Surfing in Sri Lanka

Places such as Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa, Weligama, Mirissa and Unawatuna are popular surf spots in Sri Lanka and among tourists.

It also marked the first ever instance that a delegation from Sri Lanka had competed in the World Surfing Games.

Sri Lanka alongside Lebanon, Thailand and American Samoa also made their debuts at the World Surfing Games during the 2019 edition.

Shamali Sanjaya who is deemed to be the first Sri Lankan native local female surfer is currently serving as the president of Arugam Bay Girls Surf Club.

[7][8] Shamali played an influential role in setting up an all-female surf club in Arugam Bay and she apparently played a vital role in changing the stereotype regarding the participation Sri Lankan women in surfing by being in the forefront of the development and empowerment of female surfers especially in a country like Sri Lanka which has a conservative society.

[10] In July 2021, the government launched a programme to transform Arugam Bay into a worldwide destination for wind surfing.

[11] Red Bull Ride My Wave, an International Open Surfing Championship is also conducted in Sri Lanka which is sponsored by Red Bull Sri Lanka and several local and international surfers compete in the competition annually.

[26] The areas such as Kabalana, Midigama, Weligama, Ahangama and Matara in Mirissa are notable spots for surfing.