Kitesurfing in Kalpitiya Lagoon
Have you thought about going on a kite trip to Kalpitiya but haven’t made up your mind yet? This post aims to give information about Kalpitiya Lagoon, the best-known kitesurfing spot in Sri Lanka to learn to kitesurf.
Kalpitiya is a peninsula over 60 km long, and when it’s windy there are plenty of kitesurfing spots. The Kalpitiya lagoon is where the kite schools are since this place is ideal to learn and progress. The flat and shallow water of the Kalpitiya Lagoon makes it a very easy place to learn to kitesurf. In addition, the kitesurfing schools have lifeboats in case you have to practice rescues, so it is a super safe spot for beginners.
There is a strip of sand between the Indian Ocean and the lagoon. This strip of sand is where the schools teach. On this beach there are no hotels or restaurants and we only have “beach cabins” that originally belonged to fishermen. In general, the place is still under development and does not have proper tourist facilities, such as a public bath; however, this means that the area retains its authenticity and it is quite an adventure to come kitesurfing in this lagoon. There is also no paved road, so it is sometimes difficult to access. The main kite schools use a boat to cross the lagoon. Whether by jeep or by boat, kitesurfing in the Kalpitiya Lagoon will always be an extraordinary adventure.
If you are a beginner and come to kite on your own, you should know that the kite spot is safe, however, depending on the season the direction of the wind is Side-Off shore, so if you have any problem and cannot relaunch the kite, the wind will drag you to the other side of the lagoon (coconut palm area in the Setthawadi neighborhood). To avoid these scares, we always recommend that you locate a kitesurfing school that will keep an eye on you.
During the summer, the wind blows 24 hours a day, but we always recommend sailing between 9 am and 5 pm, since that is when the schools have the rescue bots service. In winter, the wind is thermal and starts to blow from approximately 12:00 to 17:00.
We hope you got an idea about the kitesurfing conditions in Kalpitiya Lagoon, and if you have any further questions, please email us to ask!
Kalpitiya: the spot to learn kitesurf in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has become one of the fastest growing countries in the world in recent years. The calm water spots and its constant wind for most of the year make it a must for kitesurf lovers.
Sri Lanka’s best-known kitesurfing spot is in Kalpitiya, a traditional fishing peninsula located about 2.5 hours from Negombo airport. We can say that Kalpitiya is one of the most rural areas of Sri Lanka and until now quite isolated due to the civil war that the country suffered until 2009. Thanks to the sighting of dolphins and the arrival of kitesurfers, the area is developing and is becoming one of the main kitesurfing destinations in the world. There are two wind seasons. During the summer months, from May to October, a south-westerly wind blows, with an average of 18 to 25 knots, 24 hours a day. Sri Lanka is the only country in Asia where during the summer months we can practice kitesurfing with these windy conditions. This is another of the reasons that have made Sri Lanka one of the main kitesurfing spots in Asia.
On the other hand, during the winter months there is a very stable thermal wind from the northwest with an average of between 14 and 20 knots. During this winter season, from December to March, the wind blows only in the afternoons from 12 noon.
In the mornings you can go snorkeling and diving, as well as go dolphin watching or visit the Wilpattu National Park.
In addition to the very good wind conditions, this kitesurfing spot still retains a uniqueness and a very authentic character. Contrary to what happens in other areas of Sri Lanka, especially in the south, tourism has not yet developed and those who come to kitesurf in Kalpitiya discover a rural and authentic Sri Lanka. We can generally say that yes, Lanka is one of the best kitesurfing destinations in the world.
Kalpitiya is also very close to the Wilpattu National Park with unique vegetation and fauna in the world. If you decide to go on a safari, you will be able to see crocodiles, leopards and elephants.
From Kalpitiya, we can also make room for a day trip to the holy city of Anuradhapura, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you are passionate about kitesurfing and you like to live new adventures, if you are a nature lover and want to discover new cultures, Sri Lanka will be your best kite destination.
