Windsurfing apps

Jeanette Wunderl

· 02.07.2012

Windsurfing apps

How have we survived the last few decades without smartphones and apps? Some would say: "Better", but we still wouldn't want to do without the little helpers on our mobile phones. We have checked out a selection of more or less useful apps for windsurfers for you.

Add bookmark

Windfinder App

From nice toys to really useful and helpful programmes, you can find everything in the App Store. This overview is limited to iPhone and iPad applications

WINDFINDERWhat does it cost? The basic version is free. An update without adverts but with a super forecast costs 1.59 euros, wind alarm costs extra. What is this? The classic for travelling. In proven Windfinder style, the forecasts for wind strength, direction, weather and waves are clearly displayed, and there is also up-to-date measurement data. You can set up your favourite spots as favourites and see at a glance where it is currently at its best. However, the forecasts are only available every 3 hours; the hourly (and usually more accurate) super forecast of the stationary Windfinder version is only available in the Pro version. What are the benefits? Apart from the missing super-forecast, the free version leaves nothing more to be desired and the adverts are not too annoying. However, the costs for the update are completely fair, so you can invest the 1.59 euros with a clear conscience. The hourly forecast is often very helpful, especially on the beach.

WINDGURUWhat does it cost? Free in the app store. What is it? The Windguru app brings the forecasts to your iPhone. Anyone familiar with the website will have no problem finding their way around the app. Wind strength, wind direction, waves and weather are displayed with the familiar symbols. Here, too, you can add the most important spots as favourites and have everything at a glance with just one click. Although a little more information is squeezed into the overview than with Windfinder, you can quickly see where the wind is blowing thanks to the signal colours. However, there is no wind alarm here. If you have a Pro account with Windguru, you can also synchronise it with the app. What's the benefit? This app also brings the good, stationary wind forecasts one-to-one to your mobile phone. Perhaps a little less clear than Windfinder, and a little less lovingly designed. Which wind forecast app you prefer depends entirely on your personal taste.

TRICKTIONARY How much does it cost? The app itself is free with the basics and some demo moves, otherwise you have to pay 7.99 euros each for the complete packages "Non-Jumping", "Jumping" and "Wave". What is it? Tricktionary is not only the bible for every trickster, but also shows all jumping and wave manoeuvres in detailed individual images and video sequences. In addition to the book and DVD, there is now also an app with all the moves. To help you learn the manoeuvres step by step, you can zoom into the pictures and get lots of tips and hints for each individual step. Almost 200 moves are shown, divided into "Beginner", "Non-Jumping", "Jumping" and "Wave". You can also directly access the news and the forum on the web. What's the benefit? Practising a manoeuvre on the water and watching an instructional video on the beach in between - actually ideal conditions. For this very complex app, the rather high price for most chapters is quite reasonable, and for those who really want to go one step further, the investment is worthwhile. Unfortunately, the Tricktionary app is a little too expensive for occasional users and to pass the time. In addition, this educational app is currently only available in English.

IPHONE WINDMETER What does it cost? 0.79 euros in the App Store. What is it? The iPhone becomes an anemometer! With this app you can measure and display the current wind in various units. The microphone is held into the wind and the app calculates the current wind speed based on the noise level. What's the point? Well, yes. It's a nice gimmick for in between, but it can't keep up with real anemometers. A test video on the Internet shows that the rough order of magnitude of the wind speed displayed is correct, but overall the wind metre app is rather inaccurate. However, it is sufficient for a first impression of the conditions, and the price is quite reasonable.

KITE & WINDSURFING NAVIGATOR What does it cost? The app itself is free, but apart from one sample spot (South Africa, Cape region) you have to pay for each region. Northern Germany, for example, costs 4.99 euros, the whole of Europe as a package costs 9.99 euros. What is that? The Navigator app is a wind forecast, wind report and spot guide all in one. Using a map function or by searching, you can get information on conditions, access, costs and parking options for numerous spots around the world. In addition, a link to Windguru tells you what the wind is like locally and how it will develop. Numerous local contact addresses are also provided as a feature. What's the benefit? Even if the word "kite" in the name may put some people off, the Navigator is a very helpful app for windsurfing trips to previously unknown regions. If you are looking for a suitable spot, this app can guide you on the right path and find the best spot for the respective conditions. However, depending on which regions you are interested in, it can be expensive. The price is also likely to prevent many occasional users from simply giving the app a try.

20 Images

Home

Windsurfing apps

Most read in category Windsurfing