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Tuesday May 23, 2023
Kitesurfing articles
The history of kitesurfing: how this sport evolved over time
Kitesurfing, also known as kiteboarding, is a water sport that involves using a kite to pull a rider on a board across the water. It is a relatively new sport, with its origins dating back to the late 1990s. The first recorded kitesurfing patent was filed in the United States in 1977 by Gijsbertus Adrianus Panhuise, a Dutch inventor.
However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that kitesurfing as we know it today began to take shape. In 1997, the Legaignoux brothers, two French kite designers, created the inflatable kite, which made it possible to relaunch the kite from the water. This development made kitesurfing a more accessible and safer sport.
Kitesurfing quickly gained popularity around the world, and by the early 2000s, it had become a mainstream water sport. Today, there are kitesurfing hotspots all over the world, and it has even become an Olympic sport.
In Sri Lanka, kitesurfing first started gaining traction in the mid-2000s, with a few avid kitesurfers bringing their gear to the island’s shores. As the sport grew in popularity, more and more kitesurfers began flocking to Sri Lanka’s beaches to experience the thrill of kiting in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
One of the pioneers of kitesurfing in Sri Lanka is Kitesurfing Lanka, a kitesurfing school and resort located in the northwestern coastal town of Kalpitiya. Founded in 2009, Kitesurfing Lanka was one of the first kitesurfing schools in Sri Lanka and played a key role in popularizing the sport in the country.
Over the years, Kitesurfing Lanka has grown and evolved, becoming a hub for kitesurfers from all over the world. The school offers kitesurfing lessons for beginners and advanced riders, as well as equipment rentals, storage, and repair services. The resort also features comfortable accommodation options, including beachfront cabanas and a stunning infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
Kitesurfing Lanka has also been involved in the development of the local kitesurfing community in Kalpitiya. The school has sponsored local riders and held events to bring kitesurfers together and foster a sense of community.
Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka has continued to grow in popularity, with several other kitesurfing schools and resorts opening up along the country’s coast. Kalpitiya has become known as one of the best kitesurfing spots in Sri Lanka, with its shallow lagoons and consistent winds providing ideal conditions for kitesurfers of all levels.
In addition to being involved in the local kitesurfing community and promoting sustainable tourism, Kitesurfing Lanka is also committed to supporting the local community in Kalpitiya through various CSR initiatives. Kitesurfing Lanka has provided funding for local schools and held beach cleanup events to keep the area clean and preserve the natural beauty of the beaches. These efforts demonstrate the school’s dedication to making a positive impact on the local community beyond just the kitesurfing industry.
In conclusion, kitesurfing has come a long way since its early days in the late 1990s. Today, it is a mainstream water sport with a global following, and it continues to evolve and develop. In Sri Lanka, kitesurfing has also grown in popularity over the years, with Kitesurfing Lanka playing a key role in its development in the country. As kitesurfing continues to grow, it is important to maintain a focus on sustainability and responsible tourism, to ensure that this amazing sport can be enjoyed for generations to come
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