Wind blows where the surfer goes

Preparations for the forthcoming surfing competition at Arugam bay are perfect according to Hiran Ukwatte the president of the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka that will play a major role in conducting the event.

Already there are 15 foreigners who have entered to participate in the Open event and some local surfers will be included so that they will be exposed to compete with foreigners.

The main event for local surfers is the National event that has attracted 50-plus competitors. The numbers will be restricted so that the events can be worked off in two days.

“Enthusiasm to surfing among the Sri Lankan community has gathered momentum and already a large number of enthusiastic surfers and crowds are heading to Arugam bay to prepare for the event,” said Ukwatte.

“The beach at Arugam bay is quite wide and can accommodate a large number of spectators. Besides, surfing has become a natural habitat to the people there. Even the people in the South tend to take to surfing naturally. It is like going to bathe in the sea for them,” added Ukwatte.

There are about 50,000 surfers in the whole of Sri Lanka and the Surfing Federation conducts the Nationals in three stocks per year. The first was held in Madhia early this year and the second was held in March in Hikkaduwa and this one in Arugam bay will be the third stock.

These events are held to bestow rankings and those who are really good will receive automatic admission to foreign competitions. The first national surfing event was held in 2018 and the Federation will conduct three stocks for the year to complete the nationals.

“There will not be any trials for selections and the top two rankings will be sent for the Asian Championship while four will be selected for other international events,” said Ukwatte.

“Surfing has become a lifestyle for the people living close to the beaches. Almost all of them go free surfing to enjoy themselves. There are many movements too to manoeuvre in surfing on surf boards of different sizes. Those used in competitions are the short board and many surfers are skilled to tackle the waves accordingly,” said Ukwatte.

source: http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2020/09/20/sports/wind-blows-where-surfer-goes