kitesurfing Sri Lanka = kiting with Love
Kitesurfing has surged in popularity in recent years, drawing enthusiasts to exotic destinations for thrilling experiences. Among these, Sri Lanka, nestled south of India, stands out as a top global kiteboarding hotspot. With a perfect blend of cultural richness and pristine kite spots, Sri Lanka offers a unique kitesurfing adventure. Blessed with consistent winds throughout most of the year, it beckons kiteboarders to explore its shores at any time. Sri Lanka has long been known as a popular destination for kitesurfing. Along the south and west coasts, numerous surf spots have gained recognition for this sport.
Kalpitiya experiences consistent winds for 9 months a year, making it one of the premier kiteboarding destinations globally. Here, you’ll discover top-notch kitesurfing spots ideal for both learning and advancing your skills. While kitesurfing in Sri Lanka, you’ll explore new kite spots with flat water and connect with fellow enthusiasts from around the world. Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka is more than just a sport; it’s an experience surrounded by family, friends, or simply love!”
Sri Lanka boasts renowned kitesurfing havens primarily located north of Colombo, including Negombo-Chilaw – Puttalam, Kappaladi, Kalpitiya, Mannar, and Jaffna. With favorable wind conditions and expansive flat-water kite spots, Sri Lanka emerges as an ideal destination for a kitesurfing getaway.
Top kitesurfing spots in Sri Lanka:
Kite spots in Kalpitiya and surroundings
Kalpitiya is renowned for its main kite spot, the Kalpitiya Lagoon, where the wind blows consistently for 9 months annually, ideal for learning kiteboarding. During winter (December to March), the northeast wind enters the lagoon cleanly at an average of 14 to 20 knots, requiring kites of 12 to 14 meters. In summer, stronger winds of 18 to 25 knots prevail, sometimes reaching up to 30 knots, necessitating smaller kites around 10 meters. Learning kiteboarding here is relatively easy due to side-shore winds and shallow waters.
Near Kalpitiya, the Kappaladi Lagoon is another notable spot with numerous kite schools, albeit smaller, suitable for summer kitesurfing due to cleaner winds. Vella Island, an hour’s boat ride away, offers excellent kite spots, attracting world champions for training, especially when strong winds create super flat water. The Dream Spot, a short boat ride from Kalpitiya, provides year-round kiteboarding opportunities with clean summer winds, ideal for learners.
Navy Point, at the end of Dutch Bay, is recommended for advanced kiters during winter, featuring a vast flatwater area with offshore winds. Puttalam Lagoon, with its numerous islands, offers unique kite spots, some earmarked for future tourism development. Ippantivu Island, approximately 30 minutes from Kalpitiya, remains pristine and perfect for kitesurfing, with plans for a resort currently on hold.
Undoubtedly, the crown jewel of kitesurfing in Sri Lanka lies in Kalpitiya and its surrounding areas. Here’s a rundown of the best kitesurfing spots in Kalpitiya:
Donkey Point: Accessible via tuk-tuk from Kalpitiya, this spot caters to sea-loving kiteboarders, though it’s under military control.
Apart from Kalpitiya, the east coast, particularly Arugam Bay, offers kitesurfing opportunities, though with more unpredictable winds compared to Kalpitiya. However, Arugam Bay is renowned for surfing and attracts a larger tourist crowd.
For beginners seeking the ideal learning spot, Kalpitiya Lagoon reigns supreme. With consistent side winds during both summer and winter seasons, and a concentration of kite schools, Kalpitiya offers a serene learning environment. The Kalpitiya Lagoon’s nine-month wind season provides ample opportunities for beginners to master kiteboarding skills. Whether it’s navigating the gentle winds of winter or the stronger gusts of summer, Kalpitiya ensures a safe and efficient learning experience, making it a top choice for kiteboarding enthusiasts.
Embark on an unforgettable kitesurfing journey in Kalpitiya, where every spot tells a story of wind, waves, and boundless adventure.
Key Considerations for Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka
- Premier Destination: Sri Lanka stands out as Asia’s premier kitesurfing destination, boasting consistent winds and flat water spots. Opt for a 7-10m kite in summer and a 12-14m kite in winter, based on your weight.
- Learning Hub: Kalpitiya serves as the primary spot for learning kitesurfing due to its favorable lagoon conditions. Beginners find it easier to progress here, but note the lack of facilities like toilets on Kalpitiya Beach.
- Moon’s Influence: Be mindful of the full moon’s impact on wind conditions. While not constant, there’s often a lack of wind during the full moon, typically lasting 3-4 days before and after. Plan your trip accordingly.
- Developing Tourism: Kalpitiya is still developing as a tourist destination, offering limited facilities such as souvenir shops and restaurants. Embrace its authenticity as a kitesurfing hotspot, devoid of extensive social life, which appeals to many enthusiasts.
- Unexpected Wildlife: Donkeys freely roam the kitesurfing areas of Sri Lanka. Despite their presence, they pose no threat and contribute to the unique charm of the kitesurfing experience.
IKO IN SRI LANKA
IKO is the most recognized institution in the kitesurfing world and establishes standard methods of teaching. When searching for kite schools in Sri Lanka, be sure that the school is legal and certified by IKO.
Located in Sethhawadi neighborhood, Margarita kite school is top rated school in IKO and tripadvisor too