Using Windguru for Kite and Wing (2026)

Kitesurfing and wingfoiling are sports where the weather makes all the difference. Anticipating wind strength, swell, and tides is essential to enjoy every session in total safety. Windguru remains the go-to reference: it's free, comprehensive, and continuously updated.

In this 2026 guide, we'll explain how to read and interpret Windguru tables, choose the right weather model for your activity, and cross-reference sources to plan your Kite or wingfoil sessions without any unpleasant surprises.

Reading Windguru Tables

When you select your spot on Windguru, you'll see a weather forecast table. These colored lines contain all the necessary information to decide when and where to ride. Here's how to read each data point to plan your sessions with confidence.

Average wind, gusts, and direction

Wind is the most important data on Windguru.

• Average wind (kts): the average wind speed. Aim for approximately 12 to 15 knots minimum for wingfoil, and 15 to 20 knots for classic Kitesurf.
• Gusts: the maximum wind peaks. If they exceed the average wind by more than 10 knots, the session can become irregular or dangerous.
• Wind direction: the arrow shows where the wind is coming from. Onshore (from sea to land) is sometimes tricky for returning offshore; offshore (from land to sea) should be avoided without a safety boat; side-on (across, slightly towards the coast) is ideal on most spots.

Swell, period, and wave direction

The Swell height, Swell period, and Swell direction columns are essential for understanding sea conditions. Swell height (m) indicates the average wave size, the period (s) the time between two crests (a long period of 10 s or more gives powerful and spaced-out waves), and the direction determines the orientation of the waves at your spot. Example: in La Baule, a 1.5 m swell at 10 s coming from the west will provide beautiful lines for Surf or wing in the waves.

Clouds, precipitation, and temperature

Cloud and rain icons help anticipate visibility and wind changes: cloud cover (0% = clear sky, 100% = overcast sky), precipitation (beyond 1 mm/h, expect continuous rain), and temperature (useful for adjusting your wetsuit or windbreaker jacket). Note: an overcast sky and light rain can calm the thermal, while bright sunshine strengthens it.

Tides and local specificities

Some forecasts display a Tide line indicating high and low tide times, crucial for spots with sandbanks or strong currents. For example, in Pornichet, the spot works best at mid-rising tide with a west to southwest wind. Windguru doesn't always provide tides: in this case, supplement with a site like marée.info or SHOM readings.

Weather Models to Know in 2026

Windguru relies on several meteorological models. Each has its own resolution, coverage area, and reliability depending on the forecast duration. Knowing their differences allows you to refine your sessions based on the spot and wind type.

A fine-resolution model (1 to 3 km) provides a more detailed forecast, adapted to local phenomena like thermals, terrain effects, or microclimates. A global model like GFS offers a broader view of trends over several days but is less precise for a specific spot.

The Windguru Mix (WG) Model

To simplify reading, Windguru created an exclusive model: the Windguru Mix (WG). This system combines the results of different models (AROME, GFS, ICON, HARMONIE, etc.) to produce a weighted average that is more representative of real conditions. It considers each model's resolution, update date and time, data consistency between models, and sometimes the model's historical performance in the region.

The WG model is ideal in 90% of cases: for planning your session for today or tomorrow, when you don't want to manually compare multiple models, or when you're discovering a new spot whose specificities you don't yet know.

Choosing Your Model Based on Your Riding Style

Beginner or Recreational

If you ride occasionally or are just starting out, the Windguru Mix (WG) is largely sufficient. It gives you a reliable average of wind and conditions without comparing multiple models. Monitor the average wind strength, gusts, and the windiest hours. Advice: don't rely solely on the Windguru rating; always check the wind direction, as an offshore wind remains dangerous even if the numbers seem good.

Regular or Local Rider

If you ride frequently at the same spots (Pornichet, La Baule, Saint-Brévin), prioritize high-resolution models like AROME 1.5 km or ZEPHYR-HD 3 km: they better integrate terrain effects, coastal currents, and local thermal breezes. Compare AROME and WG Mix forecasts to identify discrepancies. If both agree, you can be 95% confident.

Trips and Travel Abroad

For Kite or Wing trips outside Europe (Brazil, Dakhla, Cape Verde), rely on global models like GFS (13 km) or ICON (7 km): they provide a reliable trend over several days, useful for planning a road trip. Before a long journey, always cross-reference Windguru with a local app (Windy, Windfinder, MeteoBlue) to verify the consistency of international models.

Our Tips for Reliable Forecasts

1. Always compare multiple models. No forecast is infallible. Consult at least two different models (e.g., AROME and WG Mix): if they show similar wind strength and direction, you can plan with confidence. On the Atlantic coast, AROME is often more reliable in the morning, while GFS better reflects multi-day trends.

2. Monitor gusts and their deviation from the average wind. Gusts 10 to 15 knots higher than the average wind can make riding unstable, even dangerous. An average wind of 20 knots with gusts at 30 knots often indicates conditions too irregular for an intermediate rider.

3. Check the tide before getting in the water. At spots like Pornichet or La Baule, sandbanks are exposed at low tide and influence the water quality. A rising mid-tide with side-on wind often offers the best conditions. Supplement Windguru with marée.info or SHOM readings.

4. Observe webcams and real-time readings. Webcams like ViewSurf or local stations (including the GlissEvolution anemometer in Pornichet) give you minute-by-minute wind reality. Comparing forecasts and readings allows you to adjust your Kite, board, or cancel a risky session in time.

5. Consider the terrain and spot exposure. Each spot reacts differently depending on the wind direction. An offshore wind may look clean on the map but be irregular and dangerous on the water; conversely, a side-on may appear less strong on Windguru but be perfectly navigable due to the thermal effect.

Complementary Tools to Windguru

To refine your forecasts, it's essential to cross-reference sources. Here are the most reliable tools we use daily at GlissEvolution.

Winds-Up: Real-time Wind Data

winds-up.com displays live wind readings from hundreds of French stations, including several on the Atlantic coast: average wind strength and gusts, actual direction, and hour-by-hour evolution. You can add your favorite spots to receive personalized alerts when the wind picks up.

ViewSurf: Live Webcams

Before rigging, a quick look at the spot's webcam gives a clear idea of the real conditions. ViewSurf.com offers high-definition cameras at many French spots (La Baule, Pornichet, Saint-Brévin) to visualize the water conditions, crowd levels, and surface wind speed.

Other Useful Apps

In addition to Windguru: Windy (global visualization of winds and fronts), MeteoBlue (detailed forecasts and trend analysis), and Windfinder (similar to Windguru, more visual on mobile). Tip: Install Windguru, Windy, and Winds-Up on your phone to cover all situations, from late afternoon thermals to winter depressions.

In Summary

Windguru remains the go-to tool for kitesurf and wingfoil enthusiasts. By learning to read its tables and understand the different weather models, you'll plan your sessions with confidence. Cross-referencing forecasts with real-time readings, webcams, and tides guarantees successful sessions. At GlissEvolution, we use Windguru every day to advise our riders, test equipment, and plan our outings.

FAQ: Windguru 2026

Source et limites : la lecture des paramètres s'appuie sur l'aide officielle Windguru. Une prévision reste une modélisation : relief, thermique, obstacles et évolution du front peuvent créer un écart local. Croise plusieurs modèles avec les relevés en direct avant chaque session.