Weather models for kite apps

[beebad]

I use ikite plus and now i really like igetwind.

I haven't studied up on recognizing weather patterns for thermals looking at isobars and what not.

So what weather model should i use or people use . I live in the dc metro area.

Also, check out igetwind.com ...this app is cool as it suggests the size kite to use for the given wind.

Thanks

[longwhitecloud]

Trusting I get wind to choose your kite size sound errr... mmmmm ok... lol

Get with the plan in 2019.... windy.com - it's nullschool on meth... you can even overlay isobars - you will be able to understand them then.

[Toby]

I use ikite plus and now i really like igetwind.

I haven't studied up on recognizing weather patterns for thermals looking at isobars and what not.

So what weather model should i use or people use . I live in the dc metro area.

Also, check out igetwind.com ...this app is cool as it suggests the size kite to use for the given wind.

Thanks

Recommending a kite size is way too relative.
In my case they would be 100% wrong.

The other extreme is the foilers...they need way less size.

Etc...

[beebad]

WTF,(what the FIKE, rhymes with kite), i should have qualified my post by saying the app makes a kite suggestion from which to choose from your kite quiver and not something anyone would blindly follow... not the main point of the OP.

What i am looking for is HOW do you choose a forecast model ?

[alunj]

Pick one that works well for where you live ?
Here GFS is too coarse and misses sea breezes and topographic effects . For my location ECMWF is usually one of the best . Don’t bother with any forecast more than about two days out you may as well flip a coin. They are good for broad brush strokes but tend to fail in detail .
Windy.com is a good place to start as they provide several models and in Europe they are the only one providing ECMWF

[Leon van Bergen]

Windfinder Pro app and the Windguru website works both perfect around the World!

[Hugh2]

Windy and then WindAlert for me

[Bradford]

IKite wf-wrf 2km -> thermals, SW wind
Ikite NAM 12km -> everything else
NOAA graphical forecast -> gusts
Windy.com (euro model) -> storms

In New England these four work great. I always look at the map version of those, then drive to place that maximizes the odds. Looking at each location individually can be misleading.

[Bradford]

I forgot...since you’re in the midatlantic, pay attention to Shea Gibson’s forecasts on ikite. You can learn a ton from him.

[laf1greg]

Recommending a kite size is way too relative.
In my case they would be 100% wrong.

Hi I'm the developper of https://igetwind.com You can disable kite size in settings if you don't like it

To answer the question I would say that for america north part you can compare US model NAM 3km with canadian models LAM on igetwind ( lam is very pssimistic so when it shows sign of life it's usualy a good sign). If you want quick update HRRR is update every hour.

Also I've added a feature that let you compare last model run with current and get trend (go to setting to activate it). If trend is positive usually it's a good sign.