Sri Lanka’s surrounding Indian Ocean waters are ideal for windsurfing and the monsoon weather patterns are such that one half of the island’s coastal waters are always in season for watersports.

Windsurfing is an incredibly dynamic sport. You can learn to cruise slowly like a sailboat, fly along at lightning speeds, race, wave sail, or do aerial tricks. The best time for windsurfing on the west coast is between November and April. It´s sunny and the water and wind conditions are good. After April the monsoon hits and the seas can be very rough. These conditions are more suitable for experienced windsurfers. On the east coast the best winds are during July and August. They tend to be on the strong side, but other than that conditions are excellent.

And, of course, the best thing about windsurfing in Sri Lanka is that the water is nice and warm whatever the season. No wetsuits, no Neoprene. All you need is your swimming gear! If you are a beginner, you can learn in the relative safety of the Bentota river while windsurfers with experience can face the stronger winds of the open sea.

Enjoy a windsurfing course in the warm, blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Our windsurfing instructors will teach you about the wind, how to efficiently get on the board, sail and turn. Learn the high-wind stance, steering and jibe and continue to reinforce sailing skills.

For a real wind-surfer's paradise, head down to BENTOTA on the south-west coast of Sri Lanka where the exhilaration of cruising across the azure water overlooking the idyllic beach won't fail to disappoint. For beginners of windsurfing, the more tranquil waters of the Bentota river or any of Sri Lanka 's many tanks and lakes offer an ideal training zone before heading out to the challenge of the ocean. North of TRINCOMALEE , in the west coast of Sri Lanka , the sea off Nilaveli beach provides a fantastic east coast alternative for when the Yala monsoon brings strong winds and rough seas to the west. So whatever your level of experience, leave your wetsuit at the door and make the most of what Sri Lanka has to offer this exciting sport.

N.B. If venturing out on the south-west coastline, grab your sail and board between November and April before the monsoon hits. To ensure the best wind and water conditions on the east coast, go from May-October.

The west coast town of Bentota is popular for windsurfing with water and wind conditions best during the season from November to April. On the East coast the best winds are from July to August when windsurfers head to Trincomalee. Windsurfing in Sri Lanka is also possible inland on lagoons and lakes in Negombo, Bolgoda and Bentota.

West Coast:

Windsurfing on the island was first started in Negombo pioneered by Lanka Sportreizen. Negombo continues to be popular for windsurfing during the season from December to April. Negombo also offers a range of watersports including water skiing, scuba diving and snorkeling.

South West Coast:

Take advantage of the strong breezes on the west coast from December to March and head to Bentota. The Sunshine Watersports Centre in Bentota is the only VDWS certified surf centre on the island and provides training and certification for windsurfers. There is also the Club Intersport and Lanka Sportreizen that provides a range of watersports in Bentota. Take a short boat trip offshore to dive over the coral reefs, grab a snorkel and mask to paddle your way through tropical fish, or If speed is more your thing then jetski or water-ski on the Bentota lagoon. Bentota is a two-hour drive south of Colombo.

East Coast:

Sri Lanka’s equivalent of the Maldives, with never-ending white sandy beaches, coral islands and shimmering blue seas, the east coast is distinctly different from the coastal areas of the rest of the island. This region is best visited from March to October when the seas are at their best. For windsurfing, head to the waters of north of Trincomalee in Nilaveli & Uppuveli.

Inland Lakes: Windsurfing in Bolgoda Lake is conducted by the Ceylon Motor Yacht Club. Set on the shores of Bolgoda Lake, the Yacht Club was established in 1929 and has a wide membership that actively participates in sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing. Regular competitions and training is held with members also representing Sri Lanka in international events.