By Admin 
Posted on January 15, 2022
As a kitesurfer, how do you decide on a location for your kitesurfing destination? Do you base your decision on wind accuracy, or do you prefer a location where wind conditions are consistent year-round? If you prefer the latter, then Sri Lanka is an excellent choice. It is one of the windiest kiteboarding destinations globally, with exceptional wind conditions from May to October. With over ten different flatwater kite sites to choose from, Sri Lanka is a paradise for kitesurfing enthusiasts.
Sri Lanka undoubtedly offers some of the best wind conditions on the planet, earning it the title of a kitesurfer's paradise. With a relatively long kitesurfing season, there's a variety of kiting conditions to keep things interesting. If you're trying to figure out precisely which wind season is the best, we've got you covered. On the one hand, we have strong breezes throughout the summer, and on the other hand, we have the best thermal winds in Asia during the winter. That's why we've created this helpful guide to assist you in determining which kitesurfing season is perfect for you.
Summers: The summer season in Sri Lanka runs from May through September, with a moderate wind pace of about 18-25 knots and a South-westerly wind direction.
Winters: During the winter season in Sri Lanka, which begins in December and lasts until March, the average wind speed is roughly 14-20 knots with a north-westerly wind direction.
Let's first check what type of wind is suitable for kitesurfing before delving into the details of kitesurfing seasons.
During summertime, the wind comes from the West, specifically from the Middle East, and there is a funnel between the coast of India and the Kalpitiya peninsula that creates convection, making this shore extremely windy. This provides the western coastline with a great place for kitesurfing from May through October.
During the winter, however, the wind will blow from Southeast Asia, but the thermal winds will still allow us to kitesurf during this time. For many kitesurfers, the coastlines of Sri Lanka are a dream come true thanks to the thermal breezes. You'll experience palm trees, bright days, beautiful beaches, wildlife, delectable food, and everything a kitesurfer could want in one location.
Now let's look at Sri Lanka's two primary kite seasons.
Summer is one of the most incredible times for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka, with every day typically being windy. The standard wind blows around 18-25 knots per hour, with a steady south-westerly wind direction hitting the western coast.
In Sri Lanka, you can enjoy the breathtaking breeze from May to September, making it a long season for kitesurfing. You'll have the freedom to kite from morning till late at night, and even when you go to bed, you'll experience a natural gust of wind across your cheek and sleep soundly like a child.
The wind is typically strong at the beginning of the summer season, and then it becomes lighter as the season progresses. For example, in May-July, the wind can reach 25-30 knots per hour, while in September-October, it hovers at 18-22 knots per hour.
In Sri Lanka, the Kalpitiya lagoon is a well-known kitesurfing location. The lagoon is relatively shallow, with calm water and strong winds, ideal for beginners and freeriders. It's the most significant location for newcomers to kitesurfing.
The Kappaladi lagoon, also known as the Dream location, can be a good spot for kiters starting the sport. The Kappaladi lagoon becomes one of Sri Lanka's windiest kite destinations during the summer. The lagoon's water is perfectly smooth and waist-deep, making it an excellent place for beginners to learn kitesurfing.
Vella Island is the excellent choice for advanced kitesurfers because the wind is marginally stronger than Kalpitiya.
In addition, Mannar, one of the Northwest coast's peninsulas, is fast becoming a favorite kitesurfing destination. Mannar is a secret gem within the kiteboarding world, offering ample space for kitesurfing and consistent winds.
In addition, the summer season, with its penchant for strong winds, attracts many kitesurfers from all over the world. During the summer, there are also frequent water sports events. It is the perfect period for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka because of these characteristics.
Since we've already discussed the kite conditions in Sri Lanka during the summer, you may be wondering what equipment you'll need for kiteboarding at this time of year.
Three significant factors must be considered while choosing the correct kite size:
◉ To ride in varying winds, you'll need different kites.
◉ Your weight determines the design of your kite.
◉ Finally, what kind of rider do you consider yourself to be? Are you a novice or a seasoned kitesurfer?
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution in this beautiful world we live in. If you can bring multiple kite sizes, consider bringing a 7m and a 9-10m long kite. A 9m kite is more than adequate for a 75-80 kg person to have a fantastic time in the water. However, if you have enough room, it's great to have more than one type of kite on hand because days with wind speeds of up to 35 knots are not uncommon.
◉ While Sri Lanka's windy season runs from May to October, the wind may not be as consistent as during July to September. May is a very unpredictable month, as the wind may build up at the start of the month but drop off near the end. The same thing can happen in October, with winds sometimes lasting until the last week of the month, while at other times the breeze arrives at the beginning of the month. As a result, we cannot be certain about the kitesurfing season.
◉ If you're considering a kiteboarding trip to Vella during the summer, keep in mind that the sea can be turbulent, particularly on the return trip. It usually takes 45 minutes to get to Vella and an hour to get back. If you get sick on the way back, it might be a nightmare.
◉ In the summer, take into account the full moon dates, as the full moon affects the breeze for 4-7 days.
◉ In the summer, the wind is pretty strong all day, and the current severity varies every 6 hours depending on the tide. The wind is frequently stronger when the tide rises.
In Sri Lanka, mid-December to early March marks the start of the winter season, making it an excellent time for kiteboarding. The consistent and dependable winds from the northwest provide ideal conditions for both experienced kiters and novices, with average speeds of around 16-20 knots.
The winter in Sri Lanka may not be as exciting as the summer months, but the consistent winds and lovely atmosphere cannot be overlooked. As kiteboarders soar to serenity and tranquility, a laid-back mood develops.
It is a shorter season than summer, and the wind typically increases during this time, between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. The midday breeze is ideal for freestyle and training in flat water. In general, afternoons are the best time to kite, while mornings are best for planning various activities such as a safari or scuba diving.
If you're planning a winter surfing trip, the western section of Sri Lanka should be your first choice. Winter in Sri Lanka is also the perfect time to kite due to the buttery flat water and dependable winds. Additionally, Ahangama is at the top of the list of kite sites in the South.
In Sri Lanka, the wind season is shorter in winter than in summer, and the breezes are milder. As a result, you won't need as small a kite as you do in summer. During this time of year, larger kites are recommended. You'll need to have a 12m kite if you weigh 75-80kg on average. If you weigh around 85 and 90 kg, you should choose a 14-meter kite.
December is the first month of winter, and the weather may be somewhat unpredictable during this time of year. Although December is usually windy, don't expect sustained wind until late in the month (between the 20th and 25th).
Because the wind comes late in the afternoon during winter, many people can participate in other activities such as diving, dolphin watching, safaris, etc.
The beginning months of January and February prove to be ideal for kitesurfing because the wind usually blows every day. The wind will build up to roughly 16-20 knots in January. However, in February, you'll have a better chance of getting a decent breeze at the beginning of the month than at the end.
Although it isn't entirely true, because the full moon can affect the wind.
If you're going kitesurfing in the South, you should head to Ahangama, which, compared to other southern beaches, is much better for launching and landing.
Now that we've covered the two best kitesurfing seasons in Sri Lanka, let's go over the advantages and disadvantages of each. In principle, this should assist you in determining which kitesurfing season is best for you based on your intentions.
Advantages:
◉ Every day, you'll be subjected to high winds for the whole day.
◉ Now is the most ideal time of year to go kitesurfing.
◉ Beaches are less busy than during winter.
Disadvantages:
◉ The wind is stronger than in winter, except for the Dream Spot, Vella Island, and Kappaladi, which have consistent winds.
◉ The ocean on the west part is particularly rough and brown, making swimming and diving impossible.
Advantages:
◉ In the afternoons, you'll get to feel the winds.
◉ The breezes have been consistent during winter because they will be thermal.
◉ Throughout the season, the days are mostly sunny.
◉ The West and South coastlines have clear and pristine beaches.
Disadvantages:
◉ Winds are calmer than in the summer.
◉ The most unfavorable time of year to go kiteboarding because the wind can arrive late.
◉ Beaches are busier than during summer.
Kalpitiya is a small island in the northwestern part of Sri Lanka that is not very touristy but has several great Sri Lanka kitesurfing spots, sandy beaches, and calm waters in lagoons, as well as the open sea to ride in. If the wind isn't blowing, you can enjoy other enjoyable activities such as whale watching, scuba diving, or exploring a nature reserve (with elephants, crocodiles, etc.). The food is also very delicious here.
Kalpitiya lagoon is the main attraction. The large lagoon is shallow and ideal for both learners and experienced riders. Kiting is allowed in the lagoon between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. when the schools are closed. After 5 p.m., the lagoon is used by local fishermen, but you can still ride in the Indian Ocean.
It would be helpful to determine whether you reside closer to the Kappaladi lagoon or nearer to the Kalpitiya lagoon. Accommodations of all price ranges are available on both sites.
Although you can kitesurf almost anywhere in Kalpitiya, if you want to explore more locations, you'll need a ride, such as a Tuk-Tuk. Choose a location based on your budget and preferences. You'll find a variety of options here, from affordable campsites to luxurious resorts, and you'll likely meet other kitesurfers. You can enjoy buttery smooth water in the Kappaladi lagoon right in front of the campsite. In the Indian Ocean, you can also ride the waves.
Kalpitiya has earned a reputation as Asia's "go-to" kitesurfing destination over the last decade, and it doesn't disappoint when it comes to kite places.
In this area, independent riders have a plethora of options for setting up, ranging from numerous butter-flat lagoons to 14 nearby islands, ocean spots, and extensive downwinders from remote locations.
If you're a newbie, your options are a little more limited. So don't anticipate calm, blue water throughout your training; it's not on the menu. However, don't allow this minor, insignificant aspect to deter you. While the water isn't always Instagram and Facebook-worthy, Kalpitiya is undoubtedly a fantastic spot for learning and improving your skills.
Kalpitiya is a wide sandbar that separates the main lagoon from the Indian Ocean and is located in the Puttalam district of North-West Sri Lanka. It is still a fishing village at its core, offering an authentic Sri Lankan experience. Fortunately, the aspirations to turn this town into a popular tourist destination have not materialized yet, so it maintains its traditional roots and a minimal village lifestyle.
The Venturi effect, which flows through the Palk Strait channel here, provides excellent wind from May to October (averaging 18-28 knots) with sufficient wind from December to March (averaging nearly 15-20 knots), although it is less reliable.
If you ask most native kitesurfers about the best Sri Lanka kitesurfing spots, I'm sure they'll tell you about some hidden areas. But, in the meanwhile, here's a thorough list of the best places to set up camp and ride.
This is the primary spot for kitesurfers of all abilities, and it is also the busiest. It is easy to get here; hire a tuk-tuk to transport you there in 10-15 minutes.
The lagoon is 800 meters wide and 2 kilometers long. Only a few academies existed in the area ten years ago, but now almost every kite school has a unit at this lagoon, and it is the primary spot.
The water quality is far from clear, and the Kalpitiya lagoon isn't the Maldives, but it's an excellent flatwater arena to practice riding, tricks, and freestyle movements.
This is the kitesurfing spot in Kalpitiya that everyone raves about. The island is located 45 minutes away from Kalpitiya and is reputed to be one of the best kite spots in the area.
Vella Island is essentially a long sandbar extending into Portugal Bay. Whenever the wind is blowing off-shore in the summer months of May-September, it produces a beautiful 2.5-kilometer butter-flat playground that serves as a strong starting point for long downwinders. Trips are also possible (albeit less regular) during the winter months since a flatwater zone is formed in the Indian Ocean.
This sandbar divides the Indian Ocean from the flatwater lagoon and is located in Dutch Bay, a 20-minute boat journey north of Kalpitiya Lagoon. Those who seek it will discover it in the seas. A day visit here costs roughly €25.
The place is called Donkey Point because of the numerous wild donkeys in Kalpitiya. It is located approximately 300 meters away from the central Kalpitiya Lagoon, making it the closest location. It is perfect for kiters who want to ride a combination of ocean waves and flat water in a comfortable and open setting. The wind is also said to be relatively consistent.
This small lagoon is perfect for freestyle kiteboarding and is the best place to learn kitesurfing. The winds are also very consistent, making it an excellent place for beginners. A day trip from Kalpitiya to Kappaladi lagoon is worthwhile. A downwind journey from Kappaladi lagoon to Kalpitiya lagoon is a dream come true for kiters who enjoy going downwind. The wind is always on the on-shore side.
If you have already planned your Sri Lanka kitesurfing vacation, you will need to consider some aspects. Unfortunately, the wind is not favorable in Kalpitiya from March to May, but you will possibly find better wind on Sri Lanka's south coast. Due to the thermal currents on the south coast, kiteboarding in Sri Lanka is possible in April if you're lucky. On the other hand, the very worst time for a kite tour in Sri Lanka is from October to mid-December when there is no wind, and it rains practically everywhere!
