The driver informs us we’ve an eight hour slog ahead of us, but I soon start to doubt that we’ll see the end of it. Sri Lankan roads really deserve to be on the global podium of terrifying transport solutions; whatever your religion, you need to get your head down and pray you’ll arrive safely. Between animals crossing, trucks blind and double blind overtaking our driver, we take the option to fall asleep in the backseat. Arugam Bay is a fishing village in a large bay sheltered from the wind. On the right at the point, one of the best waves in Sri Lanka rattles off over a reef. The waves were waiting for us and our excitement was topping out so we screwed the fins into our boards at the speed of light and were on the water within 30 minutes. Even Manu who normally takes a bit of time setting up was out at the peak for our first water shoot.
First contact
The Point is one of the best spots in the region. The wave can really take the size and the first hollow section throws a nice barrel that eases off before a second tube. Once you’re past these two sections, you kick out into a large deep, safe bay before slogging back to the peak. Manu cheerfully reasons that it’s excellent training for Olivia and her race competitions since it’s a few hundred metres. This is significant because Olivia is full of energy and is always to go back to the water. Perhaps too much. We’ll talk about this… The local surfers are adorable and welcome us with open arms despite our paddles. What a change from the brainless Hossegor beach break where I had to spend a few weeks. Olivia flirts dangerously with the peak for priority but it’s a game that ends up with her being imprisoned by a combo of bigger sets. Eventually swimming in over the reef, this does little to diminish our nymphet’s smile that evening.
