 SPORTS & RECREATION |
Sri Lanka is one of the main surfing spots within the Indian Ocean; high quality waves, peaceful surroundings and uncrowded beaches are some of the assets of the Sri Lankan coast. Surf in the country is mainly localized between the Southwest and Southeast of the Island.
 Hikkaduwa |
About 100 km away from Colombo you find the town of Hikkaduwa; it is the country’s best-known surfing spot, and the one that attracts the biggest crowd during the high season - from November to March. Hikkaduwa has a unique triangular coral reef. The coast of Hikkaduwa gets left and right waves that are excellent for riding on your board.
| Arugam Bay |
Opposite side of the Island, on the Southeast, there is Arugam Bay; the waves can reach two to three meters rolling into beautiful tubes mainly from the right side. Besides the great surf, the surrounding are quite amazing for site seeing. The best season to visit Arugam Bay runs from May to October.
 OTHER PLACES TO SURF IN SRI LANKA |
| North Jetty |
Coral bottom, a right wave that requires a great swell that breaks. When this wave behaves as expected it can be a wonderful ride, it's a long wave with very hollow sections.
| | Benny´s |
Coral bottom. A fast left wave and quite dangerous that breaks over a very sharp reef and with shallow water. Only surf here if you really know what you are doing and at your own risk.
| Main Reef |
Coral bottom. Right and left waves that offer fun and relaxed surfing.
| Inside Reef |
Coral bottom. Breaking fast hollow waves from left and right that can be quite intense at times.
| Beach Break |
Sand bottom. South of the inside Reef there is a number of thin sand over which several types of waves break. This area is recommended for the inexperienced surfer.
| CRICKET |
Sri Lanka is truly a cricket crazy country. People are definitely enthusiastic when it comes to cricket. When the match is on, the whole city is on hold, and everyone tunes in to its radio or switches its television on.
The British introduced cricket when they colonized the Island in the 18th century; the visits that the English and the Australian made in the way to the West Indies encouraged competition and built up the interest. The game has tremendous success in the whole country and amongst all classes and ethnic groups, who seem to put all their differences aside when it comes to watching and enjoying cricket.
You can observe children, youngsters and elderly people playing it at all hours of the day in the most improvised places.
Sri Lankans take cricket very seriously. When in 1999 the Sri Lankan team was unable to make through the final phase of the tournament, adoring fans turned on their idols claiming that cricket days were over.
If you are visiting Sri Lanka take the time to attend a game. If you are not used to cricket be aware that a game can last a full day, and even more! |
