Sri Lanka Surfing Vacation

For the past thirty years the beautiful island of Sri Lanka, better known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, has been an ideal spot for a perfect surfing vacation. Although the waves in Sri Lanka are not in any way a match to the power and magnitude of the waves in more famous surfing destinations such as Hawaii or California, the country offers surfing enthusiasts one of the cheapest and safest surfing vacations in the Indian Ocean. All in all, Sri Lanka welcomes surfers from all over the world with open arms and a big smile that is always associated with this tropical paradise.

Unlike in most destinations, Sri Lanka offers quality surfing conditions almost all year round. The two monsoons that bring rain to this island have resulted in identifying two main surfing areas in the country; Hikkaduwa and Arugam Bay. Hikkaduwa, located on the western coastal belt of Sri Lanka, where ideal conditions for surfing are said to be during the period between December and April, has always been the more favoured of the two destinations. This has been so primarily due to the fact that vacationing in Arugam Bay, located on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, has been hampered because of the civil war in the country. Nevertheless, surfing in Arugam Bay, which has even better surfing conditions than that of Hikkaduwa, will certainly take an upturn in the near future as a result of the ongoing peace process. Months between April and October are the favourable surfing times in Arugam Bay.

Warning

Although Sri Lanka is identified as one of the safer surfing destinations, a surprising number of surfers, both tourists and locals are drowned each year. This is mainly due to the lack of knowledge in local surfing conditions. Currents, especially along the western coast of Sri Lanka can be quite hazardous for the surfers. Underestimating the danger of these currents, often the case in beginners, could be life threatening. Even for those who have sufficient experience regarding the currents would do well to keep in mind that life guards do not patrol most beaches in Sri Lanka.

The bigger the wave the stronger the current gets and the unassuming surfer may well be dragged back out to the sea. This form of currents are called rip currents, and it is important to remember that if you ever do get caught in one, swimming across it rather than against it is the best way to save your life. Another problem with the rip currents is that they occur in the calm waters seen between the big waves and unless the surfer is well experienced, chances are that they will not recognize it. Coastal currents that run parallel to the beach also pose a threat and it is advised that the surfers exercise more caution the further they go out to the sea.

Corals and the underwater rocks pose a threat to the surfer as well. Many lives have been lost as a result of heads crashing in to the rocks below. Other dangers that affect the surfers are mainly due to ignorance and lack of regard for safety measures. Surfing under the influence of alcohol and drugs is extremely dangerous for the surfer, although many fail to admit this fact. Surfers should also be aware of the fact that too much sun and over exertion as a result of trying to do too much surfing within a short period of time is also perilous as well.

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