We just released a new version of our Windfinder Android App. Besides some smaller bugfixes, we have filled a popular feature request: the Windfinder Pro app now also features a widget! Now you can see the conditions at your local spot right on your home screen.
You can download the new version of the Windfinder Android App on Google Play.
After the launch of our main website, we are happy to show you our new website for smartphones: www.windfinder.mobi
On this website, you can easily find wind forecasts, superforecast and real-time measurements for over 30000 locations worldwide. Simply use the search box or use the “nearby” menu to find wind and weather forecasts close to your current location. The website works on all devices like iPhone, Android or Blackberry phones.
We are open for any feedback! Just send a mail to info@windfinder.com.
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We have interviewd professional kiteboarder Tom Hebert from New Caledonia. Tom is 24 years old and lives in Nouméa, New Caledonia. Tom was born on the island of La Réunion and grew up together with his sister and parents on a 14 m boat. They sailed around the coast of Africa and Tom discovered the joy of the ocean from a young age. At the age of 5 years his family decided to settle down in New Caledonia where Tom and his sister first learned windsurfing. A local kiteboarder jumped over Tom with his kite while Tom was windsurfing. This impressed him and made him want to get into the sport quickly. Tom has been kiting since the age of 13 and started competing in 2005. HHe finished 26th in 2007, 7th in 2008, 10th in 2009, 6th in 2010 and 5th in 2011 on the PKRA World Freestyle Tour. Tom is sponsored by North Kiteboarding.
Q: I guess, many people consider you to be very lucky to live in New Caledonia? What is it like to live there? What is the culture like? The mentality?
A: Yes I’m very happy to live there. It’s a big island but there is not many people living there (300000) so I know a lot of them. There is a mixture of a lot of cultures. There many Melanesians, Tahitians, French, Japanese, etc.
I love to be on the water or in the sea so it’s the perfect place to be: good surfing, good kiting, good fishing!
Q: Over the past few years you have continously progressed on the PKRA world cup. Last year you only did one event? How come? Are you tired of competitions?
A: Yes, I did a lot of competitions in the past and I got a bit tired of it. Now I prefer to ride for myself and try to push my own style. I don’t like to be judged by people who don’t know how to do a back roll!
Q: Do you still enjoy the professional kiteboarding career? Or ist it more like work?
A: Yes, I do Now I’m a free rider for North Kiteboarding.
Q: How much of your life is about kiteboarding? What do you do when you don’t kitesurf?
A: I go fishing or surfing, hunting…
Q: Who are your idols (in kiteboarding or in sport in general and why)?
A: I don’t really have any idols I try to get inspired by a lot of people and try to do a good mix with it.
Q: 2 years ago you switched from Airush to North Kiteboarding? What is it like to be on the North Kiteboarding team? How does the cooperation between NKB and you look like? I guess you visited the North headquarters near Munich. What do think of Munich and Germany?
A: It’s been a very good opportunity for me and my career. North is one of the biggest brands on the market or maybe even the largest. I really like the gear. Yes, I was able to visit the headquarters and the factory in Sri Lanka. The Germans are known as very good manufacturers and they realized that indeed it’s ture. When I was visited the factory I realized why the kites are that good, the building techniques are so hi tech and there are many quality checks.
Q: You just did a freestyle camp in New Caledonia? What was it like to touch riders that probably already have a very good level. Are you creating your own (local) competition?
A: Yes, it’s been very good. All the participants were very happy, they stayed one more week to practize. New Caledonia is just the perfect place to train and progress. The level of the riders was average but now they are ripping! I’m not into competitions anymore as I told you before. I prefer to organize a big free ride day and a have nice BBQ on the beach.
Q: What are your plans for 2013 and beyond?
A: In 2013 I will ride a lot again and start a new video project with North Kiteboarding. I will go to the North freestyle photo shoot as well. Making photos and videos are my primary goals for this year. I wanna make people dream!
Video of Tom Hebert:
2013 will be an exciting new year for Windfinder with a lot of new products and new features for both our website and our apps. The first new release of this year is maybe the biggest one - we have completely redesigned our website with a new fresher and cleaner look and a lot of usability improvements.
There are some features that we want to point out specifically:
Of course we are always looking for your feedback - just send us a mail to info@windfinder.com.