ZOCO KITESURFING ADVENTURES

KITEBOARDING IN SOTAVENTO - FUERTEVENTURA SOUTH

KITEBOARDING WIND, SWELL AND WEATHER INFORMATION

Wind Statistics: Year-round wind stability makes Sotavento one of the best kiteboarding spots on the planet!

This information refers to wind strengths which last for at least three hours per day. The frequency and strengths are average values based on daily measurements since 1985. These measurements are applicable only to the strong wind zones of Sotavento (an area of approx. 3 miles around the Pro Center with the double acceleration of the wind). 80% of the time the wind direction is a deflected North/East trade wind (offshore). In the autumn, winter and spring the wind can also blow from the East and South (onshore).

The diagram below shows wind strengths of 4 beaufort or more

January	February	March	April	May	June
40-50% >4 Bft	50-65% >4 Bft	65-80% >4 Bft	70-85% >4 Bft	70-85% >4 Bft	90-100% >4 Bft
July	August	September	October	November	December
95-100% >4 Bft	90-100% >4 Bft	65-80% >4 Bft	50-60% >4 Bft	50-55% >4 Bft	45-50% >4 Bft

The diagram below shows wind strengths of 3 beaufort or more

January	February	March	April	May	June
70-75% >4 Bft	70-75% >4 Bft	80-85% >4 Bft	90-95% >4 Bft	90-95% >4 Bft	95-100% >4 Bft
July	August	September	October	November	December
95-100% >4 Bft	95-100% >4 Bft	85-90% >4 Bft	70-75% >4 Bft	70-75% >4 Bft	70-75% >4 Bft

How does double wind acceleration occur?

The prevailing North-East trade wind backs North-West and must force its way overland between two mountain peaks. This creates a wind funnel with accelerated wind.

The sun warms the land more than the water. The cold trade wind from the sea heats up when it reaches the shore and rises. The low pressure underneath the rising warm air draws more air in from the sea and creates a faster wind stream over the island. Essentially it is a particularly efficient sea breeze.

The direct result of these two natural wind acceleration effects can be felt on the spot where the Pro Center is located. This spot has significantly stronger winds than the surrounding areas.

WAVE, SWELL AND WIND PREDICTIONS

Atlantic swell (FNOC)+
Ocean swell activity for Fuerteventura and the rest of the world. Including Significant Wave Heights (SWF) and direction.

Windguru+
Wind, swell and wave predictions & history for Fuerteventura and the rest of the world.

Global swell+
The global weather model from Oceanweather.com. Shows swell situation around the planet in bright, colourful detail.

More to follow...