An article in the Sunday Times on the pioneers of surfing in Sri Lanka first gave me a glimpse  of what paradise has to offer. Sri Lanka’s surf scene is not that advanced and it was only a few months ago that I met with fellow ‘like minded’ people who enjoyed what I enjoyed – the beach and activities concerning the beach.

When the winds are not  enough for Kitesurfing, we head ‘Down South’ in search of a nice gentle wave for us beginners. Julian Bowling, Sri Lanka’s Olympian in the sport of Swimming spoke of a gentle wave where Parrot Fish swam alongside the surf boards in crystal clear water. I was hooked and we headed to Medigama the following week. My cousin Keshini Hapugoda, a fellow enthusiast followed suit the week after.

Hour upon hour of surfing with Julian advancing  and giving pointers to us beginners, a nice hearty ‘String Hopper Feed’ and loads of ‘Thambili’ for breakfast gave us all the energy to go on till Sunset. That’s right, sunset (we considered stopping for lunch a waste of time!) It was truly an amazing experience surfing and marveling at what beauty this island, an island we call paradise has to offer.

Next weekend, wind or swell, we would hit a beach North or South or Sri Lanka. The adventures continue.

Dilsiri Welikala

The season start was a bit slow but now the beautiful bay on the East Coast it is the hottest destination in the country. Guest houses are full to capacity, the local economy is picking up again and everyone, locals and tourists are having a great time.

There is something for everyone: great surf and beautiful weather, amazing food as only Arugam Bay can offer, happening beach parties and calming lounges to soothe your spirit. Everyone we spoke to said they’ll return next season.

If you want to catch Arugam Bay this season there is still a lot of time. Get in touch with us and we will do our best to get you there.

Goofyfoot Holidays

hi,

we are once again going to Arugam Bay with yet another group of fun loving people. and it looks like it is going to be the weekend of the year in Arugam Bay.

the weather is good, the surf is definitely up, the biggest beach party in Sri Lanka this year is sold out and it definitely looks like its going to rock. goofyfoot holidays is going to be there and we hope that so will you.

for the first time ever in Sri Lanka you will see brand new surfboards (shortboards & funboards) making their way in the beautiful A-bay. anyone can have one. so come find us there and see what you can get. we’ve also got real bodyboards that any pro would love to ride.

come back soon to hear about the weekend and see the bay in pictures,

hang loose,

Goofyfoot Holidays

We arrived in the small remote village of Arugam Bay at noon, on the first day of an amazing 4 day holiday. I have never seen a more beautiful place or experienced such simple living.  Arugam Bay is a stretch of azure blue sea with crests of white fluffy waves breaking on the beach.  The beach was steaming hot at noon yet by evening it offered long walks on cool golden sands.

Set back from the beach were coconut and palmyrah palms, some in groves and others standing alone.  Across the bay at the various surf points you could see the surfers, sitting on their boards staring across the bay and waiting for the big waves.

The small hotel we stayed at was one of the most charming places I have ever stayed in.  The tree-house like rooms were made of slatted wood and red tile roofs. The profusion of white bougainvillea growing all across the wooden structures gave the place a certain irresistible beauty. We found that the best way to beat the afternoon heat was to take cold outdoor showers before taking an afternoon nap outside on the verandah of the hotel.

The evenings were beautiful.  The steaming hot sands cooled to the sea breeze.  This was the ideal time for swimming.  The sea was cool and the water a brilliant blue.  Huge waves came across the bay and we enjoyed jumping over or diving under them.  Arugam Bay is not a busy or crowded beach.  There are a few people swimming or walking on the beach and groups of surfers riding the waves.  You can actually feel the solitude and tranquility of the place. At night we enjoyed leisurely dinners under the ever brightening full moon.  On the last night the moon was brightest and a perfect golden orb in the star studded sky. The act of something so simple, as watching the full moon, felt special in Arugam Bay.

The village of Arugam is more a series of small houses, restaurants and hotels.  The people of this region are extremely friendly and welcome you with a smile.  The best way to look around is to walk, and that’s what we did.

We found the most amazing places to eat and drink. I had the best home made ice cream I have ever eaten and they even had a selection of about 10 to choose from including passion fruit, mango and pineapple. We found wonderful Sri Lankan food at small street-side restaurants and enjoyed one dinner sitting at a small table set by the side of the road while we were served with spicy Sri Lankan cuisine. Every evening we ordered pots of yogurt and honey that was made from buffalo milk which became our staple dessert. We were also impressed by the western food which was delicious.

We spent the mornings visiting the different surf points as well as taking in the sites of Arugam Bay.  Some of the surf points were in very remote places.  The beaches were untouched, the sea was clean and blue and the waves were big.  One of the most spectacular surf points is called “Pottuvil Point.  Pottuvil Point is remarkable, not only as a surf point but for the beauty of the location itself.  A rocky outcrop on golden beaches overlooking the sea and surrounded by jungle. We were told that the best time to surf was early in the morning when the waves were at their biggest.  On our adventures, we passed herds of elephants sitting in large ponds filled with water lilies.  A truly amazing and amusing sight.  We passed lagoons with crocodiles, multitudes of birds and tiny fishing boats. We met wonderful people.

Leaving Arugam Bay was difficult as our time there seemed to end so quickly.  We were never bored for a moment.  We always had so much to do, so much to see and experience.  As we left, we already made plans for our return 2 months later.