Windsurfing
East coast is the place when you
come for surfing, between May and September is the period
when the wind is at its strongest. Arugam Bay on the
east coast is, in particular, the Sri Lanka's best beach for
surfing especially the surfing season (between April and
September) when the town and the beach get the most crowded. Some
beaches, however, in the southwestern coast such as Hikkaduwa
are also popular for good surfs; in fact, Hikkaduwa is a long time
favorite for international surfers. Surfing gears such as
surfboards, boogie boards, and wetties can be hired in the shops
beside the beaches. Second hand gears are also available.
Beware of the sharp coral on the
southwestern coast, especially, on Hikkaduwa beach where the coral
sanctuary is in place. Striking a coral may cause an unpleasant
pain to a person and fatality to the coral. If you are unfamiliar
with surfing or with the beach in particular, ask someone reliable
about which spots to avoid. Currents in Hikkaduwa, and other
beaches on southwestern coast, can be hazardous to surfers. Stay
alert and cautious at all times.
Windsurfing, on the other
hands, gains its most popularity mostly on western coast of the
island. Top-end hotels in the main west coast beach resorts are
the only places that rent windsurfers. The best spot is Bentota
where several outfits nearby hire out windsurfing equipments and
provide lessons.
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