News
Winds of change: Record kitesurf journey boosts Sri Lankan tourism
View(s):By Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe
A group of 19 local and international kitesurfers completed a nearly 200-kilometre journey from Anawasala point in Kalpitiya to Talaimannar in a bid to showcase the sport and boost tourism.
Participants from Russia, Germany, Italy, and Sri Lanka took part in the ride, which was described as the longest attempt of its kind undertaken from Kalpitiya, the country’s hub for kitesurfing.
Event organiser Sara Johanna Berg said the aim was to attract more visitors to Sri Lanka through adventure sports. “This water sport is spectacular, not only to practice but also to watch. However, it requires proper training and guidance,” she said.
Kalpitiya has seen the sport grow rapidly since it was introduced about 15 years ago. Today, more than 30 kitesurfing schools operate along its lagoons and coastlines, drawing enthusiasts from countries including Germany, France, Russia, India, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Australia.
Local instructor W Susantha Fernando said the winds off Kalpitiya have made the region one of the world’s most attractive kitesurfing destinations. “This 200km surf was a challenge none of us had faced before. We wanted to show the potential of Kalpitiya and the sport to the world,” he said.
Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman A S M Rikas welcomed the initiative, saying that foreign tourists bring much-needed foreign exchange. “We are committed to supporting the schools and protecting the environment while promoting kitesurfing,” he said.
Russian participant George Teysia praised Kalpitiya as the best spot for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka. “The wind, the sea, and the lagoon together make it unique. We invite surfers from around the world to come here and experience it,” he said.
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