Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
20
Siam View Hotel
B3
Surfing
The famous, long right point break at the southern end of Arugam Bay offers consistent
surf from April to September, with some good (and much quieter) days until November.
(Some other points don't get going until May or June.)
Locals, as well as some travelling surfers, tend to over-hype Arugam Bay as a world-
class spot, which is slightly fanciful to say the least. However, it consistently produces
long and fairly fat slow-breaking waves that are ideal for intermediate surfers. Surf aver-
ages 1m to 1.5m, with a few rare 2m days. On small days it can be very shallow and sec-
tiony while at any size there can be lots of boils and bumps to deal with. In season it can
get dangerously busy, and learners should stick to the gentle beach break further inside of
the point, also known as Baby Point.
There are many more breaks of similar quality, most of which need a decent-size swell.
To the north, these include
Pottuvil Point
, which is a slow right-hander, ideal for learners
(it tends to be better later in the season),
Whiskey Point
and
Lighthouse Point
, which are
both also good for beginners. To the south is
Crocodile Rock
,
Elephant Rock
and
Pea-
nut Farm
- the latter has two breaks (one of which is advanced) -
Panama
, which gets
bad reviews, and
Okanda
, which is rumoured to be the best of the lot.
Several surf shops rent out boards, give lessons and do camping trips to some of the fur-
ther points. Surf camp tours allow you to start surfing first thing in the morning, and you
don't have to worry about food or transport, but some surfers find it's just as easy, and
cheaper, to make their own way.
A-Bay Surf Shop
SURFING
8am-8pm)
A good selection of old boards suitable for learners, plus expert ding-repair service, wax
and sunscreen.
