Surfing Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka (What’s it Actually Like)!?

At the tail end of Sri Lanka’s East Coast season, I took a gamble and made the ten-hour journey from Colombo to sample some of Sri Lanka’s best waves. Arugam has a reputation as one of the more user-friendly “world-class” waves, but what’s it like to actually surf? Here’s everything you need to know and more. Enjoy :)
ATTENTION - Discounts on Selected HOSTELWORLD Properties (For Stays Between 22nd Jan and 30th April)
Asia - Up to 56% Off
Central America - Up to 30% Off
South America - Up to 30% Off
Europe - Up to 25% Off
Oceania - Up to 20% Off
Find Deals: hostelworld.tp...
Read More: danharmon.io/s...
Support the Channel: www.buymeacoff...
Join my Email List (Weekly Surf Travel Inspo): danharmon.io/
Brand Enquiries Email: [e-mail]
The Best Cowork/Surf Stays:
If you’re looking for somewhere to get waves and get work done, Outsite has some incredible accommodations/workspaces in some of the world’s top surf destinations. Check them out here: www.outsite.co...
Online Surf Training:
I’ve recently partnered with OMBE, to bring you the best digital surf training out there. From understanding the Ocean, and preparing your mind/body for surfing, to learning the ins and outs of equipment and diving deep into surf technique. OMBE has the best surf training resources out there. Check it out here: train.ombe.co/...
Read More: danharmon.io/s...
Arugam Bay Surf Accommodation:
- Popoyo Resort ($20 Per Night): booking.tp.st/...
- Tropicana Homestay($20 Per Night): booking.tp.st/...
- Long Hostel (Dorms $8 Per Night): hostelworld.tp...
- Little Lagoon: (Dorms $10 Per Night): hostelworld.tp...
- Hangover Hostel (Dorms $10 Per Night): hostelworld.tp...
Arugam Bay Surf Camps:
- www.booksurfca...
Udawalawe Safari:
- Buddika Lodge: booking.tp.st/...
Surf Travel Resources:
- Flights: danharmon.io/l...
- Rental Cars: discovercars.t...
- Buses: busbud.tp.st/U...
- Hostels: hostelworld.tp...
- Accommodation: booking.tp.st/...
- Surf Camps: www.booksurfca...
- Wise Card: wise.prf.hn/l/...
What I Travel With (Surf Stuff):
- Boardbag: amzn.to/46q0AfI
- Board Socks: amzn.to/3HL5uKd
- Leg Ropes: amzn.to/49i0NU0
- Poncho: amzn.to/3ujolZO
What I Travel With (Tech Stuff):
- Backpack: amzn.to/3OqpO7B
- Laptop: amzn.to/4br0Nmr
- GoPro: amzn.to/4bkHBXB
- Video Camera: amzn.to/4bhvsml
- Mic: amzn.to/42raopp
- Wise Card: wise.prf.hn/l/...
Follow Me:
- Blog: danharmon.io/
- Instagram: www.instagram....
- TikTok: / danharmonsurf
#surfingarugambay #arugambaysurf #arugamsurf #arugambaysrilanka #srilankasurf #surftravel #surfingtrip #dhst

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey guys!! I h ope you enjoy this video, plenty more Sri Lanka content to come!! Stay tuned :)

[@lockedout8643]

Was there in the early 80s, probably 20-30 surfers around but never all in the water at the same time, it was hot, as was the food at the grass hut sand floor digs we lived in. My girlfriend used to cry at meal times, luckily there was a little restaurant catering for backpackers or she would have starved. Swapped a bottle of duty free for a block of hash when we got there, then hit the surf, happy days.

[@scottmcwave9479]

Perfect right point and elephants! What an exotic surf destination!🤙

[@DanHarmon123]

Yep, for sure!! A wicked place to check out, regardless of the surf!!

[@EsquireUnlimited]

I've been watching your channel for a while and I really enjoy your videos. Lots of great information, I ride bodyboard and have been to the Ahangama and caught some awesome waves along that coastline. I am considering ArugamBay, thanks for the great info 🤙

[@iampetrunin]

I lived in Arugam Bay for three month from May to July and it was amazing! One HUGE con - crowds. Daaaaamn crowds. The Main Point had up to 80 people at the same time with 5-7 people catching the same wave. Fckn madnees: all the people from complete beginners to advanced surfers at the same spot, at the same time.

[@DanHarmon123]

Wow!! That's insane!! 80 guys out... But yeah I guess it's such a user-friendly break, it just attracts everyone!!

[@doug5372]

The locals took ALL the waves

[@craigsmith5461]

Thanks Dan for sharing mate.Great to see you and sis hanging out together.Stay safe and enjoy brother

[@DanHarmon123]

No worries Craig!! Yeah was wicked to have a travel partner for this one!! Yewww!

[@bradwilliams6518]

Dan, and others who have been there, did your female companion get harassed at all? Is Arugam pretty safe for western ladies on their own or should they stay in groups?

[@DonatellaDovesi]

Hey Dan, great videos, very helpful!!! could you recommend a surf coach in Arugam Bay please? I'll be there from the 19th to 25th of August :)

[@dudeleboski2692]

Dan, what are the mozzies like?

[@DanHarmon123]

Pretty gnarly mosquitoes to be honest haha!!

[@nedvisual]

I was last there in 2006. Looks like a lot has changed since then.

[@DanHarmon123]

Oh for sure!! I bet there wasn't much there back in 2006?? Uncrowded though?

[@DigitalSamTV]

Hey mate, not interested in surfing but want to stay at a beach type town, which is the best vibe (traveller nomad etc) you think? We are on very limited time and I'm traveling with my father. Cheers

[@jamesjervis4138]

Any urchins on the reef? surfed marrisa down south and the reef was covered in them

[@DanHarmon123]

There are probably a few hiding in the crevices, but It's not too bad for that to be honest!! A lot worse down south as you said!!

[@katiejorgensen2677]

Hi Dan, awesome video! We are headed to Arugam Bay in April. Did you book all of your accommodations in advance or did you book everything when you get to Arugam bay? (Hotels, Tuk Tuks, National park adventures ect.) Thanks!

[@doug5372]

I just rocked up and found a place

[@eslaytlilxan8450]

Top 5/10 best point breaks in the world with a barrel section

[@DanHarmon123]

That's a wicked video idea haha!!

[@leghdavies5255]

you've obviously travelled a lot!!!!

[@itaitamir8584]

Do u were in arugam at the end of July/the start of August?

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate! Nooo, I was there later, at the beginning of October :)

[@itaitamir8584]

@@DanHarmon123 ok, thank u

[@GetgainzDe]

I was there 2017- coming back in august. just heard a crocodile warning 2 days ago, crocs in the water at aragum bay - is it safe now?

[@john_starbucks]

Can I ask how were the waves in August? I am thinking to go as well next year. Thank you

[@GetgainzDe]

@@john_starbucks waves were fine. We were Misto at Baby point getting back into it

[@callum9880]

My son wants try surfing first time in Arugum, any recommendations for best surfing schools you aware of beginners? Accommodation already booked. Is the reef by beginner area too?

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey Callum!! Sorry for the slow reply! On the beach at Baby Point, there are several surf schools right on the sand... so that's your best bet! And Baby Point is sand, but there are a few rocks on the shore you need to watch out for!!

[@skinrat81374]

Great vid

[@DanHarmon123]

Thank you!! :)

[@safetybeachlife]

Ha, Arugam on a shit day is heaps better then my local on most days

[@DanHarmon123]

Hahah!! Yeah to be fair, it's still a super fun wave when it's small!!

[@hubsurf1]

Hi Dan. I’m traveling to A bay in early May. Is it possible to get the name of the hotel you like to stay at? Thanks in advance and awesome videos

[@DanHarmon123]

Hi mate!! For sure, it was called Popoyo Surf Camp :)

[@hubsurf1]

@@DanHarmon123 thanks for getting back to me and congrats on the book. I’m wondering if the rooms have a safe or what you did with your money and passport while you went surfing?

[@dudeleboski2692]

Dan, are there any smoking hot Swedish Backpacking girls out there in the high season? Or at least the equivalent?

[@DanHarmon123]

YES! Hahah...

[@stuartgaylor2420]

You weren’t surfing great? Man I thought you were ripping 🤙🏽 Thanks for a great insight to an awesome spot. Fantastic safari trip, really cool to see other tourist attractions there too. Thanks Dan

[@DanHarmon123]

Haha, thank you very much!! Yeah, wicked spot to check out for sure!!

[@GBLahLah]

Good video

[@DanHarmon123]

Thanks mate!!

[@dudeleboski2692]

Id be more worried about those Russians….. Once I was in Balian and they put flyers under everyone’s door saying that they planned on having a Russian Only Surf Comp that weekend. Non Ruskis could join, but only in a separate division and it was required they be dressed as Clowns…….. 😅😅😅😅😅

[@DanHarmon123]

Hahhah wow!! Really!? That's amazing...

[@samruth.]

Hello

[@PA96704]

Hopefully the party seen isn't as crazy as the other side.

[@DanHarmon123]

Haha, still some healthy nightlife there for sure haha!! I didn't get involved, but saw people coming back from nights out during early surfs haha 😂

[@mohammedfaris6242]

Next time come and meet me in arugambay to see elephant

[@GBLahLah]

Urrgh pigging hate hostels, too many people all the same

[@DanHarmon123]

Haha, I know what you mean! As I'm getting older I'm starting to like my own space a lot more now too haha 😂

[@asieretxearte]

Again, I am only going to say one word and take it as you wish, "israelis".

[@peacepuffz]

He He yeah why they so nasty to Surf with.

[@sugarfreekkk]

Agreed. What's wrong with them ?

[@pierswoo76]

There were thousands of them in Abay this season a crazy amount - they took over the beaches so much that you were dodging footballs frisbees and idiots doing acro yoga was like an israeli cancun for young people fresh out of the army really spoilt the vibe and the prices went sky high

[@peacepuffz]

@@pierswoo76 Do they talk to people who are not israelis? Some never used to.

[@pierswoo76]

@@peacepuffz They come in large groups take over whole beaches restaurants hotels and hang together in their groups shouting playing loud music etc. Individually some are friendly enough but they take over the whole town and turn it into a mini tel aviv - not really the sri lankan experience people come here for

[@rafaelrobertohuezobarraza1856]

"Yeah it's like 2-3ft" then proceeds to smash the waves, like is 4-6ft

[@DanHarmon123]

Haha!! Thanks, mate! It was rippable for sure, despite the size!!

[@leghdavies5255]

If there is one place I would avoid it's here - too many kooks who think they are Kelly Slater and the waves aren't that great!

[@DanHarmon123]

It's definitely busy out there!!

[@GBLahLah]

Good video

[@DanHarmon123]

Thanks mate!!