“Is it on today?” It’s the most common question we get here at the school! Reading the wind and knowing your gear at Greatstone isn’t just about fun—it’s about safety. This guide will turn you into a local forecast pro.
Decoding the Greatstone Windguru Forecast
Forget the guessing game. Here is how to use Windguru like an Infinity Sport local to get the most out of your session at The Varne Watersports Club (TN28 8NR). With a background in kitesurfing and years on the water, we have refined exactly what to look for at this spot.
Trust the Arome 1.3km Model
When checking the Greatstone Windguru Forecast, scroll past the general “WG” tables. The Arome 1.3km is our most trusted high-resolution model for short-term accuracy. While the WG model gives a general idea for the week ahead, it is often too conservative.
The Greatstone “Plus” Factor
From our daily observations on the beach, the actual wind is almost always stronger and cleaner than the forecast suggests:
- Stronger Wind: Add 2–3 knots to the Arome 1.3km forecast. For current live conditions, check the Varne Live Station.
- Steady Wind: If forecasted gusts are 1/3 of the base, the wind will be incredibly steady.
- Wind Reality: Actual conditions are usually less gusty than predicted, except in Westerly directions.
Direction & Safety: The Traffic Light System
Greatstone is an East-facing beach. Use this system to judge your safety before launching. Precision and safety are hallmarks of our teaching style here:
Green NNE, NE, E, SE (Onshore / Cross-On)
The famous Greatstone North-Easterly. Clean, stable sea air. Perfect for all levels.
Amber North or South (Cross-Shore)
Parallel to the beach. Great for riding, but can feel slightly “lumpy” next to the shoreline.
Red West, NW (Offshore)
DO NOT KITE. Wind is turbulent coming over the town and will blow you out to sea.
The Southwest (SW) Exception
Greatstone offers fantastic flat-water conditions in a Southwest (SW) wind. However, as this is offshore, you must follow two rules: 1. Only go out if our rescue boat is active. 2. Check the Camber Sands, Red House sensor for the true reading.
Mastering Greatstone Tides
Our tides range from 1m to 8m. Detailed daily breakdowns are available at Tideschart Greatstone. A useful local rule is to avoid 1.5 hours either side of High Tide:
- Neap Tides (Below 3m): It is usually safe to kite right through the high tide.
- Spring Tides (Above 7m): The water hits the sea defenses. You will need to wait at least 2 hours either side of high water.
Kite Size Selection Guide
Choosing the right size depends on your weight and wind speed. This table is optimized for Twin Tip riders. If you are using a Foil or Directional board, drop down 2-4m in size.
| Rider Weight | 12–15 kts (Light) | 16–21 kts (Perfect) | 22–27 kts (Strong) | 28–33 kts (Pro) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50–65kg | 10m – 12m | 7m – 9m | 5m – 6m | Stay Ashore |
| 66–80kg | 12m – 14m | 9m – 11m | 7m – 8m | 5m – 6m |
| 81–95kg | 14m – 17m | 11m – 13m | 9m – 10m | 7m – 8m |
| 95kg+ | 17m+ | 13m – 15m | 11m – 12m | 9m – 10m |
