Our sport is fueled by WEATHER! Wind speed, wind direction, gusts and temperature are the most important readings. WAK relies on various weather resources to help assess if conditions are suitable for kiteboarding. Not only are current conditions important, but reliable forecasts are vital in maximizing time on the water and can determine launch locations. Archive weather data is also important for looking back at the conditions during today’s session or that epic session in the past.
Most weather services on the internet use the GFS (global forecast system) as a basis for their individual forecasts. The NWS / NOAA (national weather service / nation oceanic and atmospheric administration) and NDBC (national data buoy center) provide some very reliable data also. The WeatherFlow network (iKitesurf, iWindsurf, SailFlow, FishWeather) provide a superior source of data for free and premium sensors throughout the U.S. and World. Our local shop, Wind Power Windsurfing & Kiting Center (on Lake Winnebago) in Fond du Lac, WI has a excellent Weather Center that provides current conditions, weather history and other weather information.
Lake Winnebago and East-central Wisconsin
Current Conditions Graph
South Lake Winnebago (Fond du Lac, WI) Forecast
Other Weather resources we like to use:
Wind Power Windsurfing & Kiting Center – The best weather center on the planet! (well, at least Lake Winnebago) Great current conditions and graphs. Also good historical data and wind alerts.
WindMapper - A nice visual source of wind (and other values) for a larger area
WindFinder - Wind, waves and weather for kitesurfers, windsurfers, surfers and sailors
US Surface Map – United States Surface (pressure) map gives an overview of current atmospheric conditions
Lake Michigan – NOAA’s National Weather Service – Great Lakes
Lake Winnebago Water Temps – Hourly temperatures at various points in Lake Winnebago
If you have any other great links or find any issues with above information, please contact WAK.
