deliver some serious waves if your spot is exposed.

🪁 When it comes to kitesurfing, swell is only relevant if you want to jump or play in the waves. Otherwise, wind is the priority.

Surf-Forecast is also a fairly reliable source for anticipating surfing conditions.

🌊 Tides – definitely worth checking (especially in France)

Why is this important?

• Some waves only work at high tide (often the case on beach breaks).
• Other spots become dangerous at low tide (rocks, currents…).
• The current can change depending on the tide and cause you to drift.

👉 Learn to identify beaches that "work" at low, high, or mid-tide . And avoid surfing at high tide if you're a beginner in an area with a strong shorebreak.

📱 You can use Surf Report , Windy , or Tideschart to check the tide at your spot.

🧭 Wind direction & spot orientation

A spot facing due west with a west wind? Bad combo for surfing (onshore wind).
The same west wind on an east-facing spot? Offshore, so perfect!

Kiteboarding or surfing , orientation is the secret to a successful session.

Learn to read a map, identify the orientation of your beach, and check the wind/swell direction to anticipate. Personally, we use Winds-up to get live data on wind conditions .

🔍 The best weather apps for riders

Here are the most used apps for weather forecasts by surfers and kitesurfers:

💡 Tip: cross-reference information from 2 or 3 apps , as none is 100% reliable on its own.

🏄‍♀️ How can you read a weather forecast if you're not an expert?

You don't need to have studied at Météo France to understand. Here's a typical forecast line from Windguru:

Swell: 1.4 m / 12 s – Wind: NE 14 knots – High tide: 10:24 AM – Low tide: 4:45 PM

🟢 For surfing :

• Wave height and period OK ✅
• NE wind = offshore if the spot is west-facing ✅
• High tide at 10:24 AM = go check around 9:30 AM ✅

🟠 For kitesurfing :

• 14 knots = perfect for 12m² ✅
• NE wind = pay attention to the spot's orientation
• Tide? Less important unless you're sailing on sandbanks

🧳 Weather checklist to look at before your session

• ✅ Wave height
• ✅ Swell period
• ✅ Swell direction
• ✅ Wind direction
• ✅ Wind strength and regularity
• ✅ Tides (high/low and timing)
• ✅ Type of spot (reef / beach / port)
• ✅ Water temperature (for the wetsuit)
• ✅ Risks (storms, violent gusts of wind, jellyfish, etc.)

🧼 Bonus: the gear to have in your weather-friendly bag

• Anemometer (if you're into kitesurfing and want something concrete)
• Water surface thermometer
• KIMA Rolls bath poncho to keep you warm after your session
• KIMA Rolls microfiber towel (compact, quick-drying)
• Session log : note the conditions and your progress

❓FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Can we trust weather forecasts 100%?

No, especially in summer or during rapid changes. Learn to observe the sky, the sea, the flags of beach clubs… The human eye is often faster than algorithms.

What is the difference between gusts and average wind?

Average wind speed is the average over several minutes. Gusts are sudden bursts of wind. In kitesurfing, too much variation means trouble. In surfing, strong gusts mean rough seas.

Why does the weather change so quickly by the sea?

Thermal effects, local disturbances, topography... The ocean is a real machine of surprises. Hence the importance of having multiple weather sources. For information close to your location in France, you can use Surf Report , which is a good tool!

Can I go kitesurfing when it's raining?

If there's no storm and the wind remains steady, yes. But be careful: rain + unstable wind = risk of treacherous gusts. And be cautious with wet or slippery equipment.

🏁 Conclusion – The weather is your best friend on the water

Understanding the weather isn't just for showing off. It's the foundation for:

• Choosing the right spot at the right time
• Avoid the hassles and the dangers
• Progress faster, under the right conditions

So even if it seems complicated at first, get into the habit of checking the apps, observing the sky, reading the tides… and little by little, you'll see: you'll be able to predict your perfect session with the naked eye. And that's priceless.