Three-day Arugam Bay Surf Classic 2012 kicks off on 13 July

Arugam Bay Beachwear presents Arugam Bay Surf Classic 2012. Now in its second year, the competition starts on 13 July. Arugam Bay Surf Classic is open to all Sri Lankan surfers. The contest aims to give surfing an identity in Sri Lanka and attract international participants.

The competition will take place in Arugam Bay – one of the most sought after surfing destinations in the world.  The area has grown in popularity among locals and tourists with surfers flocking to the area from all parts of the country and world during the east coast season.

Events such as Arugam Bay Surf Classic 2012 will further establish the area as a leading surfing destination and also help propel the sport.

“We are very happy that Arugam Bay Surf Classic is giving us the identity and supports the surfing in the island. We are also very thankful to Arugam Bay Beachwear for supporting us,” Arugam Bay Surf Club President Krishantha Ariyasena said.

This year the number of competitors has increased to almost 75 from all over Sri Lanka and they will be hosted over the duration of the event. An international panel of experts in the sport will judge the competition.

Arugam Bay Beachwear CEO Ajai Vir Singh said, “We are excited that the contest that we started last year is taking shape as per our plan. We always believed in Arugam Bay and it’s no surprise that we continue as main sponsors and it will be interesting to see this event grow over the years.”

Surfingas a sport is also seeing more patronage just like scuba diving and windsurfing. Unlike in the other parts of the world, surfing in Sri Lanka is still not recognised formally as a sport, though an increased interest will lead to that. Across the world, surfing is a huge sport with formal status and has well established professional surf tours.

Arugam Bay Surf Classic will be held over three days from 13 to 15 July with winners getting interesting prizes and cash awards.