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the birthplace of kitesurfing in sri lanka
kappalady Beach & lagoon
You probably already know that everyone is talking about kitesurfing in Sri Lanka, right? Kalpitiya and especially Kappalady lagoon, where kitesurfing had started in Sri Lanka, nowadays enjoy the reputation as the windiest places in Asia. The kitesport in Asia went through a real awakening as kitesurfing in Sri Lanka took off some years back and it keeps growing at a solid pace as everyone’s attention is on it. Even though more and more kiters keep coming, Kappalady and Kalpitiya are still in a very early stage and mass tourism has not arrived in the area. However, they all come for good reasons. With its laidback and authentic vibe, thriving kite spots, mind blowing wind stats, tropical nature and warm smiles of the locals, kitesurfing in Sri Lanka reaches you on a deeper level.
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From the Northwestern coast of Sri Lanka, the Kalpitiya peninsula is reaching about 40 km into the windy Indian ocean. On the seaside at milepost 26 is the turnoff to Kappalady beach and lagoons, the windiest spot of all as it is fully exposed on the West coast harvesting the SW monsoon winds which blow through the entire main kiteseason from May – October. Kappalady is the birth place of kitesurfing in Sri Lanka. At the tip of the main peninsula you Kalpitiya lagoon, which has made its name for its size and good wind conditions during winter Dec-Feb. It is quite gusty in summer, as the wind is striving for several kilometers over the land before reaching the lagoon. Nevertheless most kiteschools have based themselves at Kalpitiya lagoon because of its size and the fact that Kappalady was already taken. Due to the many schools operating here, it has become the busiest kite location in Sri Lanka – however it should be noted that none of the kiteschools and hotels are located both on the beach and at the lagoon. Either far from the beach or have to board a crowded jeep to get to the kitespot before getting onto the water. Not ideal but hey, the prices are also lower around Kalpitiya as it caters rather for the medium to low end market.
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Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka has become known for its flat and shallow lagoons, numerous small islands and remote kitespots offering an endless variety of options for kitesafaris and downwind trips. And on top of this, Sri Lanka ranks in the top charts when it comes to wind statistics and consistency. due to the changing trade wind systems, kitesurfing in Sri Lanka is possible during two seasons. For three and a half month in summer and three months in winter. This makes Sri Lanka a top kitesurfing destination with for 8 month of the year. And if you foil, you are riding 300 + days per year.
As Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka started here in the Kappalady lagoons a few miles South of Kalpitiya we have decided to established our operation right here on the shore of Kappalady beach for good reasons. It is only here where you find a super flat water spot right next to an accessible wide beach and good waves breaking on a nearby natural reef. This made Kappalady beach famous for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka. We teach our land lessons on the sandbank between the lagoon and the ocean. Kappalady lagoon is bordered by an authentic local fishing village and few tastefully maintained small hotels. Kappalady has a coziness which is unique. Out of respect to the local firshermen and their tradition to start fishing after sunset, we stop kitesurfing in the lagoon at 5pm as the prawns and crabs take some time to leave the deeper areas and crawl to the shallow sides of the lagoon where the fishing is then done after sunset. After 5 pm the kitesurfers flock out to the sea and often enjoy an sunset session all together. There is always something mystical to a sunset over the ocean. We have it at our doorstep every evening. After a sunset ride you can end kitesurfing day in Sri Lanka with a cool drink at our cosy new beach bar.
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Finish your energizing, delicious breakfast in the morning and all you have to do is jump in! You will be driven to our safari boat which is a short 10-minute drive away. Our crew will arrange your kitesurfing gear. You just have to arrive at the boat, hop in and we are off! After a boat ride of 20 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the spot of the day you will arrive at one of our secret kite spots – all these locations are treasured by our expert team of kitesurfers. These are some of our team’s favorite spots for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka. Our kite crew will help you set up and you will be ready to go on a kitesurfing adventure like never before!
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There will always be an IKO Instructor on hand if you get into any difficulties or if you would love to learn some advanced trick and improve your riding skills. With lots of space, flat water and undisturbed wind you find yourself in perfect conditions to practice and enjoy. After some exciting time kitesurfing in these pristine spots, we’d take a small break for lunch. Our safari lunches are almost like a picnic. It’s also a great time to join the chitchat with fellow kitesurfers and share your adrenaline rush with others. Depending on your preferences, we continue kitesurfing in the same location, or for advanced riders who love to explore far off and like to downwind, we follow you with the safety boat to the next exciting spot. As the day ends, you’d be rewarded with cherishable memories about kitesurfing in Sri Lanka.
Back in the boat, you are ready to end the day with a refreshing shower, a cool Lion beer as a sundowner and mouthwatering dinner buffet at our beach restaurant. If you would like to get some footage of your riding, give your mobile phone to one of our Instructors who are happy to capture your best moments on camera. Our kite safari costs have everything included. There are no additional charges for meals or fuel. You don’t have to worry a tad bit, we’ll take care of everything for you. What else…? Cant think of anything! So join us for a kitesurfng adventure in Sri Lanka at it’s apex!
Kappaldy is an outstanding location for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka and everything is right there. With its sprawling flatwater in its waist deep lagoons, the steadiest and best wind conditions from May - September and a beautiful secluded and clean beach and natural environment Kappalady is THE safest and coziest spot for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka. The wind direction changes from South-West during summer to North – West in Winter. Besides relaxing at the Elements infinity pool next to the kitespot, cycling, kayaking and standup paddeling in the sheltered part of the lagoons are our all year side activities. Besides kitesurfing in Sri Lanka, the winters turn the ocean in front of Kappalady into a home to large shoals of spinner dolphins, and groups of blue-, grey-, and sperm whales. Even killer whales and the majestic manta rays have been seen. However to see the big whales, you require some luck and patience. The dolphins however we call our “winter friends” as they are almost always around in the nearby waters.
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A 100m wide sandbank separates the ocean from the lagoons and guarantees super flat water all year round. In summer the wind averages at 20-30 kts while during the winter months wind speed is typically between 15-20 kts in the afternoons. At Kite Center Sri Lanka, you are our priority! We do whatever is in our hands to make your kitesurfing experience in Sri Lanka the best you can get. You will be out there in-between the Elements and feel home at the same time.
We are located a 2.5 to 3 hours drive from the airport. The easiest is to get a taxi from the airport which will cost you around 60 USD. If you look for a budget option to start your kitesurfing vacation in Sri Lanka, then the train or the public buses are the solution. Travel time is longer but really cheap – a few dollars take you up there. Kappalady and Kalpitiya are also close to the so called “cultural triangle” where many cultural and natural wonders of the island nation are to be seen. Also the largest wildlife park “Wilpattu” is relatively nearby. You can reach the game park which hosts the largest colony of the Sri Lankan leopard in about 50 minutes.
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whAT ELSE is there TO LOOK FOR besides KITESURFING IN SRI LANKA?
While Kappalady offers a thrilling, meaningful and exciting experience, there’s more to add to your kitesurfing journey in Sri Lanka. If you are looking for an epic kitesurfing adventure in Sri Lanka, join us on a kite safari to one of the many remote kitespots in the greater area. Our kite safaris operate to Puttalam Lagoon, Dutch Bay, and Portugal Bay and of course Vella island which have discovered and have organized the very first kitesurfing trip to these islands in the year 2004. And that’s not all. We also organize combined wildlife & kitesurfing safaris where you set out in a quest to spot the majestic Sri Lankan leopard in the morning and then do a 20km stunning downwinder from Wilpattu park back to our base.
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At Kitecenter Sri Lanka we celebrate breathtaking sunset kite sessions in the ocean - gliding through the swift waters when the sinking sun paints skies in layers of colors. After your sunset session, we head back to our laid back beach bar for a refreshing sundowner enjoying one of the signature drinks of our beach bar crew. You chill in one of the relaxing bean bags and allow yourself to reflect the day with fellow riders. Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka at its best!