Two hours north of Colombo, in an unspoilt area, you’ll find the latest dream destination for kite surfers from around the world. With spots for all levels, a traditional fishing village and long white sandy beaches, Kalpitiya is the new international hotspot for the surfing world. They say that flying over water is like flying over your fears. What better place to see for yourself if the saying is true ? 

Water, wind and sails

Between a lagoon and the Indian Ocean lies the promised land of kite surfing. All around the small fishing village of Kalpitiya you’ll find some idyllic spots. Here, the wind blows almost all year round. From May to October, it tends to stay at around 20 knots, whatever the time of day or night. And the rest of the time, it usually blows in the afternoon. These make for the perfect conditions to finally try this sport mixing sea and sky and make some rapid progress. Of course, you won't only find beginners taking to the waves. Some of the greatest kite surfers in the world come to train in the lagoons. In 2018, Kalpitiya even hosted the Asian Freestyle competition as part of the Kiteboard Tour Asia. Here, the greatest champions have left their mark in the sea foam.

A perfect spot for every level of kiteboarding

There are those who are just trying it out, who leave the water only to immediately fall back in and try again. And then there are the more experienced ones. They glide at the speed of the wind across the surface. A properly positioned kite, just past the peak, and they take off into the air before landing smoothly. On this almost limitless playground, beginners and experts alike put on an impressive and breath-taking show. 

The Kalpitiya lagoon is the most popular spot in the region. With its perfectly smooth water and lightly gusty wind, this place is suitable for all levels of kite surfers. Beginners will appreciate the shallow depths, the water temperature of 27° and the large amount of space allowing you to keep a good distance from other riders. In these exceptional conditions, you’ll make quick progress and the experience is particularly fun. On the other side of the small dune, the lagoon turns into the ocean. This is a more technical terrain for experienced kiteboarders and those looking for new sensations.

All around the fishing village, there are endless places to hop on your board and no two are alike. In the early morning, campsite and school shuttles hit the road to take the athletes to their challenge of the day. Usually rather calm and flat, Donkey Spot takes on a completely different character when the wind goes above 15 knots. At this point, intermediate level kiteboarders will quickly leave the waters to make way for the experts. With this weather, Puttalam and its large, sheltered terrain become the new refuge for less experienced riders. In Kappaldi, the lagoon is just the right size for all water sports enthusiasts. It offers just the right depth and a completely flat surface for beginners to practice in a safe environment. 

One hidden spot, the place whose name is passed around secretively between kite surfers, is only an hour away from Kalpitiya. Just enough time for a boat ride under the Sri Lankan sun and then you’ll catch sight of it: Vella Island. Around this strip of white sandy shores, the water is as flat as a mirror and the off-shore wind is strong and steady. Perfect conditions and a postcard setting make this spot the most famous in the country. A must for any kite surfing trip to Sri Lanka. 

An authentic Sri Lankan village

The waters of Kalpitiya are not only the delight of kite surfers today, they are also what has sustained the inhabitants of this peaceful village. Along the immense sandy beaches, boats wait patiently for sunrise. At the first rays of light, the fishermen embark, dreaming of nets full of fish and crayfish. In the streets, children and villagers pass each other as they go about their business. The local way of life, both simple and traditional, makes this village much more than a place to simply pass through. This doesn't apply to whales and dolphins, however. These mammals only venture near the shore between November and March. It's worth keeping an eye out for them during these months, especially if you're hoping to kite surf near these magnificent creatures.