Weather Links and Info

Wind is something very hard to predict accurately, especially in the Tampa Bay area. The weather does follow general patterns most of the time, however pinpointing wind speed and strength is not easy, even for expert meteorologists. Every person getting involved in this sport should learn as much as they can about weather, and ALWAYS check the weather before going out to kite. We have compiled a list of weather links and some tips that can help you plan your kiting activities with more accuracy.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

Do not kite in unstable weather, or in winds gusting over 15 mph.

Do not kite alone! Use the buddy system and always be ready to assist a kiter in need.

Gusts of 5-10 knots over wind speed are manageable with newer style kites, however GUSTS OF OVER 15 KNOTS SHOULD BE AVOIDED.

TAMPA BAY TIPS

Tampa Bay National Weather Service Marine Forecast - (813) 645-2506 select #2

P.O.R.T.S. - (Physical Oceanographic Real Time System) - 1(888) TB PORTS

(Program these numbers in your phone, its very handy!)

Dial # 1-(888) TB PORTS   It gives real time wind speeds at several wind sensors in the Bay area (#3 on menu), (1&2 give tides info)

C-Cut is the closest wind sensor to the Skyway Bridge. Their website will show you the other sensor locations at: http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/tbports/tbports.shtml?port=tb

N and NW winds are associated with cold fronts and can often be very gusty.  We usually ride the Gulf in these directions, however the waves and current in the Gulf are not very forgiving to a new kiter. New kiters should AVOID ONSHORE WINDS, and body drag past swim buoys before water starting. ALL KITERS PLEASE STAY OUT OF THE SWIM AREAS, and DO NOT FLY YOUR KITE OVER SWIMMERS, SURFERS, OR BEACH USERS!

NE, E, S, SW winds are usually smoother, warmer and less gusty. There are also more flat-water launch sites available locally (better for beginners) on these wind directions. See launch sites section of this site for a complete list of Tampa Bay area launch sites.

NE and East winds are usually stronger from sunrise until 11:00 A.M. when the land begins heating. When the land heats up rapidly, it draws the cooler wind in off of the Gulf to replace rising hot air (called a Sea Breeze) and, if its going to happen, it kicks in from 1:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. and can provide some great riding opportunities in the summer months. Beware of swimmers and beach users, and please stay outside the swim areas anywhere in Tampa Bay.

Good luck with your forecasting, and remember, a day at the beach is always better than a day at work!

    Here's a partial list of weather resources to help you get started planning your next session!

NOAA National Weather Service Forecast Office - Tampa Bay

NOAA National Data Buoy Center

WeatherBug

intellicast

Weather Channel

ikitesurf

windguru