Sri Lanka with its beautiful sun-kissed beaches is a traveller’s paradise. You may enjoy the idyllic golden sunsets of the Indian Ocean across these beaches but if you are also a watersports enthusiast, Sri Lanka has much to offer. What makes this country special is that it offers a variety of beaches in sync with your windsurfing skills. From a beginner to an expert just about everyone can find their ideal windsurfing and kitesurfing expedition destinations. The southern and southwestern coast, in particular, is preferred by surfers and the season lasts from November through April before the monsoons set in.
Top windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations in Sri Lanka
Negombo
Negombo, to the north of Colombo, is often referred to as the water sports paradise of Sri Lanka. Excellent weather and surf conditions make it ideal and the opportunities it offers are varied. The lagoon is better suited for the amateur surfer while the beachfront is a great option for the experts. Windsurfing in Negombo between January and March can be really exciting. Through the rest of the year, wind conditions remain relatively calm.
Bentota
Bentota is another beach on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka that offers great windsurfing and kitesurfing opportunities. It is a popular destination and in Bentota accommodation, boards, and instructors are readily available. Bentota is best suited for the novice or medium-skilled surfers as the waters here are relatively tranquil. The lagoon is popular among the amateur surfers still learning the sport.
Hikkaduwa
Further south is Hikkaduwa, another very well developed surfing and diving hub in Sri Lanka. Hikkaduwa has many breaks; Benny’s, Main Reef, Inside Reef, North Jetty are among the popular ones. These are coral bottom breaks with great swells and excellent wind conditions through the winter months. Beach Break is popular among the beginners and those who are looking to test the waters before venturing out.
Arugam Bay
Coming to the eastern coast of the country, you are likely to find Arugam Bay the best destination for all watersport activities. Do keep in mind, though, that in the eastern coast of Sri Lanka the surfing season lasts from May to August due to local weather conditions. The Main Point is a favourite with surfers at Arugam Bay.
Komari Beach
Lighthouse Point on Komari beach in the Eastern province is a favourite with the experts who prefer to surf without supervision. This is because Lighthouse Point is often sparsely populated. It is a sand bottom point with surfing to the right (direction) and the peak surfing season lasts between June and October. Waves at Lighthouse Point go up several metres and an old dilapidated lighthouse marks the surfing area.
Whiskey Point
Whiskey Point near Pottuvil is a very popular sand bottom surfing point. It is perfect for both amateurs and professional surfers. The waters are clear blue and the winds last from May to October.
Apart from windsurfing and kitesurfing this beautiful island country has numerous attractions. The waterfalls in Sri Lanka are great to bathe in and enjoy the natural bounty of the country.
