• Surfing Championship brings together local talent and international stars, giving tourism a welcome boost

“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.” These were the words of 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 attraction for foreigners visiting Sri Lanka. The Arugam Bay coastline in the East, in particular, has captivated many, including international visitors, who come to experience the sport.

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 September 10 (today) to September 12 at Arugam Bay Main Point.

The tournament is being 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, the event 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 more than 12 countries, as well as a surfing team representing Bangladesh, will participate in this year’s Open Championship. In total, more than 50 international athletes are taking part in the tournament, while the number of foreign spectators is expected to be significantly higher.

Furthermore, the event 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 competitive surfers with an opportunity to hone their skills. They also help expand the participation of female and young surfers. Since tournaments of this nature can significantly contribute to promoting tourism in the country, it is important for the relevant institutions to play an active role in supporting them.

The history of surfing in Sri Lanka dates back to the early 1960s. The country boasts numerous beaches suitable for surfing, particularly in the southern and eastern regions. Locations such as Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa, Weligama, Mirissa and Unawatuna are considered popular surfing spots among both locals and tourists. Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is closely linked to the sport of surfing.

The arrival of American surfer Rusty Miller in Sri Lanka in 1964, while on a world tour, was a significant event in the history of surfing in the country. After arriving in Colombo, Rusty organised a surfing trip along the island’s west coast with a friend. They were also assisted by renowned diver Mike Wilson, who volunteered to help.

They surfed at a rocky, wave-swept beach located 20 yards south of the Kalutara Lagoon. Rusty later recalled: “With the green forest growing near the beach of gleaming white sand, and the water set against a blue, cloudless sky, the conditions for surfing are truly ideal.”

Subsequently, in 1968, a group of young people living in Colombo and its surrounding areas discovered a stretch of waves suitable for surfing at Pinwatta Beach, near Panadura, approximately 30 kilometres south of Colombo. Mike Wilson, who was keenly interested in introducing local youth to the sport of surfing, also provided guidance to the group.

A significant milestone in Sri Lankan surfing culture was reached when the group had the opportunity to watch the surfing film Locked In, created by Bud Brown in 1964.

“From that moment on, we became completely hooked on the excitement and allure of surfing,” they said with genuine delight.

Subsequently, Japanese and Australian teams visited the country and enthusiastically took to the waves along the southern and eastern coasts. It is gratifying that foreigners continued to pursue the sport to some extent even during the three decades of conflict in the country.

The establishment of a surfing federation in Sri Lanka in 2017 was spearheaded by Mr 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 grand style next year, in 2027.

The author is a freelance writer

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The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication