We were eager to explore the surf communities of Sri Lanka, which are on the east coast.
![](https://shootandscrawl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Sri-Lanka-Arugam-Bay-2-500x333.jpg)
I liked the colorful boats
This region was hit especially hard during the decades-long civil war and the 2004 tsunami. The area was abandoned and villages and structures were left in ruins.
![](https://shootandscrawl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Sri-Lanka-Arugam-Bay-11-500x375.jpg)
Gorgeous coastline!
Redevelopment began after 2007, and the result is still serene, basic beach communities.
![](https://shootandscrawl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Sri-Lanka-Arugam-Bay-13-500x375.jpg)
The conditions were a surfer’s dream
Here, you’ll find the best surfing in the country. The main season is April – October.
![](https://shootandscrawl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Sri-Lanka-Arugam-Bay-12-500x375.jpg)
Surf shack
The top-notch surf conditions draw many foreigners. As you can imagine, there’s no shortage of local surf pros willing to give lessons.
![](https://shootandscrawl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Sri-Lanka-Arugam-Bay-14-500x375.jpg)
Angelo finished his wave next to a local
The most popular spot is at the southern end, which is famous for its point break. Angelo rented a board and gave it a go, while I remained on land.
![](https://shootandscrawl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Sri-Lanka-Arugam-Bay-1-500x333.jpg)
Beach shack
I never had an interest in surfing, even though Angelo regularly spent hours at it at our Hamptons place and when we lived in California. It always seemed like a lot of work for not much reward, and there weren’t surf schools nearby.
![](https://shootandscrawl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Sri-Lanka-Arugam-Bay-10-500x375.jpg)
It’s hard to avoid surfing!
This time, though, curiosity (well, mostly convenience) struck me and I took a lesson.
![](https://shootandscrawl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Sri-Lanka-Arugam-Bay-16-500x375.jpg)
Just load the boards onto the ricks
After the instructors outfitted me with an enormous beginner board, we hopped in the tuk-tuk to a much calmer break. I learned the basics and was pulled away by a dramatic rip-tide only once. It’s a lot harder to escape while tethered to a board. Luckily, it hurled me into a cove and I was able to stop.
![](https://shootandscrawl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Sri-Lanka-Arugam-Bay-8-500x375.jpg)
A stray dog finds some shade
We found out the water here can get very rough with strong rip-tides. We were prohibited from going out one day due to dangerous conditions.
![](https://shootandscrawl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Sri-Lanka-Arugam-Bay-5-500x333.jpg)
Outside the Hideaway
The most popular place to stay, the Hideaway, has cute bungalows, but it was fully booked. We enjoyed drinks at the outdoor bar a couple of times and ate at the restaurant. We stayed across the street at Bay Vista, which was busier, but the rooms had ocean views and balconies.
This area has a very friendly, open, casual atmosphere and there are many good restaurants, all with outdoor seating where you can watch the scene.
![](https://shootandscrawl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Sri-Lanka-Arugam-Bay-3-500x333.jpg)
Ice cream vendor
![](https://shootandscrawl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Sri-Lanka-Arugam-Bay-17-500x333.jpg)
Drink stand
A single road runs along the beach, populated with guesthouses, shops and restaurants.
This was a wonderful place to relax for a few days.
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