Kited › Reading wind and tide for kitesurfing
Reading wind and tide for kitesurfing
Two numbers decide your session: the wind direction and the state of the tide. This page explains both in plain words, with beach examples.
Wind direction relative to the beach
Winds are named for the direction they come from. What matters for kitesurfing is how that direction sits against your beach.
- Onshore: blowing from the sea towards the land. Forgiving: if you lose control you drift back to the beach. Gusts are often smoother over open water but waves may be choppy. Camber Sands works best in southerly winds, which are onshore there.
- Cross-shore (side-shore): blowing along the beach. The usual favourite for riding, as you can go out and back.
- Offshore: blowing from the land towards the sea. Dangerous: gusty and shifty near land and it carries you out. The RNLI says to stay within swimming distance of the shore.
Spots differ. At Camber the guide says Greatstone is the option when the wind is offshore at Camber, because Greatstone faces a different way. See the spots page for ranges.
Wind speed and gusts
Forecasts give an average speed and a gust speed. The bigger the gap, the more demanding the session and the harder it is to choose a kite size. Look at the forecast for the exact hour, then compare it with a nearby live reading if you can. A guide for Rhosneigr notes that the RAF Valley wind meter on Windfinder has a one-hour delay, so factor that into kite choice. Summer thermal winds can add about a third to the forecast at Camber, per one school.
Wind shadow and obstacles
Buildings, dunes, cliffs and trees disturb the wind and create gusty, weak patches. The Rhosneigr guide warns of wind shadow when launching at high tide near Glan-y-Mor Road, so launch towards the sea. If you can see turbulence on the water or flags pointing different ways, expect trouble.
Tide height
Tide determines how much beach you have. Many British beaches nearly disappear at high water:
| Spot | Published tide advice |
|---|---|
| Camber Sands | No kiting from 2 hours before to 2.5 hours after high tide |
| Greatstone | Avoid 1 to 1.5 hours either side of high tide |
| Wallasey | Avoid within 2 hours either side of high tide |
| Ainsdale | Tides of 9 m or more push water into the car park around the peak |
| Rhosneigr | Rideable at any state; beach narrows at high tide and rocks are hidden |
| Oxwich Bay / Newgale | Best mid to low tide |
Tide flow
Moving water matters too. Hampshire County Council warns that at Calshot a south-westerly wind on an incoming tide can carry an inexperienced rider into the main shipping channel. Wind against tide also produces steeper, choppier water. Check the tide times and direction of flow, not just the height.
Springs and neaps
Spring tides (around new and full moon) have larger ranges and faster flow than neap tides. The Ainsdale advice about 9 m tides is an example of how big tides change a beach. Look up the day's high-water height as well as the time.
A simple routine
- Check the forecast: direction, average and gust.
- Check the tide table: times, height and flow.
- Work out whether the wind is onshore, cross-shore or offshore for your spot.
- Look at the beach: flags, water and other users.
- Pick your kite size and decide your exit plan before launching.
Pair this with the safety page and rules and permits.
Check local rules and conditions before you go. Spots change: permits, closures, sea defences and tides all affect whether you can launch safely. This site is general information, not a substitute for a lesson or a local briefing.
Frequently asked questions
Is onshore or offshore wind better for kitesurfing?
Onshore or cross-shore. Offshore wind can carry you out to sea if something goes wrong, so it is not for beginners.
Why do beaches say avoid high tide?
There is little or no beach to launch or land and the water is choppier.
How do I know my kite size?
It depends on wind speed and your weight. Ask an instructor or local shop rather than copying someone else's choice.
What is wind shadow?
A weak, turbulent patch of wind behind buildings, dunes or cliffs. Launch away from it.