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Tuesday April 15, 2025
Kitesurfing articles
5 MONTH SEJOUR AT KITESURFING LANKA
We entered the gate onto a sand path and drove slowly through a canopy of leafy foliage then stopped. I don’t know if it was the lush green gardens, brightly painted bungalows, artwork or having finally made it to Sri Lanka but Kitesurfing Lanka (KSL) gripped me where I stood.
My partner and I spend half a year in Canada and the other half somewhere else in the world; this year, it was Sri Lanka. In the past, I was supposed to come to this country a few times but each time it got foiled. Finally I got the chance to not only see this beautiful country and meet some of its people but live here for awhile in a most marvelous environment.
The almost five-month stay from the quiet to the crazy busy then back again was an excellent taste of what KSL has to offer. Sure, it met our criteria for beach, sun, warm weather, good food and kiting but it was so much more than that. The space nourishes the soul with trees, plants and flowers enveloping the various accommodations nestled up against the beach a few steps away. In this natural haven, yoga in a seaside shala and superb shiatsu massage are available to further nurture wellness. There was a full time yoga instructor normally on site and when they weren’t, it was a pleasure for me to fill in teaching classes. I also enjoyed running on the beach and in the neighbourhood, cycling to Kalpitiya town and doing a little kayaking.
Fewer people at the resort at the beginning and end of our stay allowed us to get to know the staff well and some soon even became friends. Everyone is responsive, welcoming and goes beyond simply serving and that didn’t change when the place exploded with guests. The chill out areas and main bar are great for meeting people from around the world and having a lot of fun. The Sunset Beach Bar and restaurant right in the sand is heavenly for an after kite beer, cocktail or juice while recounting the adventures of the day and watching awe-inducing sunsets.
Food service started as an a la carte style and eating in a cozy outdoor space. As more and more people started to arrive, we moved to a buffet style service in the rustic main alfresco thatched roof dining hall. From breakfast to dinner, the food was nothing short of mouth watering ranging from mostly authentic Sri Lankan cuisine and some Western fair. No matter the menu, the chef and food management ensured high quality, varied and delicious meals week after week, month after month.
I write and work part time remotely and KSL was highly conducive and inspirational for both. The half day working-half day kiting in this beautiful setting was a dream combination. That’s right-there’s kiting! This is the pinnacle of what KSL has to offer. The wide sandy beach provides ample unobstructed space for launching. The water conditions are excellent for beginners and experienced kiters alike with flat, shallow water and ocean waves accessible directly from the KSL beach. For launching and coming back in, the beach guys are always friendly and ready to lend a hand. One unexpected bonus was the KSL repair shop on site, which was efficient, effective, moderately priced and again, very helpful.
After almost five months, I’m leaving with an overwhelming feeling beyond the amazing kiting experience – one of a genuine sense of heartfelt community. Incidentally and uncharacteristically for us, we’ve booked again for the next winter season at KSL.
