Arugam Bay Information

published (again??) in the USA on 15the March, 2010:

Oprah and the Obamas

Oprah Winfrey has hired a organisation of ex-Marines to poke for “Oprah” unchanging Nate Berkus’ friend, Fernando Bengoechea, who was swept divided in a Dec. twenty-six tsunami.

Nate Berkus and Oprah Winfrey

According to “Extra,” a group of former Marines will transport to a review locale of Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, where Berkus as well as Bengoechea were vacationing when a tsunami hit.

Fernando Bengoechea

Berkus reportedly met a ex-Marines as well as gave them details, together with Bengoechea’s expect place when a tsunami hit.

Harpo Productions, Winfrey’s prolongation company, additionally skeleton to send a writer to stick upon Berkus in Arugam Bay, according to “Extra” — heading to conjecture which Winfrey will underline a little aspect of a poke as well as tsunami upon an arriving part of “Oprah.

Berkus, a Chicago-based interior designer, has appeared often upon “Oprah” as well as has written interiors for Barneys New York, W Hotels as well as alternative high-end establishments

A Harpo mouthpiece pronounced she couldn’t endorse a “Extra” story.

http://www.myspeedgo.com/news/oprah-hires-troops-for-sri-lanka-hunt/

(www.arugam.info carried this story 5+ years ago. Use our “search”  facility on this site if you wish to look it up)

– Majority of the world, especially the West got to know about Arugam Bay, only after the 2004 tsunami.

Arugam Bay 'City' Centre and view to Main Surf Point

There was a moving episode on America’s most-popular talk show, the Oprah Winfrey Show where a tsunami survivor Nate Berkus was interviewed. The Chicago-based interior designer Nate Berkus related his story on television about his vacation going awry. He was relaxing at a beach cottage in Arugam Bay with his partner photographer Fernando Bengoechea, when the deadly tsunami struck. Even though Nate was spared, unfortunately, Fernando’s life wasn’t. Continue reading ‘How the world knew Arugam Bay.’

By Bernard Goonetilleke

…..go to Arugam Bay in the east, for an experience of a lifetime in surfing……

Bernard Goonetilleke

Sri Lanka Tourism declared 2011 as ‘Visit Sri Lanka Year,’ in June last year.  Former Tourism Minister, Milinda Moragoda, took this forward-looking decision, well before Sri Lanka’s return to normalcy following the end of the decades-long armed conflict in mid May 2009. That decision was a calculated one, and certainly was not based on flimsy anticipation of changes to occur, for the minister fully recognized the difficult ground situation during the first quarter of 2009 resulting from the world economic crisis. But, for him, the need to revive Sri Lanka’s long-suffering tourist industry, hamstrung by the conflict, was of highest priority. Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay Tourism in Transition’

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

Up Early at Arugam Bay

spotted on Flickr

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’

Thank you, Horst & Tina! Arugam Bay’s German supporters.
Also a special Thank you!
To all the contributing photographers!

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’

Sun Rise at Arugam Bay

This picture was taken last year and it was in my gallery for sometime. Yet, I am posting it here. As my friend, Fred always says, there is no better place to enjoy the splendor of Indian Ocean than Arugam Bay, one of the best surfing spots in the world!

We camped on the beach and were up from 4.30am to see the amazing sight of sunrise. As soon as I woke up, I took above picture from the tent. By that time, my friends were already busy taking pictures!

http://kirigalpoththa.blogspot.com/2010/02/wake-up-to-arugam-bay-sun.html

“A walk through a magical island”

KIRIGALPOTHTHA
Has been to Panama, just 10 miles south of Arugam Bay

The above photo and a few more here were taken towards the lagoon side of Panama Beach. This place is unique as you will seethe sea from the East, lagoon from the North, sand dunes from the South and the village from the West.

http://kirigalpoththa.blogspot.com/2010/02/lagoon.html

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

Arugam Bay 'City' Centre and view to Main Surf Point

This is a rare photo taken from a new Telecom Tower.
(Credits to Alex – Facebook)
Shown is Arugam Bay’s ‘City’  Centre.
The #50 SVH can be seen in front
The sand bank behind and lagoon formation is an annual event.
And has since disappeared.
Main Surf Point is shown in the top rhd corner

Arugam.info hopes to have a permanent Surf/Weather Web Cam installed on this brilliant viewpoint location

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)’

ARAGUM = Aussi speak for ARUGAM Bay

Some distinctly average surfing by middle aged bald blokes on completely mediocre waves.
Even the wipeouts are laid back. The sound track is very nice though…

During long weekends, Arugam Bay attracts many local tourists. Day Trippers, who have never been on the East Coast before.

Paddle4Relief update, published 19thJanuary, 2010:

UK Fund Raising Group

The surfers of Arugam Bay, members of the Arugam Bay Surf Club, have managed to fund a project where they took the initiative and made and erected signs for their beach. Since the end of the civil war, back in May 2009, the beach in Arugam Bay has seen countless more visitors, and with it, rubbish!

AbaY Surf Club members & Paddle4Relief erected four signs on Arugam Bay beach

The young surfers are very much aware of the importance of protecting their natural playground. The sea and beach is not just a playground though, its a way of life, its where they fish to earn the money to support their families.
So with the help of travelling surfers and Paddle4Relief, the boys raised enough money to purchase materials to make four signs. The local surfers were concerned Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay Beach Litter signs!’

New Year's fire at Arugam Bay beach

Arugam Bay New Year’s celebrations were peaceful, quiet and romantic.
However, residents and visitors were shaken by a totally unexpected fireworks display late on New Year’s day.
The fire started in some fishing huts in the middle of the Bay.
The popular “#38 Cafe del Mar” next door was engulfed soon and the blaze looked like Continue reading ‘New Year’s Blast at Arugambay’