Blog | Windspired

What payment methods do we accept?

We accept bank transfers for your deposit. The remaining balance can be paid directly in cash before your first lesson.

Do you require deposit when booking?

To confirm your booking, we require a 50 EUR deposit. The remaining balance is due on the day of your lesson.

Deposits are non-refundable, but they can be used as credit for rescheduled lessons within the same season.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that plans can change, and we strive to be flexible, but to ensure smooth operations and fairness for all students and instructors, we’ve established the following cancellation policy:

Cancellations & Refunds
More than 48 hours before the lesson: You may reschedule your lesson without any penalty, and your deposit will be fully transferred to the new date.
Less than 48 hours before the lesson: The deposit will be forfeited, as it is unlikely we can fill your reserved spot on short notice.
No-shows or same-day cancellations: The full lesson fee will be charged, as the instructor’s time has been exclusively allocated for you.

Weather-Related Cancellations
If the lesson is canceled due to unsuitable weather conditions (e.g., no wind, storms), we will reschedule at no extra cost.
If rescheduling is not possible during your stay, we will refund your deposit.

Group Lessons
If one or more participants in a group lesson cancel less than 48 hours in advance, their deposit will be forfeited. The lesson will still take place for the remaining participants, and the pricing will be adjusted accordingly.
If the entire group cancels with sufficient notice (48+ hours), the deposit can be transferred to a new date.

What should I wear for kitesurfing lessons?

We provide all the essential gear for your kitesurfing lesson — included in the price!

Harness
Safety helmet
Impact vest
Surf booties
Lycra top

We also recommend bringing:

Sunglasses (plus a backup pair just in case)
A hat that fits under your helmet
Plenty of sunscreen ☀️

How long are the lessons?

Our lessons typically last 2 hours, depending on your energy levels and weather conditions.

For semi-private courses, we recommend a 3-hour first lesson, as it tends to be the most effective ⏱️.

If you start feeling tired, we can stop early — there’s no benefit in pushing beyond your comfort zone 🧘.

If you’re feeling energized and time allows, we’re happy to extend your session!

Can I learn to kitesurf if I can not swim?

🚫 Sorry, swimming is a must!
Being a strong swimmer and feeling comfortable in deep water is a non-negotiable requirement for taking kitesurfing lessons.

Even in shallow areas, you might get pulled under by waves, lose footing, or need to handle your kite while fully submerged. Staying calm and in control requires water confidence.

⚠️ Life vests help, but they don’t replace actual swimming skills. If you’re not confident in the water yet, we recommend improving your swimming first — your safety comes first!

I'm an independent rider but would like to learn some tricks. Can you help me?

How Does Advanced Coaching Work?

Our advanced coaching is designed to help you master new tricks and techniques safely and effectively – without unnecessary crashes or gear damage 🤕.

Who is it for?
Whether you’re working on your first jumps or progressing to advanced tricks, David will guide you step by step 🚀.

How long is a session?
Each session lasts 2 hours. During this time, David rides alongside you and gives real-time feedback through the BB Talking communication system 🎧, so you can improve instantly.

What’s included?
Your session is recorded with a GoPro 🎥. Afterward, you’ll review the footage together and analyze key points to boost your progress for the next session.

Do I need to have any experience before taking a lesson?

Not at all! 👌
Whether you’re a total beginner or have some experience, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Already into watersports? 🌊
If you’ve done sailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, or similar, you’ll likely grasp the wind and board control faster. Even snowboarding helps, as the board feel is quite similar 🏂.

Complete beginner? No problem! 😎
If this is your first time with water, wind, or board sports—don’t worry. We’ll teach you everything from the ground up.

Had lessons before? Let’s continue! 🔁
If you’ve already started kiting, we’ll pick up where you left off, refresh your skills, fill in the gaps, and help you keep progressing.

What is the difference between private and semi-private lesson?

Private Kitesurfing Lessons (1:1 Coaching) 🧑‍🏫
A private lesson is the fastest way to learn. You get your own kite & board and full attention from your instructor, allowing for rapid progress and a personalized learning experience.

Semi-Private Kitesurfing Lessons (2:1) 👯
Perfect for couples, friends, or family who want to learn together:

✔️ One instructor + one set of equipment
🔁 Take turns practicing and learning from each other
⏸️ Short breaks between exercises
🌊 A fun way to share the kitesurfing experience

Note: Group lessons are only available for people signing up together. We don’t pair individuals into groups. Need more support? You can switch to a private session anytime.

If I book semi-private lessons, should I bring someone or you are forming the group?

👥 You need to register in pairs
When booking a semi-private (group) course, you must sign up with another person (friend, partner, family).
We don’t form groups on-site due to:

🔁 Different skill levels
⚖️ Weight differences (important for kite control)
🗓️ Varying arrival dates

🧍 Coming solo?
If you’re traveling alone, a private course is the best option. It ensures a personalized learning experience and faster progress!

What is the minimum age requirement for lessons?

⚠️ No strict age limit — but safety comes first
Kitesurfing is an extreme sport, so we take extra care when teaching younger students. There’s no fixed minimum age, but we assess each case individually based on:

🧠 Maturity to understand and follow safety instructions
⚖️ Suggested minimum weight: 40 kg (for safe kite control)

👨‍👩‍👧 Not sure if your child is ready?
Contact us for a personalized assessment. We’ll ensure the experience is safe, exciting, and educational!

Do I need to be in good physical condition to kitesurf?

💪 Basic fitness is enough
You don’t need to be an athlete to kitesurf, but a basic level of physical fitness is important for a safe and enjoyable learning experience.

Before starting your lessons, we’ll check if there are any health or medical conditions that might affect your training.

⚡ Kitesurfing requires coordination, balance, and a bit of endurance—especially in the beginning—but if you’re generally active, you’re good to go!

How long does it take to be an independent rider?

✅ On average: 12 hours of lessons
Most students reach the level of independent riding — riding in both directions, going upwind, and making controlled turns — after about 12 hours of instruction.

⏳ But it’s different for everyone.
Progress depends on how quickly you can master the most important part: the waterstart. This involves combining kite control with board takeoff — upper and lower body coordination is key!

The waterstart takes up the largest part of the learning process, and your transition to full independence depends largely on this stage.

Where do we teach?

We have access to several amazing kitesurfing spots along the coastline, allowing us to choose the best possible conditions for your lesson.

🏖️ Our main location:
A well-known lagoon ideal for kitesurfing — here we have our own beach hut, which makes organizing lessons smooth and comfortable, with all equipment on-site.

🌬️ Flexibility based on wind & needs:
Depending on wind direction, your preferences, or logistical considerations, we may hold your lesson at a different spot. Don’t worry — all our teaching locations are top-notch and kite-friendly!

Is kitesurfing safe?

⚠️ Kitesurfing is considered a higher-risk sport due to its dynamic nature. However, when practiced in safe conditions, with proper equipment, and under the supervision of an experienced instructor, it is one of the safer extreme sports.

What if I buy the few hours course but it turns out I don't like it during my first lesson?

🤔 It’s highly unlikely that you won’t finish your course, but don’t worry — you only pay for the lessons you actually use.

What is included in the price of the lessons?

Transfer to and from the lagoon
All necessary kite equipment and accessories
A tailored teaching program suited to your level
The full attention of an experienced instructor
And of course — lots of fun!

Can I use the equipment after the lesson?

For safety reasons, we only rent our equipment to experienced, independent kiters. At the beginning stages of your course, you will only use the equipment under the supervision of an instructor.

Once you reach level 3 and are able to confidently ride upwind, your instructor will assess if you’re ready to practice on your own. Your safety and progress are our top priorities!

What are the requirements for renting the equipment?

To rent equipment from us, you need to be an independent rider. As we follow IKO standards, this means you must have completed Level 3 or above.

The essential skills required to ride safely on your own include:

Controlling riding speed by edging
Consistent riding in all directions, including upwind
Riding amongst other riders and respecting right-of-way rules
Changing direction without stopping
Self-rescue and full packdown in the water
Self-launch/self-landing
Body-dragging upwind
Board recovery in deep water
If you have an IKO Level 3 license, but feel unsure about any of these skills, we recommend booking a refreshment lesson with one of our instructors to boost your confidence and prepare to rent and ride independently.

I am an independent rider but I don't have an IKO license, can I still rent?

Yes, you can rent equipment, but for safety reasons, you’ll need to complete a short session with one of our instructors first. During this session, the instructor will assess if you have all the necessary skills required to ride independently.

How do I choose the right kite and board size?

Selecting the correct kite and board size depends on your weight and the wind conditions. Here’s a general guideline:

The heavier you are, the bigger the kite and board you’ll need.
The stronger the wind, the smaller the kite you’ll require.
When renting, our staff will always be available to assist you in selecting the right gear for optimal performance and safety.

How do I get to Kudawa (Kalpitiya)?

Most travelers choose a private driver for their airport transfer — and we highly recommend this option.
It’s the most convenient, fastest, and safest way to reach Windspired 🚗✨

We work with a trusted, local driver to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.

To book your airport transfer:

Email us your flight number and arrival time at info@windspired.com
Your driver will be waiting at the airport
Enjoy a relaxed ride straight to Windspired 🏝️

Can I get to Kudawa/Kalpitiya by public transport?

Can I get to Kudawa/Kalpitiya by public transport?

Public transport in Sri Lanka can be quite an adventure! 😃 While we find it fun, it can also be a bit challenging — especially if you’re carrying luggage or kite gear. Make sure to allow extra time and be prepared for crowded conditions, including standing.

By Bus
The most frequent buses run from Colombo Fort Station to Kalpitiya. Take Bus No. 7 for a direct route.
You can get off in Kalpitiya town (final stop) or Kurinchanpitiya (a few kilometers before). From either location, a tuk-tuk is needed to reach our school.

By Train
Trains operate from Colombo and Negombo to Puttalam.
From Puttalam, you can take a bus to Kalpitiya or switch buses along the way. Alternatively, hire a tuk-tuk for a more direct and comfortable ride.

Tuk-Tuks & Ride-Sharing
We recommend the PickMe app – works like Uber. You can choose between a tuk-tuk or a car, but note that tuk-tuks usually work better in this area.
Payment is always in cash (Sri Lankan rupees).

When is the best time to kite in Sri Lanka?

We have two amazing kite seasons in Sri Lanka! 🏄‍♂️

Summer Season (Mid-May to Mid-October)
Wind: Steady all day, averaging 18–20 knots
Conditions: Choose between the flat-water lagoon for smooth rides or the Indian Ocean waves for an extra challenge
Weather: Warm temperatures – no wetsuit needed!

Winter Season (Mid-December to Mid-March)
Wind: Picks up in the afternoon, ranging from 15–20 knots
Weather: Even in “winter”, it stays around 26°C – still perfect for riding without a wetsuit

No matter the season, Kalpitiya offers perfect kitesurfing conditions for all skill levels! 🌞

Where can I withdraw money?

You can exchange money upon arrival at Colombo Airport or withdraw cash from ATMs in Kalpitiya, the nearest town to our kitesurfing school.

What should I bring with me?

We recommend bringing the following essentials for your trip:

Mosquito repellent
Refillable water bottle
Beach towels
Sunscreen or zinc
Aftersun lotion
Sunglasses and sun hat 🕶️👒

What is the right airport in Sri Lanka?

Your destination airport in Sri Lanka is Colombo (CMB) – Bandaranaike International Airport.

To find the best flight deals, we recommend using a search engine like Skyscanner.

Do you need a visa for Sri Lanka? 🇱🇰

Yes, a tourist visa is required to enter Sri Lanka. It is valid for 30 days and can be extended for up to 2 months.

You can apply online via the official ETA system or obtain it upon arrival at Colombo Airport (CMB).

Important: Your passport must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.

Are there any health risks in Sri Lanka and are vaccinations needed?

Sri Lanka has no significant health risks and is considered malaria-free. However, occasional cases of dengue fever can occur.

To stay protected, we strongly recommend bringing a tropical mosquito repellent, as mosquitoes can be active, especially in the evening.