Kitesurfers in Kalpitiya

The Kalpitiya lagoon is a kitesurfing destination.  Several kitesurfing schools operate there. Now that I've been there, I can see why.

The Kalpitiya lagoon water is shallow and warm.  Great for getting back on your board after a fall, and being wet all day. The wind must be pretty constant because there are wind turbines in several locations around the lagoon, which is several km long but only about 500 m wide. The end of the lagoon that's used by the schools is contained on 3 sides.  So a learner can't accidentally be washed away...

The Kitelantis resort has SUP boards we could use.  So we did!  We paddled about 1 km, from the resort to the kitesurfing end of the lagoon.  

There were so many kitesurfers!  With fun coloured canopies zipping around.  Some managing to get air!

Turns out, on the other side of the narrow piece of land that serves as a base for the kitesurfers is another beach! On the ocean.  With hardly anyone there. What a treat!

Pictures
1-  There might have been over 100 kitesurfers at the lagoon.  Sometimes, two would almost cross paths/tangle their kite/kite strings.  But it was amazingly orderly.  The lagoon had such a beach bum-crazy sports feel.
2- Windy and sunny!
3-  Such a contrast!  The beach bum/play feel contrasted with real world fishermen.
4- This tractor (for hire?) had a big winch/pulley system to bring fishing nets out of the water.
5- Enjoying the warm glow of the late day sun from the SUP.
6-Some kitesurfers got amazing air!!  It looked like the landing was tricky for learners.  Several people got up, then fell in the water as they landed. Still impressive!
7-Some neat cactus like plants on the beach.