An epic guide to kitesurfing in Sri Lanka

Have you ever heard about kitesurfing in Sri Lanka? Actually, Sri Lanka is probably one of the best kitesurfing destinations worldwide. This guide will help you to find out what´s going on in this breathtaking kitesurfing destination.

First of all, let´s see where to kitesurf in Sri Lanka! 

Where is the main location to kitesurf in Sri Lanka?

When we talk about kitesurfing in Sri Lanka, the hotspot is called Kalpitiya, in the Puttalam district. The Kalpitiya peninsula is located in the northwest of Sri Lanka, 2 hours from the Colombo international airport. Actually, Kalpitiya is a gold mine with a dozen kitesurf spots, for all levels and all styles: from flatwater spots to decent swells,   with a wind blowing 7 days a week on average from 18 to 20 noons and water at 29°! The conditions are exceptional in the months of June, July, August, September, January, and February. The wind is also good in May, October, and December.

The lagoons of Kalpitiya are huge, flat for beginners and pure freestylers, especially the lagoon of Puttalam which remains a real mirror and where the wind blows at 25 knots! The other side of the Kalpitiya peninsula is located on the Indian ocean, ideal for freeride practice or for navigating in beautiful waves. You love Sri Lanka, a sure value for kitesurfing, a destination still uncrowded, exotic and peaceful for a forgettable kite stay in Asia. It sounds like a dream kite destination, right? If you are still not 100% convinced of what we are telling you, then read on!

What are the best kitesurfing spots in Sri Lanka?

Among the best spots to kite in this amazing destination you can find Kalpitiya lagoon, Vella island, Kappaladi lagoon, Puttalam lagoon, Donkey spot, Talawilla and Outside reef.

What is the best period for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka?

The best months to benefit from a kitesurfing trip are June, July, August, September, January and February. Yet, October and March have many days with pretty decent wind

What are the riding conditions?

Regular wind between 18 and 20 knots every day and water at 29 degrees: the conditions are perfect for progressing in kitesurfing on the best spots of Kalpitiya in Sri Lanka.

What is the level required?

With a dozen kitesurf spots around Kalpitiya, there is something for all levels, from beginner to expert. Plan of flat water or waves, all lovers of kitesurfing will enjoy themselves in Sri Lanka.

If you want to find out more about other famous kitesurfing destinations in Asia, we advise you to read our guide on kitesurfing in Asia

Practical information 

Size of kite. What size of kite should you bring? Well, depending on your weight. Let´s say that for a 80 Kg rider, the most suitable kite in Sri Lanka is a 10 m in summer seaon and 14 m in the winter season

Wind: The main kitesurfing season in Sri Lanka runs from mid-May to the end of September. This period is called the ‘main’ season and the wind blows almost daily around 18-30 knots. However, Sri Lanka has two seasons, the second season runs from mid-December to February/March. The wind is a little less reliable during this period and usually lighter (15-20 knots) than in the main season. On the other hand, in winter the lagoon blows in the opposite direction from the north-west, so there is no turbulence from land and the wind is more constant. In January and February you can expect moderate winds up to the 20 knot mark. Dolphin and whale watching are also popular around this time in the Kalpitiya region. With an average air temperature of 32°C and water temperature of 27°C, the wetsuit can safely stay at home. If you are lucky, you can also catch good wind the first two keeps in March
territory

Water: Kalpitiya is known for its lagoon with flat water which makes it an ideal spot for beginners and freestylers. The color of the water is not always attractive, but don’t let that stop you!

Temperature: The temperature in Sri Lanka is between 25 and 30 degrees almost all year round. The temperature of the lagoon is around 26 degrees. So no wetsuit needed!

Visa: You need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. This visa can easily be ordered online in advance and is also known as ‘electronic consent’. Keep in mind that you have to meet certain requirements.

What requirements do you have to meet to be able to apply for a visa?

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months on the day of arrival in Sri Lanka (so pay attention if you apply for your visa earlier).
Your passport must still have at least 2 blank visa pages and these must be facing each other.
You need a return or onward flight ticket
You must be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources
Via E-visums.nl you can easily apply for your Eta Sri Lanka online for € 49.95.

Note: The visa is valid for 180 days from the date of issue and you can stay in Sri Lanka for a maximum of 30 days.

With more than a dozen kitesurfing spots and wind speeds averaging around 35 km/h, Puttalam in northwest Sri Lanka is the ideal kitesurfing region. The Indian Ocean on one side, the Puttalam Lagoon on the other side and in between the small Kalpitiya Lagoon, which offers perfect conditions for beginners and freestylers. The months from May to October are best for kiting in Sri Lanka, but there are also good wind conditions outside of the main season, from December to February. Temperatures are pleasantly warm all year round, so you can leave your wetsuit at home with peace of mind.

The kitesurf shops in Kalpitiya and the surrounding area are very well equipped. Kitesurfing camps are available as well as individual kitesurfing lessons with well-trained kitesurfing instructors. The kitesurfing schools also organize downwind safaris. Equipment can be rented on site for a fee

We recommend you read our guide on kitesurfing in Kalpitiya that will take your breath away! Take a look and tell us what you think!

The west coast of Sri Lanka has numerous kitesurfing spots, although this is a relatively new sport in the country. Kalpitiya draws crowds of kitesurfers thanks to the abundance of rentals available through various water sports operators in Sri Lanka. The best time for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka for beginners is from January to March. Advanced and professional kiters rush to the west coast of Sri Lanka from May to September when the southwest winds bring high coastal breaks and high seas. Consistent 24/7 winds promise extended hours of kitesurfing off the Kalpitiya Peninsula. During the summer season, Kappalady Beach and Lagoon are some of the windiest kite spots in Sri Lanka with excellent kite surfing conditions. There are no rocks or dangerous corals, so if you get washed you’ll be blown to shore. Said that, let´s deep into the most terrific kite locations in Sri Lanka!

The most unforgettable kite locations in Sri Lanka

The expanses of salt marshes, mangroves, palm groves and small fishing villages scattered along the great peninsula of Puttalam offer us an authentic discovery and an incredible sliding space.

Between May and October debut, we are new to offer the best, so prepare your quivers…
As part of the KTA Sri Lanka (Kiteboard Tour Asia), Kalpitiya hosted the Asian Freestyle Asian Championships in 2018 and even the biggest train in the lagoons of Kalpitiya. You also can come and ride in the footsteps of champions!

1. Donkey Spot: waves, flat zones, intermediate level

The first ocean side spot in Sri Lanka is found 15 min drive from Kalpitiya, accessible by tuk tuk or on foot. The spot is easy for the lightest sale, reserved for experts when the sale passes through 15 knots. It is a wave spot but also with flat areas. In the summer season, the wind is of very good quality: stable and strong.

2. Kalpitiya lagoon: main spot, flat, all levels, freestyle, wind a bit gusty in summer

2 km from Kalpitiya town, 5 minutes by car or tuk-tuk, we enter the great lagoon. The lagoon is immense and it is an easy and flat spot, ideal for all levels; the dream for kiters who want to progress very quickly, but also for confirmed kiters who, by crossing the small dune for 400 m, find themselves on the spot on the ocean side. . Indeed, the water is at 27°C, the sandy bottom caresses the feet, the landscapes are beautiful and many birds accompany us. 

The Kalpitiya Peninsula is in a microclimate that escapes monsoons and rain. During the 5 summer months, there will be 4 hours of rain in all. In winter, it is less than one day of rain per month. In terms of temperature, in winter we will have an average of 26 to 28 degrees during the day and 20 degrees at night. In summer, it is rather 32 degrees during the day and 28 at night. Wind practically guaranteed every day. May to October: 15-30 knots and mid-December to mid-March: 15 to 25 knots.

Kalpitiya: Go kiting on unspoiled spots where you will often come across locals who have often never seen a white man and even less a kite wing! Pleasant lodges with a sporty and dynamic atmosphere where you can easily go alone or with friends.

3. Vella Island: flat, shallow, strong and regular off-shore wind, kiter knowing how to go upwind.

The icing on the cake of the adventure, one hour by boat from Kalpitiya, a small island, Vella Island, inhabited at the very end of the island by a few families of fishermen, is a secret spot where we play on transparent water and flat as a mirror, an incredible spot discovered by the owners of the kite centre. Between natural swimming pools and the edge of the white sand beach, the sliding is simply perfect. After an hour of sailing between the lagoon and the ocean, we stop on a small island to inflate the kites, then we kite 10 km downwind, along sandbanks, passing peaceful fishing villages. This gives time to have fun and explore the pristine coastline before arriving at Vella Island, our favorite spot in Sri Lanka! In the large 2.5 km bay, with an ideal angle for the wind, the riding conditions are exceptional. The offshore wind gives you several hundred meters of flat water and lots of space. A comfortable “Beach houses”, with a breathtaking view of the spot, have been installed on the island by some resorts with hammocks, poufs, deck chairs and plenty of shade. For those who want to progress in freestyle, the center can give lessons on the spot.

Here the wind is just blowing offshore, ironing the water as smooth as a fluffy carpet. In addition, the wind comes undisturbed over the open sea, is therefore much more constant and usually a little stronger than on the lagoons around Kalpitiya. It’s no wonder that freestyle pros are often found here using this unique spot for training.

For safety, experienced instructors are usually present on the spot and the safety boats follow the kiters to help them if necessary and provide supervision. Many kite schools in Sri Lanka organise these kinds of kite trips, which include lunch and cold drinks, safety boats and round-trip transport.

It is even possible to spend the night there to make the pleasure last! There is no water nor electricity but don´t worry, it is a magical experience just for a few hiccups of great nature.

Definitely ,Vella island is a sweet that must be tried when we talk about kitesurfing in Sri Lanka

4. Dream Spot: versatile wave and flat spot

Dream spot is located 15 minutes by boat from the lagoon of Kalpitiya. A sandbar separates the ocean from the lagoon. On the ocean side, you can have fun on the waves and on the lagoon side you will enjoy the flat area protected by the sand spit. Half-day kite trips are organized to the spot.

5. Kappaladi lagoon: flat, all ideal beginner levels

If you think you already know the best spots in the world to learn kite, that means you haven’t seen the Kappaladi Lagoon yet. In fact, the Kappaladi Lagoon is, together with the Kalpitiya Lagoon, the hot spot for kiting in Sri Lanka.

The spot is 20 km south of Kalpitiya. It is a small lagoon which can accommodate about 15 kiters and offers a flatwater body. It is not connected to the ocean which makes it very safe. The lagoon is shallow and the water is waist deep over most of the lagoon, making it an ideal spot for beginners. The Indian Ocean is just 50 meters from the beach bordering the lagoon. You can go there to find the waves.

A kite school is on the spot but a space is reserved for visitors who are outside the school.

 The Kappalady Lagoon is suitable for kitesurfers who want to enjoy a very wind-safe all-in-one spot in combination with a wonderful ambience

The Kappaladi lagoon is too shallow for foil kiting, but it is possible on the sea; windsurfers are not allowed – they have to go to Kalpitiya Lagoon

>> The ultimate guide with the top spot for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an increasingly famous destination in the world of kitesurfing. Are you a fan of watersports? Here, you can practice your passion while discovering an exceptional culture transmitted through the warm smiles of a welcoming people. Distant island, the rolling foam, the coconut palms that adorn the beaches and the superb tea plantations can only delight you with this trip full of serenity. In this unusual universe, in the heart of the jungle which preserves wild fauna and many Buddhist temples, you will find peace there.

Where to stay?

 Looking for a place to stay? If you have doubts about where to stay on your next kite trip to Sri Lanka, here are some tips

What should be taken into account when choosing a kite camp in Sri Lanka?

First of all, the location. It is very important that the kite camp or resort is located close to the hot spots. The north of Sri Lanka is still very rural and unspoiled and you don’t want to find yourself in the middle of nowhere, do you? For this reason, we recommend that you look for accommodation near the Kalpitiya or Kappaladi lagoon, which is where the most social life and restaurants are concentrated.

Secondly, you want to stay in a kite camp with a kitesurfing atmosphere. Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka is very new, and many new accommodations are appearing that are practically empty. We strongly recommend you to stay in a resort with kitesurfing vibes

And last, but not least, the resort should provide kitesurfing services (organization of kite excursions, rental equipment in case you need to replace your equipment, a safety boat for the worst scenario…)

Said that, here you have our recommendations;

Best Kitesurfing camps in Sri Lanka

OUR TOP PICK KITE CAMP:

1. Margarita kite camp is the perfect place to switch off, go kitesurfing and immerse yourself in another world. It’s the first camp in this place so you don’t have to worry about all-inclusive mega-hotels or drunk tourists. Located right in Kalpitiya lagoon, the camp has a bar and the crew is a mix of locals and travellers and together they create a mega chill vibe. So whether you want to spend your evenings in the cosy bar or hang out around the campfire, everything is possible!

Margarita kite school conduct the training in the large lagoon of Kalpitiya. Runned by two spanish guys (eusebi & Ruben) This IKO center is the best choice for beginners. The shallow lagoon just in front of Margarita kite camp offers ideal conditions for beginners. Flatwater, standing area and endless space give you the best conditions to learn kitesurfing in Sri Lanka. Of course, as at every IKO center, a rescue boat is available here if you should ever need help. It also goes without saying that Margarita team and the beach boys are always happy to help you if you need a tip or two or want to improve your kite skills.

You can end the evening in this cozy kite camp with waterfront bungalows to feel good and a delicious buffet.

>> Learn more about Margarita kite school

2. Kitesurfing Lanka

The location and geography of the ocean coast make this spot unique. Take a coffee in your room´s terrace and Jump from your bungalow into the water whenever your want! 

The Kitesurfing Lanka camp consists of cosy bungalows built on the beach, a bar and restaurant and a place for yoga, meditation or just hanging out. Kitesurfing is a sport that attracts people of all shapes and sizes so it never gets boring.Right outside the front door, you will find a wonderful kite spot with a lagoon with absolutely flat water and right next to it the open sea, where wave lovers will also get their money’s worth.  

In a nutshell….

Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, “Shining Island” or “India’s Tears” are just a few common terms used to describe the diversity of Sri Lanka. Tropical forests, national parks and safaris, hidden ruined cities, Buddhist temples, exotic markets and paradisiacal sandy beaches that frame the “Pearl of the Orient” make Sri Lanka a very special travel destination. In addition, there is the high level of wind security almost all year round, which not only makes Sri Lanka a unique holiday destination, but also the ideal travel destination for all kiters. Whether you just want to kitesurf every day or you want to experience the beauty of Sri Lanka during your kitesurfing holiday – Kalpitiya in Sri Lanka is definitely the right place for it.

Due to its location near the equator just south of India, Sri Lanka has bathing weather all year round with pleasant temperatures and a high probability of wind. The ideal destination for every kitesurfer to escape the European winter quickly and cheaply. Sri Lanka can also be reached quickly and easily from all major European airports and has a high level of security. Swap your winter jacket for board shorts and visit this kitesurfing paradise. What are you waiting for? If you have kitesurfing in your blood, what are you waiting for? pack your bags and take a crazy trip to Sri La Lanka right now!