Pottuvil, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the best destinations in the world for fun, forgiving waves in warm tropical waters. The waves have enough power and size to elevate surfing levels without being too critical or intimidating. The point at Arugam Bay is Sri Lanka’s most famous break.
Arugam Bay is a right hand point, breaking over an old coral reef. It has long, clean, walls with the occasional tubing section. On a good day, rides as long as 400m are the norm. The bay is a swell magnet and will usually be a couple of feet bigger than the surrounding surf breaks, of which there are at least a dozen.
Arugam breaks from 2ft to 6ft, above that and it maxes out. It is surfable on all tides, though on a low tide the coral reef can be shallow. April to September brings the required southeast swells and daily afternoon onshore winds. A west wind is offshore but it is easier to surf in the morning, with no wind, than to wait for an offshore breeze to arrive.
Arugam Bay is a fishing village south of the town of Pottuvil. It is at the southern end of Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province. The town has a busy budget traveller and surfing scene. There is plenty of accommodation available within seeing distance of the break.
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