Surfing in Sri Lanka

Windsurfing in Sri Lanka

As well as traditional surfing, visitors can also enjoy windsurfing and kite surfing in Sri Lanka. Bird Lake at Hikkaduwa and the Bentota Lagoon offer the perfect conditions for windsurfing with light wind cruising. The main seasons are from November to April on the south and southwest coasts, and from April to September at resorts along Sri Lanka’s east coast.

Those wanting a more challenging opportunity or are more experienced (Grade 4 and above) will enjoy windsurfing in Negombo. From January to March, the northwest trade winds provide plenty of onshore breeze. From May to August the wind direction shifts to the southwest and the higher shore breaks and rough seas are more suited to advanced and professional kite surfers.

Kite Surfing in Negombo

Negombo is known as the kite surfing capital of Sri Lanka. Not only does the Negombo coastline have the perfect wind conditions when it comes to kite surfing, it is also the home of many kite boarding factories. North Kite boarding, Faith Kite boarding and Caved all manufacture kite boards around Negombo.

Once again, we will be happy to arrange or recommend equipment rentals and windsurf or kite surfing lessons as part of your tailor-made Sri Lankan Tour.

3km North of Arugam Bay is Pottuvil, one of the larger towns on the east coast and location to another ancient site of significance, a dagaba in ruins known as the Mudu Maha Vihara. On the west of the dagaba are pillar structure remains along with the torso of a standing Buddha and 2 Bodhisattva figures which are in better condition. The beach behind the Vihara encompasses large sand dunes, is wide and largely uninhabited and while its privacy is great it may not be ideal for a swim. Interesting is local folklore which believes that the princess Viharamahadevi was washed ashore at the Mudu Maha Vihare after her father cast her adrift on the high seas to appease the gods and a very angry sea. Modern historians believe this incident maybe a reference to the first tsunami in Sri Lanka’s recorded history.

30km south of Arugambay, along the Panama road from Okanda, is the Kudumbigala Monastry. Rough and dry terrain starts to give way to dense jungle highlighting the fact that you have entered territory east of Yala. The monastery is on top of a huge rock and is an extensive complex of caves and buildings which remain virtually untouched by the modern age.

Further south and south-east of Arugam Bay is Yala East or the Kumana National Park, a beautiful wilderness and important place for bird nesting and breeding in Sri Lanka. Wildlife safari enthusiasts should definitely head in the direction of Kumana. There are even a fortunate few who have sighted Sri Lanka’s rare black necked stork. While the Park is not as popular as the main Yala National Park it contains its fair share of wildlife. Sloth bear, leopard, elephants, wild buffaloes, deer and saltwater crocodiles prowl the eastern Yala jungles and provide interested spectators with a fair share of excitement.

Arugam Bay encompasses everything a traveler in search of an adventure would want to experience. Simplicity, seclusion, natural beauty, warm skies and seas along with great company, mouth-watering food and enough of excursions and activities to keep you on your toes. Escape the routine of daily life and embark on an unpredictable and exciting east coast escapade.