Kalpitiya hosted the Kitesurfing Fun Race 2026 on 29th August, bringing together 30 local and international riders for an exciting day on the water. The Kalpitiya Windsports Club organized the event as part of its vision to take Sri Lankan kitesurfing to a higher level.
Kitesurfing has long been part of Kalpitiya’s identity. The destination has become one of Sri Lanka’s best-known locations for kitesurfing and other water sports such as wing foiling, wind surfing, kite foiling. This race added something special to that story.
It marked the return of a kitesurfing race in Kalpitiya after a long break. Riders came together to compete, challenge themselves, and enjoy the unique spirit of the local kitesurfing community.
The Vision Behind Windsports Club
The Kalpitiya Windsports Club grew from the vision of Mr. Upul De Silva, a four-time Sri Lankan Windsurfing Champion and a pioneer in Kalpitiya’s water sports industry.
Upul De Silva founded the De Silva Windsports Center and the De Silva Resorts in Kalpitiya. His work has helped establish the region as a leading destination for water sports. The De Silva Windsports Center has also earned the title of Best Water Sports Center in Sri Lanka twice, recognizing its contribution to the country’s water sports industry.
Upul De Silva joined forces with another respected name in Sri Lankan kitesurfing, the co-founder of Kitesurfing Lanka, Dilsiri Welikala. Together, they shared a common goal: to create a stronger future for Sri Lankan wind sports and help local kitesurfing athletes reach the next level.
That shared vision helped drive the development of the Kalpitiya Windsports Club.
Developing Sri Lankan Kitesurfing Athletes
The club has an ambitious goal.
It wants to identify talented Sri Lankan riders and give them more opportunities to develop their skills through competition. The ultimate aim is to help create national-level kitesurfing athletes who can represent Sri Lanka on the international stage.
The Fun Race forms an important part of that journey.
Competitive events give riders the chance to gain experience, improve their racing skills, and learn what it takes to compete at a higher level. They also create a stronger community around the sport.
For the organizers, this race was not simply about finding a winner. It was about creating a platform for the future of Sri Lankan kitesurfing.
Local Talent Takes the Lead
Around 30 riders took part in the 2026 race. Local and international participants lined up together and took on the challenge of racing across the water.
The final results created a proud moment for Sri Lankan kitesurfing.
The first five positions all went to local riders.
Their performances showed the growing strength of Sri Lankan kitesurfing talent. It also highlighted the potential that the Kalpitiya Windsports Club hopes to develop through future events.
The atmosphere throughout the race remained exciting and friendly. Riders pushed themselves on the water while supporters and fellow kitesurfers cheered them on.
Celebrating Every Participant
The organizers wanted everyone who took part to feel like a winner.
Every participant received a certificate of participation. The certificates recognized their contribution to the event and their role in making the race a success.
The top three riders also received special awards for their achievements.
The award ceremony brought the event to a memorable close. It gave the riders, organizers, and supporters a chance to celebrate a special day for kitesurfing in Kalpitiya.
Looking Ahead
The Kitesurfing Fun Race 2026 was more than a day of competition. It represented a new step towards building a stronger future for competitive kitesurfing in Sri Lanka.
With experienced water sports pioneers behind the Windsports Club, talented local riders entering the competition, and growing enthusiasm for the sport, Kalpitiya has an exciting future ahead.
The first five places going to Sri Lankan riders made this year’s race even more special. It showed what local athletes can achieve when they have the opportunity to compete.
The race may have ended, but the vision continues.
Experience Kalpitiya on the Water
Kitesurfing is only one of the many ways to experience the waters of Kalpitiya. From kitesurfing and windsurfing to wing foiling, kayaking,stand-up paddleboarding, and other water-based adventures, De Silva Resorts offers a wide range of activities for guests looking to experience Kalpitiya from the water.
Discover our water sports and activities in Kalpitiya and start planning your next adventure.