Sri Lanka, with its vast 1300-km (800-mile) coast, is a perfect place to surf under a sail or a kite. Both coasts offer great wind and weather conditions ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing, offering various rental equipment and lessons for beginners.
Kitesurfing on the West Coast (May–September)
The west coast of Sri Lanka boasts numerous kitesurfing spots, even though it's a relatively new sport over here. Negombo attracts kitesurfer crowds thanks to the abundance of rentals by various water sports providers in Sri Lanka. Best kitesurfing in Negombo for beginners is available from January through March. Advanced and professional kiters rush to the west coast of Sri Lanka from May to September when the southwest winds bring high shore breaks and high sea. Consistent 24/7 winds promise extended hours of kitesurfing off the Kalpitiya peninsula. During the summer season, Kappalady beach and lagoon are some of the windiest kite spots in Sri Lanka with excellent kitesurfing conditions. There are no rocks or hazardous corals so that if you get washed, you will get blown to the shore.
Windsurfing on the West Coast (November–April)
For prime windsurfing, the most popular location is the southwest coast, particularly Bentota. Calm waters of Bentota are most suitable for beginners. Generally, the windsurfing season in the south and southwest of Sri Lanka lasts from November to April before the start of monsoon that brings sea turbulence. Hikkaduwa, Midigama, Polhena, and Tangalle Beaches are also popular locations with lagoons and high winds. Further north along the west coast, Negombo is one of the most popular windsurfing spots during the season from December to April. Besides windsurfing, Negombo also offers a range of water sports like surfing, water-skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Windsurfing on the East Coast (April–September)
When the windsurfing season in southwest Sri Lanka is over, windsurfers can move to the east coast, where the season runs roughly from April through September. Arugam Bay is the most popular water sports destination in this part of the country and an international surfing competition venue. It features consistent winds that blow from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The right spot for beginners is Elephant Rock, located 4 km south of Arugam Bay. Further north of Trincomalee, on the east coast of Sri Lanka, the sea off Nilaveli and Uppuveli beaches provides an excellent alternative. Generally, eastern coastal belt isn’t yet developed comparing to the southwestern and southern coastal belts; thus, accommodation options and water sports facilities somewhat limited.
Practical info
What are some locations for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka?
Negombo, Kalpitiya, and Kappalady Beach are famous spots for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka. Southwest Sri Lanka from May to September is a perfect spot for advanced kiters. The most popular location in Sri Lanka is Negombo, which provides lots of options for rental equipment and instruction to novice kitesurfers. Kappalady Beach and Lagoon are the best spots for wind for kitesurfing during summers. Show more
During what time of the year is windsurfing a popular activity in Bentota?
Windsurfing is a popular activity in Bentota from November to April. The season ends at the arrival of monsoons, which brings sea turbulence. Bentota is the most popular windsurfing spot in the southwestern part of Sri Lanka and is well-suited for beginners. Other popular windsurfing destinations on the island are Hikkaduwa, Midigama, Polhena, and Tangalle Beaches. December to April is the best season for windsurfing in Negombo. Show more
Where can I find water sports rental facilities in Sri Lanka?
Water sports rental equipment is readily available across the coastal area of Sri Lanka. Negombo is the most popular aquatic sports destination and offers a wide variety of water sports, including surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, water-skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Locations such as Hikkaduwa, Midigama, Polhena, and Tangalle Beaches are also popular for an array of water sports activities, especially windsurfing and kitesurfing, in the southwestern and southern coastal belts. Arugam Bay is also a popular destination for water sports on the east coast of Sri Lanka. Show more
When is the kitesurfing season in Negombo?
January to March is the kitesurfing season in Negombo, ideal for beginners. Advanced kiters prefer the west coast of Sri Lanka between May to September when the southwest winds bring high shore breaks and seas, perfect for kitesurfing. Kappalady beach and lagoon offer great kitesurfing locations with high wind speeds during summers. Negombo is safe for kitesurfing as there are no hazardous corals or rocks to worry about, and if you get carried away by the wind, you will land back on the shore. Show more
Is Arugam Bay suitable for beginner surfers?
Arugam Bay is renowned for big waves and is a popular destination for water sports on the east coast of Sri Lanka, offering beginner surfers ample opportunities to learn. Elephant Rock, approximately 4 kilometers southwest of Arugam Bay, offers ideal waves and conditions for beginner surfers. Arugam Bay has consistent winds blowing from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., ideal for surfers of all skill levels, especially beginners who have plenty of space to practice. Show more
