Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka - A Complete Guide
Sri Lanka is a beautiful island nation located in the Indian Ocean, and it is a popular destination for kiteboarding enthusiasts. There are several kite spots located around the island, each offering unique conditions and experiences for riders of all levels. In this guide, we'll look into the wind conditions and some of the best kitespots in Sri Lanka.
Wind Conditions in Sri Lanka
The kiteboarding season in Sri Lanka typically runs from May through September, with the strongest winds occurring in June and July. During this time, the winds blow from the south-west, creating ideal conditions for kiteboarding. The average wind speed during the season is around 15-25 knots, with occasional gusts of up to 30 knots.
The wind in Sri Lanka is known as the "Mae-Mae" wind, which is a thermal wind created by the temperature difference between the land and sea. During the day, the land heats up faster than the sea, causing the air to rise and cooler air from the sea to replace it. This creates a sea breeze that blows towards the land, providing perfect kiteboarding conditions.
The wind in the second season from December through February are called the "North-East Monsoon" or "Maha" winds. These winds blow 12-20 knots from the north-east and are caused by the high-pressure system that develops over the Indian subcontinent during the winter months. Unlike the Mae-Mae winds, which are thermal winds caused by temperature differences, the North-East Monsoon winds are caused by changes in atmospheric pressure.
Kitesurfing Spots in Sri Lanka
Kalpitiya Lagoon
Kalpitiya is a small fishing village located on the northwest coast of Sri Lanka, and it is home to one of the best kiteboarding spots in the country. The Kalpitiya Lagoon is a shallow, flat-water lagoon that offers ideal conditions for beginners and freestylers.
December - February May - September FlatwaterVayu Resort, Mannar Island
Vayu Resort, located in Talaimannar at Mannar Island, Sri Lanka, is a kiteboarding paradise that offers a shallow flatwater lagoon and strong consistent wind.
December - February May - September Flatwater - Little WavesKappalady Lagoon
Kappalady Lagoon is located on the west coast of Sri Lanka, just south of Kalpitiya. It is a small, shallow lagoon that is perfect for beginners and freestylers.
December - February May - September FlatwaterIn conclusion, Sri Lanka is a great destination for kiteboarding enthusiasts, with several kitespots located around the island. From the flat-water lagoons of Kalpitiya to the choppy waves of Mannar Island, there is something for every level of rider. With warm water, consistent wind, and beautiful scenery, Sri Lanka is definitely worth a visit for any kiteboarder.
Nearby countries
If you didn't find a good spot, check Thailand and Vietnam, since they also have great kitespots to kitesurf.