These guys didn’t quite make it for the Bradby, neither did they opt for parties in Colombo – they chose something closer to their hearts, closer to nature, something that would give them a rush - Kitesurfing!
Kitesurfing blends a number of high powered sporting disciplines such as windsurfing, surfing and wake boarding. The kitesurfer uses the power of the wind to power a kite which helps propel one along a body of water at high speeds with the use of a kiteboard.
Kitesurfing has come a long way since its inception over 15 years ago. In Sri Lanka the scene has slowly but surely gaining popularity. Currently there are around 15 resident kitesurfers, expats and a few locals involved in the sport.
Sri Lanka is fast becoming a popular destination for the sport with ideal winds, water temperature and mixture of sea and lagoon enticing the freestyle and wave riders alike.
Kite Jam 2010, Sri Lanka’s first kitesurfing event held on June 26 attracted 16 kiters from all over the world including professional kitesurfers. Two events were held, the Jump Event and the Timed Event won by Leo Moret and Hannes Knoltz respectively.
Kalpitiya boasts of perfect conditions for kiting. Understanding the potential this location, Elements (Pvt) Limited, a BOI company is in the process of setting up Sri Lanka’s first Kite Village which would offer luxury accommodation, kitesurf lessons, equipment and other related products.
Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka is here to stay, and you could be part of the coolest sport during the hottest time in Sri Lanka!
The writer is a team rider for Faith Kiteboarding (www.faith-kiteboarding.com) and runs Sri Lanka’s only Kitesurf related blog – see www.kitesurfingsrilanka.com |
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