The History of Surfing in Sri Lanka

From The Surfer's Guide - Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has emerged as a premier destination for surfers of all levels, with world-class waves breaking along serene shores all year long. Though surfing was first introduce to Southeast Asia in the 1930's via Indonesia, the sport didn't reach Sri Lanka until the 60's. Here's a timeline of some of the major events in Sri Lankan surfing history:

Hikkaduwa in the old days / Photo from Ian Riddel

1964 - The First Surf Trip

USA Surf Champion Rusty Miller explores the breaks along the southwest coast with renowned diver and filmmaker Mike Wilson, the first reported surf trip on the island then known as Ceylon.

1973 - Australians Search for Surf Heaven

Australian surfers Dave Fisher and Bruce Weller land in Hikkaduwa, seeking new waves away from Bali’s crowds. Word of the duo’s surf trips ripple through the Aussie community, enticing new groups of Australian and European surfers to the shores of Lanka.

Photo from Ian Riddel

1983 - Outbreak of Sri Lankan Civil War

The infamous 26-year war erupts in the northern provinces. Although faithful surfers continue to visit the southern coastal regions in the coming years, the island’s growing surf tourism takes a serious hit. 

1993 - Sri Lanka’s First Surf Competition

Hikkaduwa hosts the island’s first official surf competition. With the support of American friends, Channa Nawarathna organizes the event to feature the country’s surf talent. The competition is won by local legend Mambo.

2011 - World Surf League Qualifiers 

The civil war comes to an end, signifying a new era in Sri Lankan history and foreign tourism. Arugam Bay hosts the country’s first-ever international surf competition—a World Surf League qualifying event—bringing international awareness to the island and giving locals a deeper understanding of surf culture.

Photo by Jonathan Stromberg

2011 - Ceylon’s First Female Surfer

Arugam Bay’s Shamali Sanjaya breaks societal barriers to become the country’s first female surfer, with the support and guidance of Surfing the Nations representative Tiffany Carothers.

2017 -  Surf Federation of Sri Lanka

The first International Surf Association (ISA) organization is established in Sri Lanka  to oversee and govern the development of the sport. For the first time, the island’s surf schools are internationally recognized and accredited.

2018 - The First Women’s Surf Club in Sri Lanka

The Arugam Bay Girls Surf Club, co-registered by Tiffany Carothers, Martina Burtscher, and Amanda Prifti, becomes the first female surf club to be registered with the Sri Lanka Surf Federation. 

2019 - Lanka’s First National Surf Championship

Inspired by the inclusion of surfing at the 2020 Olympics, Arugam Bay holds its first national tournament to identify the country’s best surfers. The competition's top performers are invited to join Sri Lanka’s national surf team to train and compete on the international stage.

Present Day

Sri Lanka’s surf scene is one the most vibrant in Asia, increasing in global recognition as travelers near and far paddle out to its wondrous waves. There’s never been a better time to experience all that the island has to offer. Come see for yourself!