Red Bull launches Sri Lanka’s first-ever kite surfing race in Kalpitiya

Friday, 29 June 2012 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Kalpitiya, known to be the best kite surfing locations in the world, will play host to the first ever Red Bull Island Hopping. The race involves kitesurfers hopping from one island to the other off the North Western Puttalam Peninsular.

The epic race will include mastering the ‘choppy’ ocean conditions then making their way to the ‘ultra flat’ Kalpitiya Lagoon. The total route would be around 25KM.

Overall winner will be decided based on timings.

The Kiteboarders will be going with the wind and will have the option of taking on the challenging task of kiting against the wind. Additional prize money is up for grabs for upon completion of the super challenge. A Free style exhibition competition will also be held at the lagoon on the 8th of July.

This is Red Bull’s second stint with Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka. Last year Red Bull Kiteboarder Susi Mai was down to try her hand at the winds of Kalpitiya. She also conducted an Under my Wings program with the local kitesurfers.Kitesurfing or kiteboarding can be defined as the ultimate adventure surface water sport.

It combines wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, and gymnastics. Kitesurfing harnesses the power of the wind to propel a rider across the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard. There is a range of different styles of kiteboarding, including freestyle, freeride, downwinders, speed, course racing, wakestyle, jumping and wave-riding which is focused on kitesurfing big waves using a directional board similar to a surfboard.