If you're anything like me, the idea of flying across the water, powered only by the wind, probably gets your heart racing. I’ve been lucky enough to call Sri Lanka home for over 30 years now, and in that time, I've seen countless people come to our Kitekuda Kite Resort with one question on their minds: How do I start learning to kitesurf?
Kitesurfing is an incredible sport, and it’s one I’m passionate about sharing with others. But I know it can feel a bit intimidating at first. From the equipment to the technique, there’s a lot to get your head around. So, let me walk you through everything you need to know to go from complete beginner to confidently riding the waves or trying some jumps.
Why Choose Kitekuda for Your Kitesurfing Journey?
Let’s get one thing straight: learning kitesurfing is one of the most rewarding challenges you’ll ever take on. And to make it as enjoyable (and safe!) as possible, you need the right conditions. That's why Kappalady Lagoon is such a fantastic spot for beginners. It’s shallow, flat and has consistent winds, making it the perfect place to get started without the distraction of waves or deep water. Whether you're a family looking to get into the sport or an adventure-seeker wanting to try something new, Kitekuda is the ideal place for you.
Plus, as a Duotone Pro Centre, we provide top-of-the-line equipment, so you can be sure you’re using the latest and best gear available. All of our instructors are IKO-certified, meaning they’ve got the experience and skills to help you progress quickly and safely.
Step 1: Understanding the Basics
Before you hit the water, you'll need to familiarise yourself with the kite. Think of it like a plane in the sky – it’s important to understand the basic concepts of safety and flight before you start soaring.
Your first lesson will be on setting up the equipment and the various safety features. Then you’ll focus on how to control the kite on land and learn to fly it, manage the lines, and get a feel for how the wind affects its movement. It’s all about feeling the kite’s power and learning to make small adjustments to control it. It’s easy to get excited and want to rush into the water, but trust me, spending time getting to know the kite on land will pay off later.
It’s also critical to learn the basics of safety. How do you launch the kite? How do you land it safely? These are crucial skills, and at Kitekuda, we make sure you feel comfortable with the gear before we even consider getting you on the water.
Step 2: Hitting the Water – Building Confidence
Once you’ve got the basics of flying the kite, it’s time to get on the water. The Kappalady Lagoon is perfect for beginners because the water is shallow, so you don’t have to worry about deep water or waves. We start you off with body dragging – this is when you let the kite pull you through the water without the board. It’s a great way to build your confidence and feel the kite’s power without worrying about balance.
At this stage, you’ll also start to get a feel for how to use the kite to steer yourself across the water. With our IKO-certified instructors by your side, you’ll have all the support you need to feel safe and in control.
Step 3: Learning to Ride
Once you’ve got the hang of body dragging, it’s time to move on to the next step – getting up on the board. This can be the trickiest part of learning to kitesurf, but don’t worry, we’re here to help. The key is to stay relaxed and trust the process.
It’s all about timing. You’ll need to learn how to position the kite to generate the right amount of pull to get you up on the board. At first, you might find yourself falling a lot, but with practice, your balance and control will improve. The key is patience.
Our Duotone equipment makes this process a lot easier. The boards are designed to give you great stability, so you can focus on perfecting your technique rather than worrying about whether or not you’ll fall.
Step 4: Safety and Progressing Solo
Once you’re comfortable getting up on the board, the next challenge is learning to ride safely on your own. It’s normal to be a bit nervous about going out on your own for the first time, but with the right training and a bit of practice, you’ll soon be cruising along the lagoon with confidence.
The best part about learning at Kitekuda is that we’re always there to support you. Our Kite assistants are always on hand to keep an eye on you while you’re on the water. If you need help, they’re right there to offer assistance, so you can focus on having fun and improving your skills.
You’ll also start to learn how to read the wind, which is crucial for controlling your kite and choosing the best conditions for your ride. As you gain more experience, you’ll start to experiment with different wind conditions and try new tricks.
How Long Does It Take to Learn?
The time it takes to become proficient at kitesurfing varies from person to person, but generally, you’ll need around 12 hours of lessons to get the basics down. Many of our guests take a 3 day course, which gives them enough time to master the fundamentals and feel confident enough to go out solo.
The best times to learn kitesurfing in Sri Lanka are during the Yala Monsoon (May to September), which brings strong, consistent winds, and the Maha Monsoon (December to March), which offers quieter conditions and less crowded beaches. These seasons are ideal for beginners, as the wind is predictable and perfect for learning.
Why Kitesurfing?
If you're wondering why you should choose kitesurfing over other water sports, it's simple: it’s thrilling, accessible, and incredibly rewarding. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll have the freedom to explore vast expanses of water, harness the wind, and push your limits.
And let’s not forget, kitesurfing in Sri Lanka is unlike anywhere else. The beauty of the Kappalady Lagoon and the friendly, supportive atmosphere at Kitekuda make it a truly special experience.
Ready to Get Started?
I hope this guide has given you a clear idea of what to expect when learning kitesurfing at Kitekuda Kite Resort. Whether you're an adventurous soul looking for your next challenge or just someone who wants to try something new, kitesurfing is a sport that offers endless excitement and freedom.
We’re here to help you get started and make sure your journey is safe, fun, and unforgettable. Ready to dive in? Book your learn-to-kitesurf course today and join us at Kitekuda. I can't wait to see you on the water!
About the Author
Hi, I'm Mike, a passionate Australian windsurfer and kitesurfer, also the owner of Kitekuda Kite Resort and the Duotone Pro Centre. I have called Sri Lanka home for the past 30 years and I love sharing my knowledge and experience of this beautiful island with all our visitors. I've been living at Kitekuda situated on the diverse Kappalady lagoon for the past 10 years, and I know this unique little ecosystem like the back of my hand. I'm committed to promoting sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka by building deep relationships in the local village and running initiatives that will lead to long term benefits in the area.
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Bookings & inquiries: https://www.srilankakiteschool.com/inquiry-jotform