Pottuvil Point
When it comes to surfing, Sri Lanka really has it all; and along the East Coast are some of Sri Lanka’s most popular surf spots. Without question, this includes Arugam Bay, and 6km north of it is the next best thing—Pottuvil Point.
Situated about 400km from Colombo, poised on the edge of a peninsula, Pottuvil Point is known for its right-hand waves and sand-bottom points, making it ideal for beginners. Along this peninsula, you can find numerous food vendors and plenty of relaxing places to stay, as an added bonus to its consistent waves.
Pottuvil Point is where the ocean, scenic countryside and the peaceful lagoon meet. It’s a somewhat exposed point break, with offshore winds coming in from the west/southwest. The point also receives a mixture of windswells and groundswells, usually from the south/southeast.
The reef break is hollow, and surf at the sand-bottom point rides on a good south swell, running close to a kilometre towards the shore. In fact, the wave breaks close enough that you can make your way back to point from the shore in a matter of seconds. Though the waves at Pottuvil Point are generally smaller than Arugam Bay’s by a few feet, it still provides good walls. The bigger swells also offer barrels, along with the consistent surf.
Like most other surf points along the East Coast, the ideal time to visit Pottuvil Point is between April and October, at the peak of the coast’s surf season.
