Question 1

Do I need to create an account to use WindTrackr?

Accepted Answer

Not mandatory. You can check all real-time data, view 7-day historical graphs and AEMET forecasts without registering. Creating a free account allows you to save up to 3 favorite stations for quick access. Premium account (optional) adds: unlimited favorite stations, custom wind alerts with push notifications, no ads and unlimited manual updates.

Question 2

What is the difference between free and premium account?

Accepted Answer

Free account includes: full access to real-time data from all stations, 7-day historical graphs, complete AEMET forecasts, up to 3 saved favorite stations, manual refresh every 10 minutes and occasional ads. Premium account adds: unlimited favorite stations, custom wind alerts with push notifications, unlimited manual updates and ad-free browsing.

Question 3

Can I cancel my premium subscription at any time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. You can cancel your premium subscription whenever you want from your account settings. There are no penalties or permanence periods. If you cancel, you will maintain premium access until the end of the already paid period, after which your account will return to the free level keeping all your data and configuration. You can reactivate premium at any time.

Question 4

How do I save my favorite spots?

Accepted Answer

First create an account (it is free). Then, on the map or in the station list, click the star icon next to the spot you are interested in. Favorite spots will appear highlighted in the interface and you can quickly access them from the "My Favorites" section in the main menu. Free accounts can save up to 3 favorite stations, while Premium accounts have unlimited favorites. If you have Premium, you can also configure wind alerts to receive push notifications when a speed threshold you set is exceeded.

Question 5

Where does the wind data come from?

Accepted Answer

WindTrackr integrates data from multiple verified sources: official weather stations from AEMET (State Meteorological Agency), own stations installed in strategic spots (calibrated Davis Vantage Pro 2 anemometers), community data from validated private stations and sensors from collaborating kitesurf schools. Each source is clearly identified in the interface so you know the origin of each reading.

Question 6

How often is real-time data updated?

Accepted Answer

Frequency varies by source: our own stations transmit every 5 minutes with latency less than 30 seconds, AEMET stations update every 10-30 minutes depending on location, community stations every 5-15 minutes depending on model. In the app, the timestamp of each reading indicates the exact time of the last update. The system automatically marks as "obsolete" any data older than 45 minutes.

Question 7

Is the data accurate? Can I trust it to decide whether to go sailing?

Accepted Answer

Our data is as accurate as the source sensors. Own and AEMET stations have professional accuracy (±1 knot, ±5° direction). However, NO sensor is 100% infallible: they can become miscalibrated, suffer temporary obstructions (birds, algae) or be affected by local microclimates. ALWAYS combine digital data with in-situ visual observation. Use WindTrackr as a planning and confirmation tool, not as the only source. Read our safety guide for more details.

Question 8

What exactly do "average wind" and "gusts" mean?

Accepted Answer

Average wind: arithmetic average of speed during the last 10 minutes. It is the "sustained" value you use to choose kite size. Gusts: maximum instantaneous speed recorded in that 10-minute period. The difference between average and gust indicates turbulence. Example: Average 18kt, Gust 28kt = very gusty and unstable wind (typical Levante). Average 20kt, Gust 23kt = laminar and constant wind (typical soft Poniente). Gusts determine if you need quick depower in your gear.

Question 9

Why do I sometimes see differences between nearby stations?

Accepted Answer

It is completely normal due to local effects: orography (mountains, dunes, buildings create wind shadows or accelerations), sensor height (one at 3m vs another at 10m), proximity to sea vs land (coastal thermal breezes), temporary obstructions (trees, new constructions). In complex wind zones, nearby stations can show differences of 10-15 knots due to funnel effects and terrain features. These differences are REAL and useful: they help you choose the best spot according to conditions. WindTrackr shows you all simultaneously so you can compare.

Question 10

The app does not load data or shows "No connection". What do I do?

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic steps: 1) Verify your internet connection (active WiFi or mobile data), 2) Close and reopen the app completely, 3) Clear app cache (Settings > Storage > Clear cache), 4) Verify you have the latest version from the store, 5) If the problem persists, check our service status at status.windtrackr.com. If only ONE station does not load, it may be temporarily offline for maintenance (we indicate it with orange icon).

Question 11

Push notifications do not arrive. How do I activate them?

Accepted Answer

Push notifications for wind alerts are a Premium-exclusive feature. If you have Premium: 1) In the app: go to a station and click the bell icon to configure an alert, 2) On your device: Settings > Apps > WindTrackr > Notifications > Allow all, 3) Verify that Do Not Disturb is not blocking apps, 4) For iOS: accept the permission when the app requests it the first time. If you still do not receive them after 1 hour, contact support.

Question 12

Can I use WindTrackr offline or without mobile data?

Accepted Answer

Partially. The app works as PWA (Progressive Web App) and can cache recent data. If you lose connection, you will continue to see the last downloaded update (with "offline" indicator). However, for REAL-TIME data you need active connection. Recommendation: before going to a remote spot, open the app with WiFi to load forecasts. Once at the spot, real-time data will require at least basic 3G/4G connection.

Question 13

Does the app consume a lot of mobile data?

Accepted Answer

No, WindTrackr is optimized: typical consumption of 2-5 MB per hour of active use. Graphs load on demand (only when you open them). If you use the app 30 minutes a day for a month, you will consume approximately 30-50 MB. Ad videos (if you are not premium) can increase this to 100-150 MB/month. To minimize consumption: avoid continuous reloading (data updates automatically), use WiFi when available and consider premium to remove ads.

Question 14

What is the best spot for beginners?

Accepted Answer

Look for spots with these ideal characteristics for learning: shallow water for hundreds of meters (you can stand), sandy bottom without rocks or obstacles, consistent wind that is not too strong (12-18 knots), kite schools with delimited zones, easy rescue in case of problems and beginner-friendly atmosphere. Avoid spots with offshore wind, strong currents or heavy expert rider traffic. Always check local conditions and ask schools in the area.

Question 15

How do I choose the best spot based on wind conditions?

Accepted Answer

Depends on your level and wind direction/strength: with strong wind (>25kt), look for spots with some protection or calmer waters if you are intermediate. Freestyle/jump experts can take advantage of more exposed spots with clean wind and maximum power. With moderate wind (15-22kt), almost any spot works well. IMPORTANT: wind >35kt is dangerous even for experts. Evaluate your level honestly and read our safety guide.

Question 16

Does WindTrackr also measure waves?

Accepted Answer

Not directly. Our sensors measure wind (speed, gusts and direction), not wave height. For wave conditions, check specialized surf forecasts in addition to WindTrackr. However, you can infer wave conditions indirectly: sustained strong wind generates local chop (wind waves), while swell comes from distant systems. The combination of suitable wind + swell is perfect for sports like wave-riding.

Question 17

When is the best season for wind sports?

Accepted Answer

It varies depending on geographic location. In general: summer offers more predictable thermal winds and warmer water, but can be more crowded. Spring and autumn usually have good wind with fewer crowds and lower prices. Winter can bring storms with strong wind and waves, but requires a good wetsuit. Use WindTrackr historical graphs (premium) to analyze monthly patterns in your area and find your ideal window.

Question 18

What do I do if I am in danger in the water?

Accepted Answer

EMERGENCY PROTOCOL: 1) INTERNATIONAL SIGNAL: raised arm vertical moving side to side = I need help. 2) DO NOT abandon your board/kite: they are flotation. 3) If offshore drag (takes you away from shore): activate kite safety system, hold on to board, DO NOT swim against current (depletes energy), wait for rescue or drift parallel to shore until you find return current. 4) Real emergency: call 112 (Spain emergencies) or Channel 16 VHF if you carry radio. 5) PREVENTION: never sail alone in extreme conditions, communicate your plan to someone on land, carry mobile in waterproof bag. Read our COMPLETE safety guide before sailing.

Question 19

Should I sail if the forecast says storm but now there is sun?

Accepted Answer

NO. Storms in the Strait can form in 30-60 minutes. If AEMET issues warning (yellow/orange/red), respect it even if it is clear now. Signs of imminent storm: cumulonimbus clouds (dark vertical towers), wind that rotates abruptly, sudden temperature drop, tense calm before storm. If you see lightning AT ANY DISTANCE: get out of the water immediately (water is conductive, kite is metal antenna). A single lost session is not worth your life. WindTrackr shows AEMET weather warnings in red when they are active.

Question 20

What do the color warnings in AEMET mean (yellow/orange/red)?

Accepted Answer

Green: no meteorological risk, sail with normal precautions. Yellow: low-moderate risk, unusual phenomena (wind >40kt, gusts >60kt), extra caution but navigable for experts with adequate gear. Orange: important risk, very intense phenomena (wind >50kt, gusts >80kt), DO NOT SAIL unless you are professional with specific safety plan. Red: extreme risk, exceptional phenomena, STAY ON LAND without exception. These warnings are designed by professional meteorologists: trust them more than your amateur judgment.

Frequently asked questions.

Do I need to create an account to use WindTrackr?

What is the difference between free and premium account?

Can I cancel my premium subscription at any time?

How do I save my favorite spots?