Arugam Bay Information

Surf Culture

Group seeks to make better surfing future for all men and women in Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay: photo by Testemale

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 9 March, 2010 : – - Long known for its world class waves, tropical seascapes and easy-going people, Sri Lanka has been on the global surfers’ itinerary for over 30 years. Recently, local surfers and surf clubs decided to band together and commence the journey towards making a better surfing future for all men and women in Sri Lanka.

Following years of turmoil in the country due to a civil war, tsunami and economic hardtimes, the surfers from Arugam Bay and Hikkaduwa have formed the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka (SFSL). The mission of the SFSL is clear – to create a national body that will direct, govern, control and guide the sport in the country for the first time.

The Surfing Federation will take in charge the future development of surfing for all Sri Lankans and both encourage and foster a platform of national surfing competitions, improved water safety, plus environmental protection and conservation of the coastal surfing resources of the country. The decision is welcomed and supported by the Sri Lankan Olympic Committee Vice President Joseph Kenny and the local government Sports Ministry who saw the need for organising the rapidly growing sport.

Under the guidance of Australian marketing wizard, surf artist and one time state title surfer Peter Rob-o, the SFSL will become a force in surfing to be reckoned with in years to come. Continuing a lifelong passion with surfing in Sri Lanka, Peter has helped to gather all of the necessary elements together to make a long overdue dream come true. Overwhelmingly proclaimed as the new SFSL Chief Advisor by all the local surfers at a recent meeting, Rob-o is clear about his mission:

“When I first came here there were no local surfers at all, but after a short time they started to realize what they had here and started to get on it and go okay on the old and often broken surfboards left behind by foreign travellers.

Aasannka at the point : photo Philamonica

Not many of the original surfers from back then (70’s) are stll around or surfing. Dunstan is still at Hikkaduwa surfing and making surf clothes whilst his best mate Ranjin (ex President of the A Bay Surf Club) died not long ago in a surfing incident at Arugam Bay. His accident shocked the local surfing community and highlighted the desperate need to get organised as surfers and create a culture of first aid and water safety that until now has been lacking.”

“The young surfres here possess an incredible talent, motivation and surfing level in spite of the poor quality of surfing equipment available to them and the complete lack of national organisation for surfing here. The SFSL intends to rectify all of this soon. The spirit of the local surfers, their hardworking nature to get on despite difficult circumstances plus their willingness to create a better surfing future for all generations here and safeguard the coastal environment is why I’m involved with them.

They motivate and impress me everyday I’m around them. I’m actually re-learning things in life from them and in a way they are my teachers. I couldn’t be more stoked to help these guys achieve their goals. They make me very proud to be involved and that’s why I’m helping them to organise the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka.”

The objectives of the new surfing federation in the next 12 months will be aimed at 1.) Creating the first national surfing competition series, develop the existing surf clubs along the coast and encourage membership to the SFSL. 2.) Encourage government and business recognition, support and sponsorship of surfing. 3.) Gain inclusion in the worldwide surfing community and become a member nation of the International Surfing Association (ISA). 4.) Prepare a national team equipped to compete at international level. 5.) Provide a pathway for the local surfers to excel and give them a voice in the future of world surfing.

Alain Riou : photo Testemale

In a country with several cultures, religions and languages it will not be an easy task but one which is well worth the effort. According to Chief Fundraiser of the SFSL and longtime supporter of Arugam Bay surfing, Tim Taunton, whose charity organisation Paddle 4 Relief back in the UK has provided assistance to this area for years, “these young guys are the salt of the earth and deserve a chance to make something of their lives”.

Tim has coordinated coastal community improvement programs such as the provision of clean drinking water, books for local schools, water safety and swimming courses for local kids and regular Beach Clean Up activities. Tim is legend to these people after more than 10 years of selfless efforts for them.

Arugam Bay will soon host the first international surfing event ever staged here on these shores in June 2010. The Sri Lankan Airlines Pro 6 Star WQS event has finally flown proudly home to Sri Lanka after years of successful exile in the Maldives due to the civil unrest in Sri Lanka ( the war has now finished in 2009).

This inaugral event is bound to ignite the flame for Sri Lankan surfing and will hopefully be the first of many to be staged in the country. The British Pro Surfing Tour has also come to A Bay previously whilst the Japanese Surfing Association has staged longboard events sometimes at Hikkaduwa on the other coast.

The first Annual General Meeting of the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka will coincide with the prestigious WQS event and be convened at the same time in A Bay from 14 to 20 June. All Sri Lankan surfers, sporting and government officials and potential sponsors wishing to contribute to the AGM are welcome to attend.

A new website for the SFSL is being prepared and should be ready for surfing soon with all the local and international news, events, photos, videos, environmental programs, national team profiles and membership details. The website will be found at surfingsrilanka.com. In the meantime, anyone interested in contacting the Surfing Federation regarding donations to the cause, sponsorships, general enquiries or news updates on the progress of the Birth of a Surfing Nation Project can do so at: surfingsrilanka@gmail.com.

www.surfingsrilanka.com

source:

http://www.globalsurfnews.com/news.asp?Id_news=45694

Magic stopovers on the way to Arugam Bay
Sri Lanka’s highest awarded resort brand KumbukRiver has just introduced a special rate package that allows more locals to spend a private holiday at its celebrated eco resort on the edge of Yala.  The resort which sells at US$ 250 per  couple for a night, now offers special rates from Rs.3500/- per person full board especially designed for locals who appreciate a holiday at one with nature’s splendor.

KumbukRiver Eco Extraordinaire (www.kumbukriver.com), awarded as the world’s leading eco-lodge by the coveted World Travel Awards, is a private getaway nestled on a 16-acre nature enclave in gem-rich Okkampitiya in Buttala.  The spritely Kumbukkan Oya meanders through the resort offering unparalleled privacy as the resort entertains just a single party at a time despite its vastness.  KumbukRiver borders the Yala wildlife sanctuary and features the world-famous Elephant Villa, a 40ft high, 2-story villa which adds a touch of class to eco holidaying.  The eco resort also features two other chalets and all in all presents several well-appointed bathrooms and lounges among other features which create a unique holiday for the whole family.

“The Elephant-shaped villa is our centre-piece. Continue reading ‘Magical KumbukRiver unveils a special package for Sri Lankans’

Producer Marijke van der Meer was holidaying in Sri Lanka when disaster struck in December 2004. Her personal report from one of the country’s devastated towns told of the harrowing situation there and the desperate need for aid.

Award winning (Re-) Broadcast on 1st March, 2010
In the southeastern Sri Lankan coastal town of Pottovil – a town with an ethnic mix of Singhalese and Tamils, Muslims and Buddhists – a golden statue of Buddha stares serenely over Arugam Bay. The bay was a Mecca for surfers, who stayed in guesthouses with names such as Chill Space Surf, Hideaway, Aloha and even the Tsunami Beach Hotel. The statue of Buddha is one of the few fully intact constructions in this demolished town where a thick layer of muddy dirt covers the ground.

Destruction and death

Arugam Bay after Tsunami 2004

Soldiers look on as bulldozers shove aside trees and bricks from destroyed dwellings. The bodies of some 1,000 people – killed within a few seconds of the tsunami – have been recovered. But there are many others missing and many families who have no roofs over their heads and are in so-called ‘collection centres’.

The medical situation is critical in this isolated district, where several people are saying that they feel neglected by the authorities because Continue reading ‘Classic Dox – Adrift in Sri Lanka On air: 5 February 2010 13:20 – 1 March 2010 13:20′

The nineth in a series entitled ‘Scribblings from the Surf’ for Devon Life. To read the article see the text below or click to enlarge the pictures of the original article below that. To see the whole series, click here.

SURFERS SAVING THE WORLD

Barrister and writer Tim Kevan meets two surfers helping to save the world.

Many people might have the impression of the standard surfer as a flaky, spaced out Californian dude who doesn’t actually get much done other than stare out to sea and catch the odd wave. But that image couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to those who surf the English waters since you’ve got to have just a modicum of fortitude just to paddle out in freezing mid-Winter swell. Such strength of character also comes through in the activities that many surfers get up to out of the water as well. Two such surfers who are inspiring others are aid worker Tim Tanton and environmentalist Mikey Corker.

Paddle4Relief UK

Tim Tanton: The Aid Worker
When the terrible tsunami hit on Boxing Day 2004 the world mourned. But for Braunton’s Tim Tanton who had been surfing in Sri Lanka since the mid-1990s the tragedy was closer to home as he had friends out there who lost family members, homes and businesses. He visited three times in the following year in an effort to help the local community next to one of the area’s famous surf spots of Arugam Bay. During the same year Tim and local paramedic and surfer Paul Martin conceived the idea of Paddle4Relief (www.paddle4relief.co.uk), a fundraising body which would provide a bridge between English surfers wanting to help in some way and the disaster’s victims. Continue reading ‘‘Scribblings from the Surf’ – : Surfers Saving the World’

The Panama beach itself was a paradise on earth.

The sand dunes stretching along the beach made us stop our jeep and walk a short distance to the turquoise sea beach which stretched endlessly without a single sign of habitation.
A typical Robinson Crusoe atmosphere.
The pink rocks of Panama stood out at the far end of the beach.
The evening sunlight made them glow pinker.

Panama Point. Looking North to Arugam Bay

Here too were monkeys running up and down.
The beach was covered with exquisite marine plant life. It suddenly dawned on us that this may be one of the only beaches left untouched by civilization and pollution.
We were mindful not to tread on the plants or drive over them in our jeep.

Untouched Panama. A true Paradise

This beach with its abundant plant life must be saved for people to see and admire.
It should not meet the fate of the Nilaveli or Passikudah.

Badly polluted Passekudah Beach area

We remembered the native American saying:
“We did not inherit the earth from our parents, we are borrowing it from our children!”

(The above is a highlighted , illustrated  extract from the previous post / traveler’s report)

Though one of Sri Lanka’s smallest National Parks, Lahugala is still a very important stretch of protected land, as it’s home to Sri Lankan Elephants, who reside mostly around the reservoirs of Lahugala, Kitulana and Sengamuwa – they’ve been feeding in this region for hundreds of years, they like a special grass that grows here.
All sorts of colourful critters live here, not just the rather graceful and sedate looking elephants: there are Purple Herons, Painted Stork, Golden Jackal, Fishing Cats, Spot-billed Pelicans, Asian Openbills, Red-faced Malkoha, Tufted Grey Langur and Torque Macaques.
The monsoon makes it a bit too damp to visit in November and December – the best times to visit for wildlife is when the park is drier and all the animals venture out and stay along the reservoirs between January and March and May and October.

http://www.travel–4less.com/lahugala-national-park/

ArugAmBay credits to:  Six Surf, UK
http://rollingsixes.co.uk/sixsurf/?p=1412

We’ve found it! Here it is!

Found it! The M.P. "Holy Grail"

A Green and Happy place on Earth.
A true, unspoiled ecological sanctuary.
Just North of famous PANAMA!

A place where Green issues still count
A place with zero Carbon emissions
A place of unique Biological diversity
A place for tolerance of social divisions
A place with strong social networks of friends, families and neighbours

“A place where people say they have a simpler, less materialistic life, more in tune with nature.”

Could this paradise be Arugam Bay?
Too good to be true….
Because this place also is:

1. A place where Money  is poured into books and education. Not Bullets
2. A place with Fair and peaceful Presidential Elections
3. A place with no Army at all. Ever since 1949
4. And, perhaps best of all:  A forgiving place where….
5. ….A popular piece of philosophy… says:
6. “No argument or quarrel should last more than three days”

Here the 6th Parallel seems to end ;-(
What is the BBC talking about, if not Sri Lanka and the peaceful East?

Here is the answer, and perhaps also a model for all of us: Continue reading ‘6° 50′ 60 n of Panama: And on a Parallel with Arugam’

Lahugala National Park

On January 30 the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) held a ceremony near Arugambay in south-east Sri Lanka to mark the reopening of the Kumana and Lahugala National Parks. Closed since 2005 due to the war, the reopening of the wildlife sanctuaries symbolises a return to normalcy for the country’s parks system. With nearby Yala National Park already open and the rest of the country’s 20 national parks scheduled to open by April, it won’t be long before locals and foreigners can again visit some of the country’s most beautiful areas and see its most astonishing animals in their natural habitats.

Because of their location in the formerly LTTE-controlled east, Kumana and Lahugala have been inaccessible since 1985 except for a brief period in 2002-2003 during the ceasefire — too short a time for any construction to take place. Before retreating from the park in 2008, Tamil Tiger cadres destroyed what was left of Kumana’s infrastructure, including its bungalows and office buildings.

Then, last July, the DWC that comes under the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, finally received approval to begin renovating the park. This required rebuilding the park’s neglected infrastructure, especially the access roads. The Lahugala sanctuary was devastated by the 2004 tsunami but has almost fully recovered and is now, according to a press release from the DWC, “open to an influx of both local and foreign visitors.”

Although the DWC had hoped to open Kumana (formerly known as Yala East National Park) in November last year, a severe drought that began in September delayed construction. Working with government and non-government organisations, the Ministry concentrated on providing water to animals in the park to keep them alive. The heavy November rains that followed the drought brought problems of their own: all the rainwater washed away much of the recent road construction, forcing the Ministry to spend another four weeks repairing the damage. Although more roads are scheduled to open in February and March, the main road through the park is now open for traffic.

Director General of Wild Life Conservation Ananda Wijesooriya said that the next few months is the best time to visit the parks.
“The birds will start nesting in Kumana in March and April — these parks are very famous for local and migratory birds,” Wijesooriya said. “At any time of the day and any time of the year you can see elephants in Lahugala.”

Wijesooriya admitted that he didn’t know how many people would visit the newly-opened sanctuaries. Because of their remote location, Kumana and Lahugala were never as popular as Continue reading ‘Lanka’s National Wildlife Sanctuaries Opening Again’

The Saudi Gazette reports on Arugam Bay

Saudi Gazette

Sri Lanka is studded with sunny beaches. If you want to enjoy a beautiful sunset, sipping a drink made of tropical fruits on the sandy beaches, listening to the music of rising and falling waves lapping on to beaches, Sri Lanka offers all that and much more.
One is sure to get enthralled by the serenity and the tranquility of beaches of Sri Lanka. Arugam beach of Sri Lanka also features as one of the most fascinating beaches of the country.
Arugam Bay is located about 314 km from Colombo, a beautiful bay with good surfing opportunities. The East coast offers infinite possibilities for all kinds of water sports and underwater photography.
Underneath the Bay lie the many ship-wrecks of the coast which pose a tempting challenge to the diver. If you are interested in water sport activity and surfing then Arugam Bay is definitely the place for all wind surfers. Arugam Bay is on the list of the top ten surf points in the world. Situated on the South East side of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay receives the same Antarctic winter swell’s that hit Indonesia in the middle of the year. The best time of the year to visit this exquisite beach is between May and November when the predominant wind is offshore for at least the first half of the day. At this time favorable conditions are found for surfing.
Arugam Bay also has a Continue reading ‘Arugam beach A surfer’s delight (Saudi article)’

(unconnected) file photo: A sand dune arch

P. Sivarajah and M. Anas

The eastern coast of Sri Lanka contains the longest stretch of sand dunes in the country. The Pottuvil sand dunes are a part of the sand dune series which extends from Pottuvil to Panama seashore. Sand dunes were excessively mined for commercial purposes in Pottuvil, both for sand and turtle egg poaching. The main purpose of this study was to determine the economic dependency of the community on the sand dunes.

Through a survey using structured questionnaires for personal interviews, Continue reading ‘Sand Dunes around Arugambay’

Sri Lanka’s wildlife sanctuary sites (near Arugambay) reopened for tourism

Chinese News Agency

Two of Sri Lanka’s renowned wildlife sanctuary sites were reopened on Saturday after years of closure because of the conflict between the government troops and Tamil Tiger rebels, a government official said.

Ananda Wijesuriya, director of the Wildlife Conservation Department said the two sites were opened to the public on Saturday were located at southeastern and eastern parts of the island.

Lahugala sign on the main A4 road

Kumana, a bird sanctuary and a main eco-tourism attraction, is 312 km southeast of the Colombo while Lahugala, a wildlife park/ sanctuary reserve, is 318 km east of the capital.

They have been shut for tourists since 2005 when the fighting between the two sides escalated.

Wild elephant about to cross main road

The parks around Arugam Bay are not fenced in so far

Both areas were under security clouds due to clashes until May last year when the rebels were defeated.

Wild birds AT Kumana. 38Km south of Arugam Bay

“After the end of the war we received security clearance,” Wijesuriya said.

The end to the civil conflict has made Sri Lanka a major tourism attraction, the tourism authority said

editor: Mr. Xiong Tong

source:

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/travel/2010-01/30/c_13157266.htm