Most surfers use WindGuru, Windfinder, Surfline and the like get significantly more screen time than Instagram or TikTok. Studying weather charts, comparing models and analysing changes in wind, gusts, swell, waves and tides across multiple spots, so as not to miss the best conditions. The new SurfSignal app now bundles all these checks into a single service.
The basic principle here is similar to that of the the recently launched “KiteReady” app: Users add their favourite spots around the world and define what constitutes suitable conditions for them. The app then checks forecasts up to ten days in advance and shows where and when these conditions are likely to be right; users can opt to receive a notification. Just before setting off, there are also live wind readings and spot cameras for a final check.
Weather models selected by location
SurfSignal uses various weather models selected on the basis of location, with spatial resolution and model update frequency being prioritised, the provider explains. This enables SurfSignal to use the most relevant forecast data available for each configured spot across different countries and regions. The live station network provides near-global coverage and enables users to check live measurements from several stations near their spots.
An interview with Surf-Signal founder Sebastiaan Dalmeijer
SurfSignal founder Sebastiaan Dalmeijer is a Scheveningen local and has been a kitesurfer, wingfoiler, SUP rider and surfer for more than eleven years. His aim: to spend less time analysing the conditions, to spare beginners the hassle of interpreting forecasts, to minimise missed sessions and to spend more time on the water.
Hello Sebastiaan, the basic concept behind SurfSignal is reminiscent of the “KiteReady” app, which was also launched recently. Is there a connection there?
I’d call that a coincidence. There’s absolutely no connection. It could, however, suggest that there’s a genuine problem or a source of frustration that we’re trying to resolve.
What is your background, and how did you come up with the idea of developing the app?
As I’m a surfer myself (kitesurfing, wing foiling, SUP…), I was always on the lookout for the right conditions. I’d constantly be doing the same ‘checks’ for my local spots. When kitesurfing, I looked for a south-westerly wind of at least 20 knots to have fun kitelooping. For wingfoiling, on the other hand, I looked for nearby lakes, and the wind had to come from a different direction due to obstacles such as trees and buildings. And for SUP, I prefer small waves and a light offshore breeze. After doing this for a few years, I started a family and took on a demanding job. And before I knew it, I’d missed out on that one perfect session I never wanted to miss. And the worst bit was: although I received notifications from the weather apps, they only came on the day itself. Too late to plan a session. That’s how the idea came about. My spots. My ‘condition sets’. One notification a day showing the forecasts for the next ten days. And within the app, all the data you need to make the right decision days in advance and on the day itself, based on live measurements and webcams. And one of the things I particularly loved about developing it was the seamless experience. I often see apps that ask for all your profile details straight away, suggest what looks ‘good’, or send out random marketing-related notifications. I wanted a seamless, ad-free and truly valuable experience. With this goal in mind, I set about developing SurfSignal.
What sets Surf Signal apart from the usual services such as Windfinder, WindGuru and the like?
It’s not a forecast app. It’s an app to help you decide when to go out. The difference is that other apps offer a wealth of information for you to explore and analyse. More is better. With SurfSignal, the motto is: less is more. It’s really just about answering one question: ‘When and where can I get out on the water?’. And because the user defines all the spots and settings themselves, this is a genuine companion or toolset for the user, completely free of distractions. No unnecessary clutter.
Whether certain conditions are considered ‘good’ or ‘bad’ also depends heavily on a surfer’s ability and expectations. How are personal preferences taken into account?
These are the key – and are, in fact, at the heart of the app. A user sets their own spots and conditions, exactly as they wish. This is particularly important because ‘general’ settings are irrelevant; they aren’t tailored to the user. A heavier rider with a small kite needs plenty of wind, even if they’re a beginner. And I like my wind from the south-west so I can ride to the left, but another user might be riding in the opposite direction and need a north-westerly wind. You might also only want to be notified about the really good days, so it’s absolutely vital to define what ‘good’ looks like. A user can also set multiple sets of conditions per spot (e.g. kitesurfing, wing foiling, surfing…). There’s also the option to become a partner. For example, schools can share their spots and notifications with their students, and users can add these spots directly via the map. This way, students know what the conditions are like for their lessons. And during set-up, the instructor or student can easily adjust the settings to suit their needs. And as the user interface is simple and intuitive (❌ for unsuitable times and days and ✅ for suitable ones), even a beginner can understand the forecast.
How many locations are currently listed, and how are new ones added? You do need to know the area to add a new location, don’t you?
There is no fixed list of spots. You place a pin exactly where you’re surfing, and that’s precisely what the forecast is based on – so it’s your own spot, not the nearest town. This works anywhere in the world, for wind, weather and tides. The models are selected automatically, with resolution and update frequency being the main priorities, and live measurements come from local official stations where available (in Germany, this is the DWD). Webcams are added where available. And you’re right about local knowledge: to add a spot, you need someone who knows the place, and that’s by design. The app is anonymous and relies on what users add themselves. I might add an ‘Explore’ section later, but I’m still hesitating, because as soon as it becomes just another exploration or forecasting app, it loses its purpose.
Our target audience is primarily windsurfers and wingfoilers. Kitesurfers may have completely different priorities (e.g. water depth). Can I make recommendations that are suitable for several disciplines, or are there filters for each individual water sport?
An interesting tip! The app is actually aimed at all wind and water sports enthusiasts. It’s ideal for multi-sport enthusiasts, as you can select a spot within the app – and create several ‘condition sets’ for that spot. For example, one for kitesurfing (onshore wind, at least 15 knots, etc.) and another for wing foiling (offshore wind is sometimes acceptable, and you might want a tide filter), or a profile for surfing that takes wave height, period and light wind into account. All this is possible by combining any of the available filters, such as wind, wind direction, swell, wave height, period, tides and other weather variables. For this reason, SurfSignal is equally valuable for surfers, wingfoilers, kiteboarders, SUP paddlers … or anyone else who relies on wind and waves.
Where can you download Surf Signal, and how much does the app cost?
The app can be downloaded for free from the App Store and the Play Store. No account is required. No adverts. I have specifically designed it to work as smoothly as possible. Setting it up is easy and takes less than two minutes. From 1 October 2026, the ‘Super’ tier will come into effect. The idea is that the free version is sufficient for around 75 per cent of users. They’ll get everything they need. There will only be a paid tier for more frequent users. There’s also a special offer: anyone who downloads the app before 1 October 2026 will get ‘Super’ free of charge for a year. Then there’s ‘Partner Mode’. Partners are usually kite, wing or surf schools. They sign up for free, add their spots and course conditions, and then share these with their students via a brand-specific feed. Their students can then add their own spots (free of charge) and are notified when conditions are right – allowing them to engage more closely with the forecasts and conditions. Currently, 20 schools in the Netherlands are already using the system. Partner Mode is free of charge.
Thank you very much!
Information and downloads at surf-signal.com