Top international surfers compete here

by Srian OBEYESEKERE

Star international Richard Dodd from South Africa and British professional Alan Stokes are among 48 international surfers now here participating in the six-day UK Pro Surf Tour Championship 2009 in Arugam Bay. This is the first water sports team to visit Arugam Bay after terrorism was eradicated after three decades. Asked as to how he felt about surfing in Sri Lankan waters Dodd said," I love the challenge on those quality waves, and with a whole lot of adrenaline flowing through my veins it keeps my movements going, particularly in the warm tropical waters of the East coast.

The uncrowded beaches and the reliability of the destination too plays a pivotal role in my quest for surf points, and undoubtedly Arugam Bay is the best.

The international surfing championship is expected to be a huge boost to the Eastern sector of Arugam Bay in the post-war development process now under way in providing the residents a fillip.

The championship will generate tremendous spectator interest with the cream of surfers including South Africa, Britain and Australia competing for honours. Sri Lankan surfers too have got the opportunity to compete with the surfing might of the world.

According to Anura Devapura, General Manager Mt. Lavinia Hotel, where the competitors were accommodated on arrival, the championship is a fabulous tourism opportunity for competitors from around the world to discover one of Sri Lanka's greatest possessions - excellent surf and spectacular beaches.