Paragliding is a sport that lives and dies by the wind. One gust too strong or a sudden shift in direction can turn an exhilarating flight into a safety hazard. While seasoned pilots develop an instinct for reading the air, the modern pilot has a powerful ally: real‑time wind‑tracking apps. Below is a rundown of the top mobile applications that give you the most accurate, up‑to‑date wind information, plus a few practical tips on getting the most out of them.
Why Real‑Time Wind Data Matters
| Scenario | What Real‑Time Data Does |
|---|---|
| Thermal hunting | Shows where rising columns are forming and how strong they are, helping you catch lift efficiently. |
| Coastal flying | Highlights sea‑breeze fronts and offshore gusts that can quickly push you away from safe landing zones. |
| Mountain passes | Displays valley‑drift and katabatic winds, allowing you to time your launch and avoid dangerous downdrafts. |
| Competition & cross‑country | Provides a strategic overview of wind gradients along your intended route, giving you an edge on speed and safety. |
Having these insights at your fingertips before you lift off---and during the flight---can be the difference between a smooth glide and a rushed landing.
What to Look for in a Paragliding Wind App
Before diving into the list, keep these criteria in mind when choosing an app:
- High‑resolution data -- Grid spacing of 1 km or finer is ideal for mountainous terrain.
- Fast update cycle -- At least every 15 minutes; 5‑minute updates are superb for dynamic conditions.
- Layered visualisation -- Ability to toggle wind speed, direction, temperature, and turbulence layers.
- Offline capability -- Downloadable maps and forecasts are essential when you're out of cellular range.
- Cross‑platform support -- iOS, Android, and (if you use a tablet) desktop/web versions.
- Pilot‑focused features -- Turn‑by‑turn route planning, waypoint sharing, and integration with flight‑loggers.
Top Real‑Time Wind Apps for Paragliders
1. Windy (Windy.com)
- Platform: iOS, Android, Web
- Key Features:
- Pros: Extremely detailed, excellent for mountain pilots; frequent updates (as fast as 5 min for ECMWF).
- Cons: Interface can be overwhelming for beginners; full premium features require a subscription.
2. XCWeather (formerly XC Sky)
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Key Features:
- Pros: Tailored specifically for pilots; offline map packs for remote sites.
- Cons: Limited free tier---most useful tools locked behind a yearly subscription.
3. Paragliding Guru
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Key Features:
- Pros: Clean UI, perfect for quick pre‑flight checks; free version is generous.
- Cons: Not as high‑resolution as Windy or XCWeather for deep alpine valleys.
4. iParagliding (by BGL)
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Key Features:
- Combines forecast maps with a built‑in GPS flight logger.
- Real‑time alerts for wind‑speed thresholds you set (e.g., "warn above 15 kt").
- Exportable flight data for post‑flight analysis.
- Pros: All‑in‑one solution; good balance between forecast depth and usability.
- Cons: UI feels dated; some users report occasional lag on older Android devices.
5. Meteoblue Aviation (Meteoblue App)
- Platform: iOS, Android, Web
- Key Features:
- Pros: Very reliable on windy coastlines; free tier includes most essential layers.
- Cons: The premium version is pricey, and the app is oriented more toward aviation than sports.
How to Use These Apps Effectively
| Step | Action | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Pre‑flight check (30‑60 min before launch) | Open your chosen app, set the altitude to your expected flight level (e.g., 1 500 m). | Look for consistent wind direction across the valley; sudden shear indicates turbulence. |
| 2. Identify lift zones | Switch to the "thermal" or "lift" overlay (available in Windy, XCWeather). | Focus on high‑lift pockets aligned with ridge lines; avoid low‑lift corridors. |
| 3. Set alerts | In iParagliding or Windy, configure warnings for wind speeds above your comfort threshold. | Keep alerts audible; a sudden gust can appear hours after a forecast update. |
| 4. In‑flight monitoring | Pull up the app in "offline mode" (download the relevant map tiles). | Use the compass overlay to keep track of wind direction relative to your heading. |
| 5. Post‑flight review | Export the flight log and overlay it with the wind map from the same time slot. | Spot discrepancies---maybe an unexpected downdraft you didn't see in the app---and adjust future plans. |
Bonus: Pairing Apps With External Sensors
Many pilots enhance app data with a Bluetooth‑enabled anemometer (e.g., WeeWX ). Pairing real‑time ground measurements with forecast layers creates a hybrid picture that's especially useful on days with rapidly changing conditions.
Bottom Line
Choosing the right wind‑tracking app comes down to a balance between data granularity, ease of use, and how well it integrates into your flight workflow.
- If you crave maximum detail and don't mind a learning curve, Windy or Meteoblue are unbeatable.
- If you want an app built for paragliding with dedicated lift maps and task planning, XCWeather and Paragliding Guru are the go‑to options.
- If you prefer an all‑in‑one log‑plus‑forecast solution , consider iParagliding.
Whichever you select, treat the app as a decision aid, not a substitute for local knowledge. Combine real‑time data with on‑site observations, and you'll keep the wind on your side---every launch, every flight. Happy soaring!