Sri Lanka, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. But for wind sport enthusiasts like myself, Sri Lanka offers something truly special: world-class wind conditions that make it a windsurfing, kitesurfing and wing foiling haven and the perfect learning environment.
I’m Mike, the owner of Kitekuda Kite Resort and Duotone Pro Centre Kappaldy which is located in the heart of Sri Lanka's windsurfing, kitesurfing and wing foiling scene. I've spent countless hours riding waves a stone’s throw away from our resort, speeding along the Kappalady Lagoon and soaring through the skies above Kalpatiya. I'm here to share my insider knowledge about the wind seasons in Sri Lanka, so you can get the most out of your visit to the North West Province and its two most popular kiting destinations: Kappalady and Kalpitiya.
Sri Lanka's wind patterns are influenced by the monsoons, creating two distinct wind seasons:
Kappalady Lagoon is a kitesurfing mecca, renowned for its butter-flat water, consistent winds and stunning scenery. The lagoon is a closed water system, creating a vast expanse of shallow, calm water that's perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike.
During the Yala Monsoon, Kappalady Lagoon comes alive with kitesurfers and wingfoilers from around the world. The wind blows consistently throughout the day, reaching speeds of up to 30 knots. The flat water provides the ideal playground for learning new tricks, practicing freestyle moves, or simply cruising along and enjoying the breathtaking views.
If you go 300 meters straight across the Lagoon you are on the beach and can enjoy uninterrupted ocean kiting and foiling with a clean 2 - 5 ft beach break for those looking to do some wave riding. Further out you can find 2 reefs which offer some amazing waves too.
Kalpitiya, a 30 minute drive north of Kappalady and offers a more diverse range of wind sports activities offering ocean and lagoon spots to choose from.
During the Yala Monsoon, Kalpitiya's wind conditions are similar to Kappalady Lagoon, making it another great spot for windsurfing and kiting. It's recommended to bring booties due to some spicky mussels which can be found mainly in the lagoon. The area of Kalpitiya also offers some unique spots, such as Donkey Point and Dutch Bay, where you can ride waves and enjoy the thrill of the open ocean. Further out, only reachable by boat are several amazing spots like Vella or Mini Vella. While they are remote and offer no facilities, it’s worth it to take a day trip to explore the pristine water conditions. These spots are not suitable for beginners, most kiting is done in offshore conditions supported by rescue boats.
The best time to visit Kappalady and Kalpitiya for wind sports depends on your preferences and skill level:
When you're not out on the water, the North West Province offers a wealth of activities and attractions to explore. You can visit the historic Kalpitiya Dutch Fort, go dolphin watching off Kalpitiya, or explore the Wilpattu National Park, home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, leopards and sloth bears.
At Kitekuda, we're passionate about sharing our love for water sports with the world. We offer a wide range of lessons, from beginners to advanced riders who want to further progress. Want to try kitefoiling or wind foiling? Our experienced IKO certified instructors will guide you through the basics and help you progress to the next level, ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable experience. In our Duotone Pro Centre we offer the latest models for rent and in our shop we have a wide range of kites, boards, bars, harnesses and spare parts available.
So, whether you're a seasoned kite surfer and wing foiler or a curious beginner, come and experience the magic of Sri Lanka's wind seasons.
Let us help you #becomekuda and discover the thrill of riding the wind and waves in this tropical paradise.
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.
#becomekuda #Kitekuda #kitesurfingsrilanka #windsurfing #kitesurfing