Kalpitiya Lagoon Challenge for kitesurfers

Sri Lanka's Annual Kitesurfing event, 'The Kalpitiya Lagoon Challenge' commenced last week in Kalpitiya.

Organised by the Kalpitiya Wind-Sport Club, the event promised to be a stepping stone to a major upcoming international competition.

Kalpitiya, which is placed among the top 5 Kite-Surfing locations of the world, mainly because of the wind factor, is becoming a popular destination for tourists as well as competitors.

Although the name includes surfing, kitesurfing does not need waves, the wind is the only force needed to power you along. Flat water locations such as Kalpitiya are favoured by riders looking to perform freestyle as the water is smooth so easier to take off and land on.

The International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) is an International Class Association of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF).

Incidentally in Sri Lanka, Kalpitiya Windsports Club is represented in the Yachting Association of Sri Lanka which is affiliated to the ISAF. Kalpitiya Windsports Club Secretary Dilsiri Welikala and President Upul de Silva are both in the committee.

There are international instructor certification organizations namely International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) and Verband Deutscher Windsurfing und Wassersportschulen (VDWS). In Sri Lanka both are being used.

Seen here are some action pictures of the event last week.