• StSurfing C’ship 2026 to be held in Arugam Bay from 10-12 Sept.

"We truly experienced and enjoyed the beauty of Sri Lanka; it is absolutely magnificent. The country's beaches, in particular, captivated us instantly. 

Surfing at Arugam Bay further enriched our experience; Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for surfing." – This was said by a foreign tourist who recently visited the East Coast. 

We Sri Lankans are now very familiar with the delightful and captivating sport of gliding across ocean waves – known globally as surfing. 

Indeed, surfing is a key draw for foreigners visiting Sri Lanka; the Arugam Bay coastline in the east, in particular, has captivated many – including international visitors – who come to experience this activity.

It is truly remarkable to witness the convergence of the country's unique surfing culture and the beauty of the East Coast at this time, thanks to the Surfing Championship 2026 organised by the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka (SFSL). 

The event is scheduled to take place from 10-12 September at the Arugam Bay Main Point. This tournament is conducted under two categories: The National Championship and the Open Championship. 

Performances in the National Championship contribute to Sri Lanka's official national rankings. Furthermore, it provides an excellent opportunity to identify the country's most talented surfers and serves as a platform to evaluate athletes' skills for future national and international representation.

Competitors from over 12 countries, as well as a surfing team representing Bangladesh, will participate in this year's open Championship. 

In total, more than fifty international athletes are taking part in the tournament, while the number of foreign spectators is expected to be significantly higher. 

Furthermore, this provides a unique opportunity for Sri Lankan athletes to compete against world-class competitors in their own home waters. 

Notably, these foreign athletes do not travel alone; they are accompanied by family and friends, thereby providing a significant boost to the country's tourism industry. This is something the country needs most at this moment.

These competitions provide an opportunity for competitive surfers to hone their skills. They also help to further expand the participation of female and young surfers. 

Since tournaments of this nature significantly contribute to promoting tourism in the country, it is important for the relevant institutions to play an active role in supporting them.

The establishment of a surfing federation in Sri Lanka in 2017 was spearheaded by Tim Camden from England. 

The organisation was formed with the involvement of the then-government and the support of the Olympic Committee, paving the way for the sport to gain further popularity in the country. 

The Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka (SFSL) plans to host the 10th Sri Lanka Surfing Championship in a grand manner next year (2027).