In a land where time seems to dance to the rhythm of the waves, there exists a hidden history of surfing that predates modern boards and international surf competitions.

With waves that have graced the shores of Sri Lanka from the dawn of time, the sport of surfing only began to sprout wings and gain popularity on this beautiful island in the eclectic 1960s.

First explored by a couple of American surfers and then a group of Aussies one decade later, a surf community in Sri Lanka had begun to take form, enticing the interest of many locals and forging connections between them, and the international surf community.

The civil war that began in 1983, and lasting almost 26 years, made Sri Lanka a place mostly unsafe to visit. Even though the first known surf contest was held in 1993 at Hikkaduwa’s main break, progress of surfing amongst the local people were impeded due to the devastating effects of the war, and of catastrophic natural disasters.

Following the end of the civil war in 2009, the World Surf League held its Qualifying Series event in Arugam Bay in 2011 for the first time. This epic event exposed Sri Lanka as a world class surfing destination to the international sphere of surfers, and opened doors for local Sri Lankan surfers and groms to opportunities of competitive and professional surfing.

The after effects of the QS event saw a shift in international travel to Sri Lanka, and encouraged development as well as international and local investment into the tourism industry and surf scene.

2011 will also go down in the history books as the year in which women’s surfing emerged in Sri Lanka. This year saw the blossoming of local women in the line up for the very first time. Being a patriarchal and conservative society, it was hard, and still isn’t easy, for women to be seen in any other place that is not regarded as traditional and domestic roles.

With the help of foreign women and brave local ladies, the determination of female surfing did not falter. Instead, it managed to break through and with time, becomes more accepted amongst fathers, husbands and brothers.

2018 saw Sri Lanka’s first national surf contest, and also the formation of the first female surf club - and in 2020, the first women-only surf contest was held in Arugam Bay.

Still evolving as a young nation in the international surf scene, Sri Lanka holds heavy potential in making a name for itself in the world of pro surfing. With a handful of men already in the QS, there are still spots awaiting female talent that will definitely not be empty for long. It’s a sport that is still gaining popularity amongst the local community, and it does not seem to be slowing down any time soon.

Written by Kayli Wouters

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