Kalpitiya Kitesurfing
Sri Lanka's kitesurfing capital, with steady monsoon winds and a shallow, flat lagoon that suits complete beginners as well as experienced riders.
The same strong, steady wind that makes the Puttalam coast feel so breezy has turned Kalpitiya into the kitesurfing capital of Sri Lanka. The big attraction is the lagoon. It is wide, shallow and flat, often only waist deep for a long way out, which makes it one of the easiest and safest places in Asia to learn, and a playground for experienced riders who want smooth water.
A string of kite schools and camps along the peninsula offer lessons for complete beginners, usually starting on the beach with the basics of controlling the kite before moving into the water. Most people need several sessions before they can ride on their own, so it is worth planning a few days. Experienced kiters can rent gear, and some schools run trips to other spots around the lagoon and the islands.
There are two wind seasons. The strongest and most reliable winds blow from around May to October, during the southwest monsoon, and there is a shorter second season from around mid December to mid February. Outside those months, the wind drops, and the lagoon is better for kayaking, paddleboarding or a sunset boat ride.
Choose a school with certified instructors, good safety equipment and a rescue boat, and ask what is included in the price. The sun is fierce on the open lagoon, so use plenty of reef safe sunscreen and wear a rash vest. Dolphin watching from Kalpitiya works best in the calmer months, so it is easy to combine the two on a longer trip.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Lessons and gear rental are paid to the kite school. Ask what is included, such as equipment, instructor and rescue boat.
- Opening hours: Daylight hours, depending on the wind
- Time needed: Several days for a beginner course
- Best time: May to October, or mid December to mid February
How to get there
Kite schools are spread along the Kalpitiya peninsula, around 3 to 4 hours north of Colombo by road. Many offer accommodation on site.