Kappalady kitesurf spot

Sri Lanka · North Western Province

Spot currently openIntermediate level 8.14 | 79.71

Overview

Kappalady is one of the most renowned kitesurfing spots on the Kalpitiya peninsula in North Western Province, Sri Lanka. Located on a narrow strip of land between the Indian Ocean and the Puttalam Lagoon, Kappalady offers access to both ocean riding and flat water lagoon sessions. The southwest monsoon blows reliably from May to October, delivering consistent 15-25 knot winds that have established Kalpitiya as Sri Lanka's premier kite destination.

The ocean side faces west toward the Indian Ocean, providing wave riding opportunities with side-shore to onshore SW winds. The water is warm year-round (27-30°C), and the sandy bottom makes it forgiving for all levels. During peak season (June-August), wind is remarkably consistent with thermal enhancement in the afternoons creating ideal conditions for long sessions.

The Kalpitiya area has developed significantly as a kite hub, with several schools, camps, and guesthouses catering to kitesurfers. The area's unique geography - a long, narrow peninsula with lagoons on one side and ocean on the other - means you can always find the right conditions. Kappalady itself sits near the lagoon entrance, offering a mix of flat water and small chop.

Be aware of fishing nets and boats in the water, especially near the lagoon entrance. Currents can develop around the peninsula tips. The area is also popular for dolphin watching, and marine life is abundant. The nearby town of Kalpitiya provides basic supplies and accommodation.

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Spot forecast for Kappalady

Sunrise 05:58 · Sunset 17:53

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< 7 kn7–12 kn13–20 kn21–30 kn31–40 kn41+ kn Gusts Your minimum: 7 kn

Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo

Swell and waves

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Wave height: < 0.5 m 0.5–1 m 1–2 m 2–3 m ≥ 3 m

Swell data by Open-Meteo Marine

Tides

Heights above lowest astronomical tide, in the spot's local time. Computed 4.9 km from the spot.

6:0012:0018:006:0012:0018:006:0012:0018:006:0012:0018:006:0012:0018:00Tue 20Wed 21Thu 22Fri 23Sat 24 Now05:590.5 m08:070.5 m09:550.5 m18:390.3 m23:390.4 m05:100.4 m11:100.5 m18:040.3 m00:020.5 m06:110.3 m11:540.6 m18:150.2 m00:290.6 m06:440.3 m12:290.6 m18:350.2 m00:570.7 m07:140.2 m13:010.6 m18:590.1 m
  • Tuesday 20 October High tide · 0.5 m Low tide · 0.5 m High tide · 0.5 m Low tide · 0.3 m High tide · 0.4 m
  • Wednesday 21 October Low tide · 0.4 m High tide · 0.5 m Low tide · 0.3 m
  • Thursday 22 October High tide · 0.5 m Low tide · 0.3 m High tide · 0.6 m Low tide · 0.2 m
  • Friday 23 October High tide · 0.6 m Low tide · 0.3 m High tide · 0.6 m Low tide · 0.2 m
  • Saturday 24 October High tide · 0.7 m Low tide · 0.2 m High tide · 0.6 m Low tide · 0.1 m

Kappalady: when to go?

Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)

Season · peak

442h

in July · 31 rideable days

The season runs from April to October, peaking in July: 29 rideable days a month and 442 hours of usable wind, at 29 °C. The low point is January, at 0 days.

Rideable days per month

0 10 20 30 40 January: 0 rideable days0 d J February: 1 rideable days F March: 12 rideable days M April: 25.5 rideable days A May: 30.5 rideable days M June: 30 rideable days J July: 31 rideable days31 d J August: 31 rideable days A September: 28.5 rideable days S October: 28 rideable days O November: 6 rideable days N December: 5.5 rideable days D 0 10 20 30 40 January: 0 rideable days0 d J February: 1 rideable days F March: 12 rideable days M April: 25.5 rideable days A May: 30.5 rideable days M June: 30 rideable days J July: 31 rideable days31 d J August: 31 rideable days A September: 28.5 rideable days S October: 28 rideable days O November: 6 rideable days N December: 5.5 rideable days D

Wind strength when it is rideable

7-12 knots · 20%13-20 knots · 57%21-30 knots · 23%31+ knots · under 1%

When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 13 and 20 knots — 57% of rideable hours. That is the most versatile range, where most kites work. The coldest month is January, at 28 °C. The wettest month is November, with 546 mm.

Monthly averages: Kappalady
Monthly averages — Kappalady — averaged over 2 years of records — Weather data by Open-Meteo.com — How it is calculated
Month Rideable days Usable wind Temperature Rain
January 0.0 0 h 28 °C 124 mm
February 1.0 8 h 29 °C 17 mm
March 12.0 69 h 29 °C 54 mm
April 25.5 264 h 30 °C 85 mm
May 30.5 415 h 30 °C 260 mm
June 30.0 447 h 28 °C 73 mm
July 31.0 442 h 28 °C 31 mm
August 31.0 410 h 28 °C 75 mm
September 28.5 401 h 28 °C 62 mm
October 28.0 358 h 28 °C 343 mm
November 6.0 59 h 28 °C 546 mm
December 5.5 51 h 28 °C 102 mm

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Technical details of Kappalady spot

N: Not rideable NNE: Not rideable NE: Not rideable ENE: Not rideable E: Not rideable ESE: Not rideable SE: Not rideable SSE: Not rideable S: Not rideable SSW: Rideable SW: Rideable WSW: Rideable W: Rideable WNW: Not rideable NW: Not rideable NNW: Not rideable N E S W

The spot works with winds from SSW, SW, WSW, W.

Rideable Not rideable
Spot opening date · Required level
Spot opening date
Open all year round
Required level
Intermediate

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