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SRI LANKA
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3/5
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KITE OPTIONS?
A 9 and a 12m will be the main kites
you’ll use.
WHICH WETSUIT?
Most of the time, you can forget
the wetsuit, as essentially it’s the
temperature of bathwater. But good
sun protection is a must, so rashies/
boardies/sunscreen.
BEER
€1.70 | $2 | £1.80
TYPICAL DINNER
Big fan of curry and rice? Good.
Because it’s a staple here.
LATE NIGHT…
Here it’s all about relaxing with
friends in the tropical heat with a
couple of bottles of Lion (the local
beer of choice) to see away the
evening before you get up and do it
all again. And if the beer doesn’t cut
it, you can always hit the ‘arrack’
THE LOWDOWN WHEN IS BEST TO GO?
Due to the trade wind consistency, the choice of
butter-smooth lagoons or Indian Ocean, and authen-
tic lifestyle that is laid back and non-expensive, the
Kalpitiya Peninsular on the north west coast of Sri
Lanka, is unsurprisingly popular with kiteboarders
from around the world. Arugam Bay on the east coast
is also an old favorite that continues to draw a faithful
kite contingent. And should the wind drop, this is an
island with plenty of potential for adventure… If you want to be sure of having enough wind, sum-
mer is your season (May to October) - averaging at
over 20 knots, with the peak part of the season hav-
ing good winds pretty much every single day. Winter
winds tend to be a little lighter and less reliable, but
the odds of having some classic days are still high,
with wind usually picking up in the afternoons of-
fering good, solid conditions on the ocean and the la-
goon. It’s also a perfect time to come with your family.
KITING SET UP NO WIND?
The lagoon system here offers endless opportunities,
with all year round 27°C waist deep water giving per-
fect teaching conditions. Silky flat waters made just
so by gentle offshore breezes make for some pretty
darn perfect (and reliable) freestyle options up and
down the coast. It’s easy to hook up with local down-
winders and day trips to nearby highly favorable
spots, some of which you can reach by catamaran.
The ocean is choppy during the strong wind summer
months with a nice break some 700 meters off-shore,
with smooth riding conditions on winter afternoons. Famous for its national parks, tea plantations and an
elephant orphanage, Sri Lanka is an island with all
manner of adventure options on land for when the
wind drops, but the savvy kiteboarder should really
figure some of this into their trip no matter the con-
ditions. Rent a bike to explore the local villages, join
a SUP or kayak tour on the mangrove fenced lagoon,
head out to watch the dolphins, dive, snorkel or fish.
But if you’re looking for a no-wind quick fix, then hit
the seafood restaurants followed by a few beers – the
wind will be back in no time!