How does Windguru work? More about the forecasting service.
If you’re looking to understand how Windguru works, it’s probably because you’ve already heard of this website among surfers, kitesurfers, and sailors.
We’ve talked about it here before, but there’s always more to detail.
After all, this is the most consulted platform for those who depend on wind and sea conditions.
Despite its fame, it’s normal to have some confusion when interpreting the data that appears there.
In this article, we’ll explain how it works, which forecasts are useful for surfers, how to interpret each one, and where to find them.
How does Windguru work?
How does Windguru work?
Windguru is a weather forecasting website created with a focus on outdoor sports.
It collects data from various meteorological models and presents detailed tables with information on wind, swell, and temperature, among other variables.
The goal is to allow the user to anticipate the conditions of a specific location, in a visual and comparative way.
The main interface presents a table with times and data organized by columns. Each row represents a schedule (usually every 3 hours) and the columns show variables such as wind speed, direction, wave height, period, among others.
Windguru does not interpret the data for you—it is up to the user to interpret it according to what they want to do at sea.
What forecasts should be considered when surfing?
What forecasts should be considered when surfing?
For surfers, there are some columns on Windguru that deserve more attention. Interpreting them correctly can make the difference between a good session and a big waste of time. Check them out below.
Wind speed
Wind can help or hinder. In general, surfers prefer weak or offshore winds (from the sea to the land), as it helps keep the wave face cleaner.
Generally, speeds below 10 knots are ideal.
This is because if the wind is onshore (from the land to the sea), it can spoil the wave formation.
Wind direction
Wind direction is indicated by arrows. It’s important to know the orientation of the beach where you intend to surf, as offshore wind improves conditions. Onshore wind tends to leave the sea choppy.
Wave height
Height is shown in meters. Waves between 1 and 2 meters are acceptable for most surfers, but it depends on each surfer’s level.
More important than wave height alone is understanding how it behaves in conjunction with other factors.
Period (swell period)
The period is the time between two consecutive waves and is measured in seconds.
Longer periods indicate more organized waves with more energy. A period above 10 seconds is generally good.
Swell direction
The swell direction indicates where the waves are coming from, and this data should be cross-referenced with the beach orientation.
Tip: a good combination ensures that the waves are actually reaching the peak with force and regularity.
Where can I find the information?
Where can I find the information?
Windguru is available online, and there’s also a mobile version.
There are both free and paid versions—the free version is sufficient for most users.
Simply type the name of the spot in the search field and choose from the different models available. For Portugal, the ECMWF model usually provides good readability.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Knowing how Windguru works is one of the best ways to plan surf sessions with more confidence.
By understanding the key forecast data and how each variable can affect sea conditions, it’s possible to choose the best days and times.
With practice, reading the table becomes intuitive, and Windguru becomes a constant ally in the decisions of those who are always looking for good waves.
Want to improve your surfing techniques or are you just starting out? Whatever your surfing level, at Surfing Figueira you can always improve. Book your online lesson.