Archive for the 'Arugambay Surf Club' Category

Hippie festival at Arugam Bay

Published on 31/07/2023 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club and Money Matters. 0 Comments

For the first time in South Asia, a Hippie festival organised by USA based and Sri Lankan owned AJ Events & Productions and Ceylon Creative Studios will be held in Arugam Bay next year.



Keith Bates

The Founding Director Global Operations AJ Events & Productions and Ceylon Creative Studios NYC, USA, Keith Bates said that such an event would generate a huge amount of publicity among the global Hippie community drawing them to Sri Lanka in large numbers.

He said that Hippies are generally considered low spenders but by hosting this event they can get them in large numbers to come to one venue in Arugam Bay. “We hope to bring in international artists that attract their community and host a series of other entertainment events thereby attracting around 3,000 to Arugam Bay for a period of at least one week.”

“Together with my partners, Georgio Malouf, shani Santiago, Oshi Perera and Reshan Hangiligedara we hope to hosts a three-day music festival similar to ‘The Woodstock Music Festival’ held in Bethel, New York, which was attended by around 5,000 young people living the hippie lifestyle,” he said.

He also said that events of this nature also bring in global bands that move with the Hippie festival.

“We expect this ‘Hippie festival in Arugam Bay’ to generate around USD 15 million plus revenue to Sri Lanka and hope to make it an annual event.

Bates said he also met the officials of Sri Lanka Tourism Convention Bureau who were very supportive towards this event as this MICE segment was not promoted before.

“Next week we will meet the Arugam Bay Hoteliers and other decision makers and logistical providers to obtain their support and open up to make this event a win-win for them as well,” he said.

Bates said that they have also hosted many international events in Sri Lanka including the Commonwealth Law Ministers Summit. “We are also planning to host an international Surfing Championship in Arugam Bay next year.” –

Source:
https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2023/07/30/business/hippie-festival-arugam-bay

Amazing AbaY

Published on 03/04/2023 in accomodation, Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, bars, cabanas, front page, hotels, Nature and restaurants. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

Arugam Bay is a true ALL-Year-Round Destination.

True, the resort is mainly known as S.E. Asia’s and Sri Lanka’s prime Surf Destination.
And indeed the waves are best April – November in the East of our island.

But there are a lot more things to do – even if you are not a Surfer!

In fact:
More and more visitors have discovered that winters are the BEST times to enjoy the
Mild, not hot – not Cool.
But there is a very Dry Climate in Arugam Bay = November -to- April.
AbaY = The Weather Wonder of Asia: 340 days Sunshine / year!
No other report can offer such an amazing weather pattern.

Furthermore:
The Best, the perhaps most popular Arugam Establishments remain OPEN all Year round.
And as such AbaY never has an “Off- Season”. The resort never shuts down as such.

contact: Ms. ANNIE +94 767335764
(Best via WhatsApp)

Credit for the article and the posters go to
Ms. Annie herewith (+94 767335764)

Great Beach(es) for awesome Winter Sun

Published on 06/12/2019 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, From our own Correspondent, front page, stop over Ideas and the bay. 0 Comments

Arugam Bay Beach

Sri Lanka

November through March is a great time to visit Sri Lanka, but it can get crowded.

Arugam Bay, on the southeast coast, is a far cry from the busier resorts on this teardrop-shaped island’s west side, which are packed at this time of year.

With its chilled, hammock-swinging vibe, excellent beachfront restaurants (don’t pass up the fish curries at Ranga’s Beach Hut), and superb surf, Arugam Bay is a wonderful place to escape the crowds and get a taste of Indian Ocean life.

Source:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/12-great-beaches-for-winter-sun/ar-AAHnZ5n?li=BBnbklE

World surfs in Sri Lanka

Published on 18/09/2019 in AbTa News, Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, surf, Surf competition, Surf Federation News, the bay and Top News. 0 Comments

World surfs in Sri Lanka
‘So Sri Lanka Pro 2019’ in Arugam Bay from September 23 to 29:
M.A. Phakurdeen -Addalaichenai Group Correspondent

The upcoming ‘So Sri Lanka Pro’ professional surfing event set for Arugam Bay, popular for its magnificent surf, has been extremely well received by professional surfers from all over the world.

The international professional surfing competition is to be held in Arugam Bay from September 23 to 29.

With entries still coming in, already around 120 surfers from 24 countries such as Australia, Indonesia, France, Venezuela, Israel, the USA, Portugal, New Zealand, Mexico, Spain, Great Britain, Brazil, South Africa, Costa Rica, Argentina, Japan, Ireland, Chile, Belgium, Peru, India, the Maldives, Malaysia and Sri Lanka have entered the event.

“It is fantastic to see that contestants from many different nationalities have already entered into So Sri Lanka Pro,” said World Surf League (WSL) Contest Director for the event, Will Hayden-Smith. “The event is extremely important for all these surfers with essential qualification points aligned to the world rankings. With great waves also very likely to greet these surfers, they have shown their approval for the event with entries coming in from all over the world.”

Many of these surfers are well known within the world professional surfing ranks and many are serious contenders to represent their nations in the 2020 Japan Olympic Games, where surfing makes its Olympic debut.

One such surfer is the fast-emerging Rio Waida from Indonesia. The powerful youngster was placed third in the WSL World Junior Championships in 2018 and he is already identified as the future star of the sport.

“I am very excited to be coming to Sri Lanka for this great event,” said Waida. “I have heard great things about the waves in Sri Lanka and it is always fantastic for us to have the opportunity to compete in quality surf. I can’t wait!”

So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 will also play as a huge opportunity for some of the local surfers to take on the international professionals as wildcards in the event. This opportunity is something that has been made possible through the WSL and the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka.

The world-famous tourist resort in Pottuvil, Arugam Bay is going to be a hive of activity as a series of events have been organised from September 23 till the end of the month. This world-qualified ranking event in surfing and World Tourism Day have been planned to be celebrated there.

The ranking event in surfing has been organised in conjunction with the Sri Lanka National Surf Federation under the guidance of the World Surf Federation and elaborate arrangements have been made to accord a warm welcome to surfers from various parts of the world.

The event for local surfers has been scheduled for September 23 and 24, where 32 surfers from various parts of the country have already submitted their entries while the world-qualified ranking event is to be worked out on September 25 and 29, where more than 130 surfers are expected to take part in this event.

A progress review meeting to finalise arrangements and to entrust assignments to respective organisations and personalities held at the Arugam Bay Tristar Hotel auditorium was presided over by District Secretary D.M.L. Bandaranayake with the participation of Additional District Secretary A.M. Latheef, Eastern Province Tourism Bureau Director General A.S.M. Faiz, Pottuvil Divisional Secretariat D.R. Thiraviaraj, Divisional Secretary M.A.C. Nazeel, Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman M.S.M. Waseeth, Chamber of Tourism and Industry President A.M. Jaufer, Arugam Bay Tourism Association Chairman M.H.A. Raheem and high-ranking officers of Tri Forces.

Lanka Sportreizen Chairman Thilak Weerasinghe and President of the Sri Lanka Surfing Federation Hiran Ukwatte briefed the arrangements being made for the event. Officials in charge of electricity, water supply or drinking water, hotel and accommodation for invitees, parking areas, security arrangements, temporary police posts, first aid services, transportation, volunteering, invitees and invitations, solid waste and garbage management, carnival site arrangement, beach cleaning, sanitary facilities, refreshments, media campaign, and promotion and publicity were also discussed at length.

Arugam Bay Tourism Association Chairman M.H.A. Raheem said that there are 226 hotels in Arugam Bay with a capacity of 3,000 rooms to accommodate more than 7,500 tourists from various parts of the world.

“If necessary, additional accommodation facilities too could be arranged. Bookings have already been made and some of the competitors have already arrived and are practicing. This is a good sign,” he said.

“So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 will also play as a huge opportunity for some of the local surfers to take on the international professionals as wildcards in the event. This opportunity is something that has been made possible through the WSL and the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka. It will be amazing to have the WSL come back to Sri Lanka,” said Sri Lankan Surfing Federation President Hiran Ukwatte.

“We cannot wait to witness a world-class event and watch the positive effect it will have on surf sports in our country and on surf tourism to the area. Arugam Bay is a world-class wave with some fantastic local surfers such as D.A. Lakshitha from Weligama, Praneeth Sandaruwan and Lesitha Prabath from Arugam Bay to name a few. These surfers are looking forward to the opportunity to compete with surfers from all over the world,” he said.

“They will have the opportunity to compete with wildcards in the So Sri Lanka Pro event, which will be an incredible experience for them. At present, the three top surfers of Sri Lanka are competing at the2019 ISA World Surfing GamesinMiyazaki, Japan, which is an Olympic qualifying event. Finally, the tireless efforts of the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka have made this event happen and I truly believe the event will make the Federation grow in many ways and become an integral part of sport development in this country,” Ukwatte said.

“Meanwhile, beaches are also being cleaned by the Arugam Bay Development Forum (ADF). Members of the ADF, Tri Forces personnel and the public too are participating in shramadana. A large number of foreigners too are voluntarily engaged in this task,” ADF President Hajith said.

Arrangements are also afoot to celebrate World Tourism day on September 27 in Arugam Bay with colourful and cultural events. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Tourism Bureau of Eastern Province together with the Chamber of Tourism and Industry of Sri Lanka have drawn up all programs.

Eastern Province Tourism Bureau Director General A.S.M. Fayis told the Daily News that the highlight of the day would be the sail and cruise ship from which one could watch whales and dolphins.

Foreigners and locals are allowed to board the ship for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Meanwhile, Chamber of Tourism and Industry President A.M. Jaufer has made all arrangements to give away the awards and certificates to the winners who won the art competition on the theme ‘Creating employment opportunities in tourism’; an Eco Tourism Award will also be presented.

At the same time, the National Youth Services Council has planned a few cultural events with the objective of strengthening communal amity, inter-communal harmony and co-existence.

source:
http://www.dailynews.lk/2019/09/18/features/197202/world-surfs-sri-lanka(0)

So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 surfing from Sept 25 to 29

Published on 16/09/2019 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, From our own Correspondent, front page, people, press coverage and the bay. 0 Comments

World Surfing League Qualifying Series 3000, also referred to as So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 is all set to be staged at the world-class point break of Arugam Bay from 25 to 29 September, with the participation of over 122 surfers from 24 nations.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau announced that the surfing event has been extremely well-received by professional surfers from around the world while many have expressed their keen interest to participate and witness the qualifying rounds in Sri Lanka.

The Bureau noted that while entries are still being received, nearly 122 surfers from 24 nations have entered the final list. This impressive line-up includes participating countries such as Australia, Indonesia, France, Venezuela, Israel, USA, Portugal, New Zealand, Mexico, Spain, Great Britain, Brazil, South Africa, Costa Rica, Argentina, Japan, Ireland, Chile, Belgium, Peru, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka. World Surf League (WSL) Regional Manager Asia and Global VNR Producer Steve Robertson remarked, “We are here to deliver positive stories about Sri Lanka to the world. This is all about a magnificent surfing event and a global promotion about Sri Lanka. All Sri Lankan media is encouraged to engage with World Surf League. We want to work with the domestic media as well. It’s been a great journey, and we are looking forward to the event. We want to bring out a superb event, where everyone is a winner, and we want to keep coming back here, and just to reiterate of how great Sri Lanka is as a destination.”

“It will be so amazing to have the WSL come back to Sri Lanka,” said Sri Lankan Surfing Federation President Hiran Ukwatte. “We can’t wait to witness a world-class event and watch the positive effect it will have on surf sports in our country and on surf tourism to the area. Arugam Bay is a world-class wave with some fantastic local surfers like D.A. Lakshitha, Praneeth Sandaruwan, and Lesitha Prabath to name a few. These surfers are looking forward to the opportunity to compete with and surf with surfers from all around the world,” he expressed.

Many of these surfers are very well-known within the world professional surfing ranks and many are serious contenders to represent their nations in next year’s 2020 Japan Olympic Games, where surfing makes its Olympic debut. One such surfer is the fast emerging Rio Waida from Indonesia. The powerful youngster placed 3rd in the WSL World Junior Championships in 2018 and he is already identified as future star of the sport.

“I am very excited to be coming to Sri Lanka for this great event,” said Waida. “I’ve heard great things about the waves in Sri Lanka and it is always fantastic for us to have the opportunity to compete in quality surf ? I can’t wait!”

The So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 will also play as a huge opportunity for some of the local surfers to take on the international professionals as wildcards in the event. This opportunity is something that has been made possible through the WSL and the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Kishu Gomes remarked that the event will amplify Sri Lanka’s position as a major surfing and tourist destination. “Over 700 visitors are also expected to be present, in addition to the 122 surfers who would be in the country. The surfers and visitors are scheduled to spend at least 10 days in the surfing paradise of Arugam Bay,” he said.

The So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 Men’s QS3000 will run from 25-29 September, and the ground arrangements will be handled by Lanka Sportreizen. Head to www.worldsurfleague.com or the WSL App for more information. Click here for more information on Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

source:
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_19B/Sep15_1568525691CH.php

A FREE Happy New Year’s Eve Party @ The SVH

Published on 28/12/2018 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, bars, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, front page and parties. 0 Comments

The Old Siam View Hotel is inviting EVERYONE to celebrate the NEW YEAR 2019.
The will be LIVE Music, a Magic Show and of course a fully licensed Bar with fine wines and draft beers.
Also of course, as “Siam” Stands for:
A great authentic THAI restaurant.
EVERYONE is most welcome to join in; especially Families and children!
Please keep drunks and aggressive guys out – and go easy on fireworks.
Everything else is completely free (Just pay for food & drinks pse)

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5 Secret Asian Places

Published on 21/04/2018 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, blog, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, front page, surf and Surf Federation News. 0 Comments

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
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Why has Sri Lanka sprung to the top of so many a??must seea?? lists? Ita??s probably got something to do with its mellow vibes, its lively locals, its fusion of culture, cuisine and natural wonder that stands up to any other destination in the region.

In short, Sri Lanka has got it going on, and of all the amazing spots to drop in on in this place, Arugam Bay just might take the cake. Home to one of the worlda??s most raved-about surf breaks, the golden sands, glittering waters and epic sunsets make for a truly spectacular tropical affair, and with just a single strip of shops and restaurants nearby, Order hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg Arugama??s star has only begun to rise. Pack an extra bag a?? youa??ll need it when you decide to move here for good.

Source:
http://junkee.com/asian-holiday-destinations/154959(0)

September Sunny sets

Published on 01/09/2017 in Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, blog, Blogs, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, front page, Music, parties and Traveler's Reports. 0 Comments

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Explore Arugam Bay (Tours)

Published on 22/06/2017 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, From our own Correspondent, front page and Traveler's Reports. 0 Comments

A local tour operator offers Kumana Safaris, Lagoon Trips and much more.
www.arugam.info has not tested them personally, but by all accounts they offer a decent, honest and good service.

 

You can contact them on their web site, as well as Facebook page.
On Tripadvisor it’s also mentioned, and the ranking seems to be good.
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We at, explore Arugam Bay organizing tours including but not limited ted to surf safaris, wild salaries, Lagoon eco tours and heritage salaries. A?also arranging transportation.
We are organising events and group meals for any size of group.
A?Also we arranging surf lessons and local culinary classes to learn the way of preparing Sri Lankan meals.
A?Our pre designed packages and other services are in detail in our website Order isoptin 40mg

Summer night Party @ the Old Siam View

Published on 03/06/2017 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, bars, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, front page, Fun, parties, press coverage and presse-deutsch. 1 Comment

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Ladies Pay double…;-)
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Perfect Weather in AbaY

Published on 27/05/2017 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, blog and Traveler's Reports. 0 Comments

Sunday, 27th May 2017

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Surf Competition in July

Published on 29/06/2015 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Blogs, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, front page, Money Matters, press coverage, surf, Surf competition, Surf Federation News and the bay. 0 Comments

Red Bull Ride my Wave Competition

Benzac ac over the counter Arugam Bay gets ready for Red Bull Ride My Wave
Details and online Entry Form

On 23rd July, Red Bull Ride My Wave returns to the Sri Lankaa??s surf capital, Arugam Bay Casodex 50 mg price .

Red Bull Surf Competition at Arugam Bay

Red Bull Surf Competition at Arugam Bay

Competing surfers will take on the waves in a head to head competition to be crowned champion of Red Bull Ride My Wave 2015.

Driven by the popularity of the 2014 event, this yeara??s edition of Red Bull Ride My Wave will see domestic and international surfers compete over three days on the islanda??s eastern coastline.

Red Bull Ride My Wave will be hosted by officials from the Association of Surfing Professionals, who will run the event as per international surfing rules and regulations, including three days of heats before culminating in the Finals on July 25th

The islanders will play with home advantage, but will no doubt face stiff competition from the international surfers. The combination of home grown and international talent promises to promote Sri Lanka as one of the best surfing destinations.

Red Bull has been actively involved in surfing events for several years, hosting competitions on every continent around the world. Surfing in Sri Lanka has seen a considerable movement from being a healthy pastime and tourism tool to one of professional sport. This has been driven by both passionate surfers within the country and Red Bulla??s very own series of surfing projects. In 2013, Red Bull Sri Lanka held the Local Hero Tour with Peruvian Pro Surfer, Gabriel VillarA?n, who ran workshops and judged an intense competition where 30 young Sri Lankans showcased their talent on the beaches of Arugam Bay. The success of this event set the foundation for an international surfing stage in Sri Lanka, activating the inaugural Red Bull Ride My Wave last year. The competition pitted the sporta??s greatest local surfers from the Eastern and Southern waters against each other in a quest to determine which region was home to the islanda??s best surfers. Hosted by Costa Rican Pro Surfer, Diego Naranjo, the East Coast team emerged victorious and went on to represent Sri Lanka at Red Bull Both Ways in the Maldives, where they placed 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively.

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South seeks revenge at Red Bull Ride My Wave a?? second leg

Published on 30/07/2014 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, front page and surf. 0 Comments

After being shown up on home waters, the best surfers from Sri Lankaa??s South Coast are out to settle the score against their Eastern counterparts in the second and final leg of Red Bull Ride My Wave, which gets under way at three popular surf spots in Arugam Bay
from the 8th to the 10th of August.

8th, 9th and 10th August

Cost effexor Purchase aristocort triamcinolone With an excellent mixture of swell, wind, tide and sunny skies, the South Coast finished with 142.3 points after the opening skirmishes on their territory earlier in the year, well below the Easta??s final tally of 164.8 points. This means they have no option but to go for broke with their best tricks from double barrels to cut backs and sprays. Whilst, the East team which ruled the first leg of Red Bull Ride My Wave held in March, will seek a repeat of their previous dominance in order to complete their surf supremacy over the South team. All this sets the scene for an electric display of surfing. Street price for baclofen Continue reading ‘South seeks revenge at Red Bull Ride My Wave a?? second leg’(0)

The rising tide in Lankan surfing

Published on 23/03/2014 in Arugambay Surf Club, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, front page, surf, Surf competition and Surf Federation News. 0 Comments

The Rising Tide in S. L. Surfing

From Arugam Bay with its legions of thunderous marching waves to the enchantingly golden seas and beaches along the southern coastline, surfing in Sri Lanka has seen a sizable structural shift. From existing entirely as a healthy pastime and tourism tool, in recent years it has thrown on a thicker cloak of sporting legitimacy, stitched together by a collection of passionate practitioners and benevolent organizers of surfing projects and competitions.

Sri Lanka on March 15th, 2014

Last week saw the beginning of one such helpful competition, Red Bull Ride My Wave, a unique local surfing tournament which matches up surfers from the countrya??s two renowned hubs for the sport, the eastern and southern coasts.

By doing this the competition aims to discover the islanda??s best surfers, foster friendly rivalry and promote and develop the sport. The competition is being staged in a two-leg format, with the opening round in the south coast ending on March 15 before action resumes in Arugam Bay from August 5-7.

Surfing on unfamiliar waters, the men from the east nevertheless managed to pull off an upset, spearheaded by Asanka, a name synonymous with the sport locally. Asankaa??s imaginative over-water artillery outgunned anything anyone else could pull out of their arsenal and helped him ride away with the opening lega??s top surfer title.

a??I am delighted with the result. It is a reflection of the hard work of each surfer. It was an honour to captain this team,a?? Asanka revealed.

a??This is going to be good for the future of surfing in Sri Lanka. I am also very proud to be named the best surfer from the three heats as there are many good surfers on both teams.a?? Continue reading ‘The rising tide in Lankan surfing’(0)

Happy New Year 2014

Published on 15/12/2013 in accomodation, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, bars, Blogs, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, front page, hotels, Music, parties, people, press coverage and the bay. 0 Comments

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Most hotels have plenty of vacancies
Why not see the New Year in with us, at Arugam Bay?

The Siam View will host a NYE Party. For sure. Like every Year.

Come and Join us – be the first to welcome the New Year!
We, on Sri Lanka’s most Easterly side are well ahead…. 😉 Ginette-35 price

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Hauling across the waves of Arugam Bay

Published on 24/10/2013 in Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Blogs, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, front page, surf, Surf Federation News and the bay. 0 Comments

The Sunday Times:

Well before the sun makes its patient ascent into the skya??s magnificent canvas of crimson, blue and white, Gabriel Villarana??s silhouette is etched against Arugam Baya??s Zoloft versus generic think sand dunes.

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Ready for the swell in Arugam's crystal clear waters

With his sleek surf board tucked like a wand under his arm, one of the worlda??s top surf stars makes a beeline to the brilliant blue sea, to conjure his unique magic on the rising tide.

Gliding majestically across the waves, Gabriel evokes two powerful and distinctly different emotions.

First there is the passion which seems to constantly linger over him during his entire time in the water, mottled with boyish exuberance and excitement.

And then a sort of naked aggression, present in each graceful twist of his lithe and muscle-bound body, as he battles to master the raging waters.

The 29-year-old Peruvian has now had plenty of opportunities to size up the seas of Arugam Bay and has seemingly blended seamlessly with its surroundings.

When he first arrived at the popular surf destination in 2010 for official competition, Gabriel realised that the waters near A-Bay possessed huge potential for the adrenaline-fueled acrobatic maneuvers he regularly pulls off.

This understanding prompted Gabriel to respond positively when Red Bull searched its pool of surfers for a suitable candidate to lead its Local Hero Tour in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and unearth a top surfer from each country.

a??When they asked for a volunteer athlete from Red Bull I was like, a??Yea I want to comea??.

Thata??s why it is so important to have international contests because then you show the world that you guys have good waves and a nice country,a?? Gabriel explains.

Gabriel quickly re-immersed himself in the waters and ways of Arugam Bay, mentoring the gifted local surfers on the finer points of the sport while grabbing every possible chance to test his own considerable powers in the waters.

His artistry at the crest of each wave and his rugged good looks easily communicate why Gabriel is such a top-ranked surfer on the international circuit as well as a global poster child for the sport.

His fearlessness while surfing is exemplified by his regular participation in Big Wave events, which pit participants against tsunami-sized walls of water.

Surf sites across the internet are littered with videos of Gabriel navigating these gigantic waves, which would leave most people paralyzed with fear.

For Gabriel though, these monstrous bodies of water are enormous caches of adrenaline and once on them he is a sight to behold.

His arms confidently outstretched and eyes aflame with focus, he waits crouched in anticipation for the right moment to unleash his own flood of creativity.

Back at Arugam Bay, the waves, although smaller, propose their own unique field of obstacles to Gabriel and a battalion of other surfers from Sri Lanka and the rest of the world.

“Ita??s a really good wave. Ita??s a proper wave. Ita??s long and has good sections which you can do a lot of stuff on. Ita??s really hard to find a wave like this. There is a lot of potential here and a lot of potential for the near future,a?? Gabriel opines.

This environment has fashioned a fine bevy of Lankan surfers, and the Red Bull Local Hero Tour threw a bright spotlight on the best of them.

After several rounds of competition and a series of lectures from Gabriel, Praneeth Sadaruwan was crowned the countrya??s Local Hero, after he was found to be the surfer who demonstrated the most promise in the water while also proving to be the most receptive to the advice given.

Praneeth, who is now in the Maldives with Gabriel helping him search for their Local Hero, says that he benefited greatly from Gabriela??s guidance and would continue to adorn his style and preparation with the technical nuggets and training tips he received.

a??Everyone learnt a lot from Gabriel. He kept saying youa??re doing good but you need to keep trying new things and do them properly. So he taught us very well,a?? Praneeth revealed.

After he is done with the pristine beaches of the Maldives, Gabriel will pick up his board and head back into Big Wave competition in his continual quest for the perfect wave and a top place finish.

“The Big Wave event has five contests a year with the biggest waves in the world. Right now Ia??m in the top six in the world and in the near future I would like to make it into top three and eventually go on to win the title.a??

His career is likely to haul him across varying pattern of waves, cultures and people.

If the unrestrained love he expresses for the Arugam Bay surfing landscape is a suitable barometer for his future travel plans, Sri Lanka is likely to see a lot more of Gabriel Villaran and his exhilarating brand of surfing.

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/sport-news/35650-surfing-hauling-across-the-varying-pattern-of-waves-of-arugam-bay.html(0)