Last updated on December 27th, 2023 at 06:14 pm
If you are looking for a surf camp in Arugam Bay, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find our top recommendations for a surf camp in Arugam Bay, where you can improve your surfing skills, meet new people, and, most importantly, have lots of fun.
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If you prefer the short version, here it is, these are the 5 best surf camps in Arugam Bay:
1. Safa Surf Camp, Arugam Bay – For more details, please click here.
2. Arugam Bay Surf Camp – For more details, please click here.
3. Paddyway Surf – For more details, please click here.
4. Star Rest Beach Hotel – For more details, please click here.
5. Surf & Yoga Arugam Bay – For more details, please click here.
And now that we got that out of the way, let’s take a look at the longer version. To help you choose the right surf camp, we covered in depth everything you need to know about surf camps in Arugam Bay before making your decision. Let’s dive in!
About Arugam Bay
The East Coast of Sri Lanka receives consistent swells between May and October, and the surf capital of this area, Arugam Bay, is the best place for a fun summer surf camp. The main point in town is a long right-hand wave breaking with perfect shape over a flat reef. Next to the main point, there is a soft beginner spot with a sandy bottom called The Baby Point, which is the best spot to take some surf lessons. Besides great waves and warm water, Arugam Bay Has much more to offer. The prices are low, the food is excellent, and you will meet surfers from all over the world.
Why Should You Book a Surf Camp in Arugam Bay?
Going on a surf vacation on a sunny beach in the Indian Ocean is one of the most fun things a surfer can do. There is something about leaving everyday life and dedicating a week or two to something you are passionate about. However, planning a surf vacation can be quite a hassle, especially when you don’t have local knowledge about the destination. Tasks like booking hotels, finding restaurants, and knowing which surf spots to go to can be pretty exhausting. These are exactly the problems a surf camp will solve.
By booking a surf camp in Arugam Bay, you basically take the annoying part out of the equation and focus only on the fun part. While the camp will take care of transportation, accommodation, meals, equipment, and surf lessons, you can simply enjoy your vacation time. In addition, surf camps in Arugam Bay are a great place to meet new surfers from all over the world.
A List of the 5 Best Surf Camps in Arugam Bay:
1. Safa Surf Camp, Arugam Bay
Safa Surf Camp is definitely one of the best surf camps in Arugam Bay. It runs surf courses from Saturday to Saturday each week and welcomes students of all skill levels. With professional instructors and a great atmosphere, this is where you can learn to surf or improve your surfing skills. The camp offers different packages for all levels, which include the following:
Beachside cabana with private bathroom.
Daily breakfast.
All surfing equipment, including a Safa rash vest.
Free surf photos and videos.
Yoga classes.
Use of all chill-out areas and Wi-Fi.
Free of charge pool table.
For more information about surf camps in Arugam Bay, please click here.
2. Arugam Bay Surf Camp
The surf packages at Arugam Bay Surf Camp include plenty of time in the water, video analysis, personal feedback, and theory classes. Each surfing session is progressive and goal-oriented for each of the students. At the end of the session, your instructor will discuss with you how you progressed in learning that new skill taught on the beach.
Arugam Bay Surf Camp always keeps a maximum of 5:1 student-instructor ratio. This will also mean you will never have to wait for others to keep up or feel left behind. It is very well organized and yet operates in a fun and playful way.
For more information about surf camps in Arugam Bay, please click here.
3. Paddyway Surf
Paddyway Surf Camp provides comprehensive surf coaching for anyone who wishes to become an independent surfer. The camp welcomes surfers of all levels, from beginners who wish to learn to surf for the first time to self-taught surfers who have hit a plateau and intermediate surfers who want to improve their skills. Group surf lessons are scheduled so that you learn with other surfers in your skill range. The lessons are managed with a fun atmosphere, encouraging students to help each other improve.
Stay in this newly built property and enjoy luxury accommodation. Vinyasa and Yin Yoga classes are also available in the yoga shala and sunset yoga on the rooftop.
For more information about surf camps in Arugam Bay, please click here.
4. Star Rest Beach Hotel
In this yoga and surf camp, you will be staying at Star Rest Beach Hotel, where you can feel free to fully utilize the amenities and facilities provided by the hotel, such as their laptop rental, board rental, car rental, free parking for hotel guests, laundry services, and tour assistance.
The experienced surf coaches in this camp will be there to guide you through two hours of surf lessons per day. You can rent a surfboard and all the surf equipment provided at the camp. Depending on the wave conditions, you can also enjoy daily drives to local surf spots. Lastly, enjoy a complimentary massage for your sore muscles after a long day of surf lessons and catching waves.
For more information about surf camps in Arugam Bay, please click here.
5. Surf & Yoga Arugam Bay
Surf&Yoga Arugam Bay offers a great combination of surfing and yoga yoga practice. It aims to have the highest regional standard for your benefit. Therefore, all the coaching courses are designed to ensure you get the most out of your surfing time during your stay. The surf program is suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and is done by certified surf instructors. Depending on your skill level, you will get personal coaching in a small group and use high-quality equipment. The program also includes video analysis & feedback and surf theory classes.
For more information about surf camps in Arugam Bay, please click here.
What is the Price of a Surf Camp in Arugam Bay?
When choosing a surf camp in Arugam Bay, the cost should play a major part in your decision. Luckily, there are a variety of surf camps and different packages to suit any budget. In fact, most surf camps in Arugam Bay offer great value for money. What determines the cost of a surf camp are factors like the quality of the accommodation, number of days, number of surf lessons per day, seasonality, and additional services. Therefore, depending on your budget, you can customize the package that suits you best. In most cases, booking a surf camp in Arugam Bay will actually cost you less than it would be if you booked all services on your own. As for the numbers, a one-week package in a surf camp in Arugam Bay should cost somewhere between $250 on the lower end and $1100 on the higher end.
Are Surf Camps in Arugam Bay Suitable for All Skill Levels?
One thing that makes Arugam Bay such a fantastic surf destination is that it offers waves for all skill levels. For instance, the waves at the “Main Point” are fast and challenging, but the waves at the “Baby Point” are small and easy to ride. Therefore, any surfer can surf in the relevant spot according to his skill level. Moreover, all the surf camps in town know exactly where to take their students to keep them safe and help them improve.
What Time of Year is Best for a Surf Camp in Arugam Bay?
The surf season in Arugam Bay lasts from May to October. During these months, the town receives consistent swells from the Indian Ocean, and the weather is sunny. Therefore, this is the recommended time to come for a surf camp in Arugam Bay. In the other half of the year, the monsoon season brings heavy rains and choppy water. So, if that’s the only time you have available, it is better to go to the other side of Sri Lanka, to Weligama.
Which Location in Arugam Bay is Best for a Surf Camp?
Arugam Bay is a small town, so most surf camps are close to each other. Since most of the surf sessions take place in either the “Baby Point” or the “Main Point”, it is best to be as close as possible to these spots, which are just in front of town. In short, just ensure the surf camp provides easy access to the waves.
Important Things to Check Before Choosing a Surf Camp in Arugam Bay?
Before choosing a surf camp in Arugam Bay, don’t forget to check the following list:
1. What is the student-to-instructor ratio during the surf sessions? In general, the smaller the group is, the more personal attention you will get from the instructor. Therefore, look for a ratio of no more than 5 to 1.
2. Are surfboard rentals included in the deal? Will you have to bring your own surfboard or is it provided by the camp? Also, can you use the camp’s surfboard for practice after the lessons?
3. Are airport transfers included in the deal, or should you get there on your own? What about transfers to different surf spots during your stay?
4. Is the package all-inclusive, or should you pay for meals? If it is an all-inclusive, which meals are included?
5. How many surf sessions are included in the package? Is there a clear schedule?
6. What type of accommodations will you be staying at? Is it a private room or a dorm? Which features does it have?
7. Does the program suit your skill level? Is there a separation between beginners and advanced surfers?
8. What are the qualifications of the surf instructors? Are they certified? Remember, your safety is above everything.
9. Which coaching tools are used in the program? Is there a theoretical part? Video analysis? Enough practice time?
10. Are there any add-ons or additional services you should know about, or does the price of the package cover everything?
How to Book a Surf Camp in Arugam Bay?
Once you choose your surf camp in Arugam Bay, booking it is pretty simple. Nowadays, there is no need to speak with anyone on the phone; everything is available online. The main question should be what kind of surf camp are you looking for, and these are the two best options:
1. If you are a beginner or an intermediate surfer looking for a coaching program, then the best website to book your surf camp is www.booksurfcamps.com. This is where you can get the most details about the surf instructors, weekly schedule, and general guidance.
2. If you are an experienced surfer and don’t need anything but a place to stay close to the waves, you can simply book your stay on www.booking.com
Both websites are reliable and user-friendly, so you can feel comfortable using them to book your surf camp in Arugam Bay.
Conclusion
To sum up, Arugam Bay is the perfect place to take a surf camp. Between May and October, the waves are consistent and are suitable for all surfers, from beginner to advanced. Regardless of which surf camp you choose, a week in Arugam Bay is an adventure full of joy and happiness. The surf improvement is just a bonus, but the memories last forever. Have fun!
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in Sri Lanka, and also the one about surf resorts in Sri Lanka.
