Kiting 200KM of Madness

Just a few days ago, some friends of mine kited the 200KM stretch from Kalpitiya to Mannar. Two hundred kilometers of unbroken wind, sand, and surf. That’s not a trip, that’s an odyssey. Back in 2016, I did it alone. No backup, no boat shadowing me, no one to even know if I vanished. Just me versus the Indian Ocean. Looking back now—especially after hearing of Graham Howes’ tragic death—I realise how close I was skating to the edge. One crash, one blackout, and that’s it. Curtain call. But when you’re young, your risk tolerance is sky high. Would I do it again solo? Not a chance. These days I think twice. Then again, in Kalpitiya, I still find myself kiting alone. Maybe it’s habit. Maybe it’s addiction. Maybe it’s stupidity. The truth is, this sport isn’t tame. It doesn’t matter if you’ve done 200KM crossings or just a quick session—one mistake and the sea doesn’t forgive. That’s the thrill and the terror rolled into one. But that’s why Kalpitiya hooks you. It’s raw, wild, untamed. Every ride feels like you’re playing dice with nature. That’s also why we built Kitesurfing Lanka —to give this madness a home. A place where you can chase the wind hard, but not have to face it completely alone. If you’re looking for safe and boring, this isn’t it. If you’re looking for adventure that makes your pulse hammer and your brain scream “WHAT AM I DOING?”—then welcome to Kalpitiya.