Our Story

Born in the Bay.
Built for Surfers.

Since 2020, our ISA-certified coaches have been introducing surfers of all levels to the best waves in Arugam Bay — and sharing everything that makes this place special.

Arugambay Surf Center
The Beginning

Founded by Surfers,
for Surfers

Arugam Bay Surf Center was founded in 2020 by Afry, a local who grew up on these shores and knows every break, current, and sandbar in the bay. He built the school from the ground up, earned his ISA coaching certification, and went on to mentor other coaches through the same programme as an ISA Trainer.

Co-founder Alli, from Australia, brings the international side of things. A qualified Surfing Australia Coach and 500-hour certified yoga teacher trained in India, she has a background in nursing and previously ran her own yoga business and holiday parks. Together, Afry and Alli built something straightforward: a surf camp that teaches well, takes care of its guests, and genuinely feels like home. The camp is based at Paradise Palms, just 350 metres from Arugam Bay's main street.

"Arugam Bay has given us everything. The least we can do is share it properly."

— Coach Afry, Founder & Owner

Our Journey

Six Years in Numbers

2020

Founded

Afry opened the Surf Center in Arugam Bay, drawing on deep local knowledge to build a school focused on genuine, safe surf instruction.

2020

ISA Certified

All coaches hold ISA accreditation — the internationally recognised standard for surf instruction, covering teaching methodology, ocean safety, and first aid.

2021

Paradise Palms Camp

Launched the all-inclusive surf camp at Paradise Palms, just 350m from the main street, with accommodation, meals, and yoga all in one place.

2022

Wellness Programme

Alli joined to lead yoga and recovery sessions, bringing 500-hour yoga training and a surfing coaching background that complements every surf session.

2023

Growing Team

Expanded the coaching team with Hubi, Abdul, and Azick — all ISA accredited and qualified lifeguards — ensuring every guest gets proper attention in the water.

2024

5-Star Reviews

Earning consistent 5-star guest reviews across Google, Facebook, and booking platforms, built on honest coaching and genuine hospitality.

2020
Founded in Arugam Bay
5★
Consistent Guest Rating
4
ISA Accredited Coaches
3
Languages Spoken
The Team

Meet the Coaches
& Crew

Every member of the team surfs, lives, and breathes this bay.

Coach Afry
Founder & Owner
Verified
Coach Afry
Head Coach & Founder

Afry founded the Surf Center in 2020 with a clear goal: give every guest a real Arugam Bay surf experience. An ISA Trainer and qualified lifeguard.

ISA Trainer Lifeguard
Certified
Arugam Bay
Coach Hubi
ISA Trainer
Verified
Coach Hubi
Senior ISA Coach

An ISA Trainer and qualified lifeguard, Hubi brings calm authority and sharp technical coaching to every session.

ISA Level 2 Lifeguard
Certified
Arugam Bay
Coach Abdul
ISA Coach
Verified
Coach Abdul
Progression Lead

ISA certified and a qualified lifeguard, Abdul is the coach beginners tend to remember most for his patient, encouraging approach.

ISA Certified Lifeguard
Certified
Arugam Bay
Coach Azick
ISA Coach
Verified
Coach Azick
Local Break Specialist

ISA accredited and a qualified lifeguard, Azick has spent years getting to know every break around Arugam Bay.

ISA Certified Lifeguard
Certified
Arugam Bay
Host Ajwath
Camp Host
Verified
Host Ajwath
Paradise Palms Host

Ajwath is the first face you see at Paradise Palms. He keeps the camp running smoothly and makes sure guests feel genuinely welcome.

Hospitality Local
Certified
Arugam Bay
Teacher Alli
Yoga & Surf
Verified
Teacher Alli
Yoga & Recovery Lead

500-hour Yoga Teacher and qualified Surfing Australia Coach. Brings ocean knowledge and wellness expertise to every session.

500h Yoga Surfing AU
Certified
Arugam Bay
Credentials

ISA Certified.
Community Trusted.

The International Surfing Association (ISA) is the world governing body for surfing. ISA certification means our coaches have passed rigorous training in surf instruction, ocean safety, first aid, and rescue techniques. When you are in the water with us, you are with coaches who know exactly what they are doing.

ISA Level 1 & Level 2 Coach Certifications
Multiple coaches hold both Level 1 and the advanced Level 2 qualification.
Surf First Aid Certification
All coaches hold current surf-specific first aid and ocean rescue certification.
Sri Lanka Surfing Association Registered
Full members of the national governing body for surf instruction in Sri Lanka.
Consistently Rated 5 Stars
Rated 5 stars by guests across Google, Facebook, and international booking platforms.
ISA certified surf coaching at Arugambay Surf Center
Our Commitment

Surf Tourism Done
the Right Way

We believe surf tourism should give back more than it takes.

Local Employment

Every full-time member of our team is from Arugam Bay or the surrounding villages.

Environmental Pledge

Partnered with Sustainable Clean Sri Lanka NGO for beach cleanups, waste segregation, and anti-plastic education alongside local councils and fisheries.

Children's Education

We support local children's education through financial assistance, volunteering, and community youth initiatives.

Support Local Suppliers

All our food is sourced from local fishermen and farmers within 20km of the camp.

Come Meet Us.
The Bay is Waiting.

Pick a package, pick a date, and we will take care of the rest.

Book a Stay Get in Touch