Colombo takes its first dive into water sports

 From left: Youth and Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa, LSR Director Limini Rajapaksa, Director Janith Weerasinghe and Chairman Thilak Weerasinghe

• First water sports centre launched by Lanka Sportreizen at Port City 

Lanka Sportreizen (LSR) recently launched Clubhouse – a fully-equipped water sports centre at the iconic Colombo Port City, offering a range of exhilarating sea-borne experiences.

Situated in Colombo’s central and prominent business district, and perfectly placed to offer the best views of the Indian Ocean, the all-new water sports centre will add a significant attraction to Sri Lanka’s commercial capital. The project aims to fill an unmet need of domestic and international tourists, created by the lack of water sports activities available in the city.

Coming forward to fill the gap in the market and region, LSR’s new centre offers an adventurous line up of activities to cater to all thrill-seekers and wave enthusiasts in the South Asian region. 

Lanka Sportreizen is a destination management company that has expanded into diverse regions, and has been enrolled with the Sri Lankan Tourist Development Authority for over two decades. Over the years, LSR has established itself as one of the leading providers of all types of water sports activities. This also includes scuba diving, for which they have been maintaining centres on the Southwest Coast and the East Coast – one of which is its five-star Golden Palm-certified PADI Resort in Sri Lanka.

LSR Chairman Thilak Weerasinghe holds years of experience and expertise in all water sports activities, stated: “We aim to make water sports accessible to all, right in Colombo, by providing a variety of activities for individuals and groups. This will make the water sports centre the premier water sports facility for families, athletes, and all members of the public who have an affinity to water sports and entertainment,” he stated.

LSR’s water sports centre offers the best possible range of water sports activities, including jet scooter ride, scuba diving, open sea diving, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, banana boat rides, tube boat rides, canoeing, water skiing, speed boat rides, deep-sea fishing, angle fishing, and night fishing, to name just a few. 

LSR is also introducing a breath-taking sunset cruise, during which visitors can admire the sunset over the Colombo horizon, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Boasting views over Colombo’s towering skyscrapers, Clubhouse will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Here guests and visitors can enjoy a delicious choice between light meals, snacks, or comfortable mocktails while they unwind to the soothing sounds of jazz music. Drawing inspiration from bohemian hotels in Bali, the location represents a reimagining of the original clubhouse concept. 

The centre’s open courtyard offers a peaceful sanctuary during the day, and comes alive at night with twinkling lights and live music. Not just a place for water sports, this airy space is the perfect backdrop for enjoying a cup of coffee or meal with the mellow sound of the waves in the background. 

Weerasinghe added: “When you walk through, your passion for all things marine aligns with ours! Fuelled by our love for the water, our mission is simple; to help create lasting memories for the water sports community and give you the best on-the-water experience.” 

The water sports centre maintains the highest international quality and safety standards, offering both Beginner and Intensive course options for certain activities depending on the experience level of the guests. 

All activities are carried out by certified trainers and guides to ensure that guests are absolutely safe and secure. Being a PADI Five-Star Golden Palm Dive Centre, they offer the full suite of PADI dive courses, snorkelling, open sea drives, pool sessions, scuba diving course, and lots of fun activities, with an emphasis on safety.

Trained personnel are available at all times, while LSR remains in contact with Nawaloka Hospitals for first aid and emergencies, leaving guests free to indulge in the thrilling experiences of snorkelling, kite surfing, and scuba diving, which will leave them truly refreshed.

These water sports will also allow visitors to discover the richness of the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, offering adrenaline junkies easy access to their fix in the heart of the city, as well as providing a relaxed way to bask in the sun, sand and surf.