Joanna James
As an island, Sri Lanka is one of the best tropical escapes to enjoy water sports. The sunny haven not only offers thrills on the warm Indian Ocean but is blessed with a host of rivers where exotic encounters abound. Here's a list of the best water sports in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka offers one a chance to enjoy both kayaking and rafting on white water. Rafting is where you manoeuvre a dingy along the rapids; tours are generally made up of around 10 people and require you to make your way with the aid of paddles. The sport which is conducted safely in Sri Lanka with the aid of experienced guides is open to children as young as 10 years. Kayaking on the rapids requires more skill and is dangerous if you are not experienced in manoeuvring your way across the swift-flowing water. Those of you hungry for action on the ruggedly handsome island can look forward to themed experiences, via the fab tailor-made tours Sri Lanka has on offer. Hooking up with the right agent is key, many like Nature Odyssey, offer a professional service and are worth seeking out.
Canyoning if you didn't already know is a combination of hiking, swimming, abseiling, cliff jumping, white water rafting etc. the experiences are conducted within and around the natural gorges shaped by the mighty Kelani River. The surroundings too are utterly stunning, made up of lush jungles, deep canyons and frothy white water. There are several tour companies in Sri Lanka conducting canyoning tours which are really quite thrilling and perfect for that adrenaline rush.
Enjoy island life to the fullest by adding some windsurfing on your tour of Sri Lanka. The sport involves a sail which is attached to a surfboard on which you balance while harnessing the wind and zipping across the Indian Ocean. Places like Bentota, on the south coast, are noted for the many windsurfing schools offering beginners a chance to get the hang of relishing the thrilling sport.
Another exhilarating water sport, kite surfing requires a set of skills. Head over to the west coast, where places like Kalpitiya are notorious for its calm windy lagoons around which kite surfing is practised. Once learnt the sport is very thrilling and there is nothing more rewarding than leaving the waves behind and soaring into the sky, as you attempt daredevil stunts, like a pro!
Sri Lanka is one of the world's top surf destinations; especially places like Arugam Bay located on the east coast. Arugam Bay has played host to world surf championships too. Varied experiences give surfers of all categories a chance to test the waves surrounding the island. Weligama for instance, home to Surf Beach is where would-be surfers acquire the right skills to enjoy riding the mild waves. Hikkaduwa on the south coast, founded in the '60s by the hippies is a favoured surf destination with at least five top surf spots. Look forward to both sandy bottom and risky reef breaks.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
