How do I book a surf lesson or a surf pack? 

For a booking, please send us all the information below:

1. choose your pack here
2. location: east or south
3. level: beginner, intermediate or advanced
4. number of people
5. date(s)

You can choose the way that you prefer to contact us:

- Website: CONTACT

- WhatsApp: +94 75 606 0275

- Email: hello@ponosurfcamp.com

What can I do if I haven't received a reply to my request?

If you haven't received a reply to your request within 24 hours, please check your spam or junk email folder, as our response may have been filtered there.

If you still can't find a reply, feel free to contact us again via:

• Email: hello@ponosurfcamp.com
• WhatsApp: +94 75 606 0275
• Instagram: @ponosurfcamp

We’re here to help and will respond as soon as possible!

How can I pay for my reservation?

At the moment of your booking, we will ask you to pay 50% of the total amount of your reservation by bank transfer in order to confirm your booking and guarantee your place with us. Our bank details will be sent to you in an e-mail from PONO Surf Camp giving you the procedure to follow.

For the last 50%, we offer several payment options to make your booking process as easy as possible on your arrival:

1. Online Payment: Securely pay via credit or debit card
2. Cash: If you prefer, you can pay in cash
3. Mobile Payment Apps: We may accept payments through apps like PayPal or other platforms.

I'd like to learn surf but I've never done it before. Is it possible to learn?

Yes, it's possible to learn to surf even if you're a complete beginner. Arugam Bay is an ideal place, with several surf schools and beginner-friendly spots. Start by taking a lesson from PONO Surf Camp instructor who can teach you the basics. Use a stable soft-top longboard, practice paddling and standing up on land, and learn surf rules and guidelines. Begin at a beach with small, gentle waves and be patient—learning to surf takes time and practice. Enjoy the process and have fun!

Is one lesson enough to learn to surf? 

One lesson is typically not enough to learn to surf proficiently. While a single lesson can teach you the basics (such as paddling, popping up on the board, and surf rules and guidelines) becoming comfortable and confident in the water usually requires multiple sessions. Consistent practice and guidance from an instructor over several lessons will help you improve your skills, balance, and understanding of wave patterns. It's important to be patient and persistent as you develop your abilities.

I have an intermediate level but would like to improve, can I take lessons at PONO Surf Camp?

Yes, you can take lessons at PONO Surf Camp to improve your surfing skills. We offer programs for surfers of all levels, including intermediate surfers looking to refine their techniques and advance their abilities. Their experienced instructors can provide personalized coaching, focusing on areas like maneuvering, wave selection, and improving overall style. Our principal instructor is a professional surfer and will be happy to share with you the best tips to improve your riding. With the right guidance, you'll be able to enhance your surfing performance and enjoy the waves even more.

Beginner, intermediate or advanced surfers, what's the difference?

The classification of surfers into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels is based on their skills, experience, and comfort in the water. Here's a breakdown of the differences:

Beginner Surfers
- Skills: Learning to paddle, pop up on the board, and maintain balance.
- Wave Handling: Typically surf small, gentle waves (whitewater).
- Experience: Just starting out, may have taken a few lessons.
- Comfort Level: Need guidance and prefer shallow, sandy-bottomed areas.
- Goals: Consistently stand up on the board and ride waves straight to the shore.

Intermediate Surfers
- Skills: Can paddle efficiently, pop up quickly, and make basic turns.
- Wave Handling: Comfortable in chest-high waves, can handle more powerful and varied wave conditions.
- Experience: Have surfed regularly, understand basic surf etiquette, and are starting to read wave patterns.
- Comfort Level: Can navigate through the lineup, duck dive, and handle different surf spots.
- Goals: Improve maneuvers, such as cutbacks and trimming, and increase wave count and ride length.

Advanced Surfers
- Skills: Execute advanced maneuvers like cutbacks, bottom turns, and aerials with precision.
- Wave Handling: Comfortable in large, powerful waves and challenging conditions (reef breaks, point breaks).
- Experience: Extensive surfing experience, often in various locations and wave types.
- Comfort Level: Confident in crowded lineups and challenging surf environments, adept at reading and positioning for waves.
- Goals: Refine technique, tackle bigger waves, and master complex maneuvers.

Each level has its own set of challenges and learning curves, but with practice and dedication, surfers can progress from one level to the next.

How do I choose the right surfboard size?

Choosing the right surfboard size is crucial for your surfing experience. It depends on factors such as your weight, skill level, and the type of waves you'll be riding. Our experienced team is here to help you find the perfect fit. You can reach out to us for personalized recommendations.

What type of board do you start surfing with? 

When a student is a beginner, we always recommend a soft board. As the lessons progress, the student develops at their own pace and we adapt the size. When the skills are acquired and the instructor feels that the student is ready, he will advise to move on to a hard board, The switch between soft and hard board sometimes happens very quickly.

Do you offer a surf tee?

Yes, we provide you a surf tee with the logo of the surf camp during the surf lesson. You can also buy your own at our place PONO Surf Camp/PONO Café.

How do I take care of my surfboard and surf tee?

Taking care of your surfboard and wetsuit is essential to prolong their lifespan. After each surf session, rinse your surfboard with fresh water to remove any salt or sand. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For surf tees, rinse them with fresh water and hang them to dry in a shaded area. Avoid using hot water or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the materials.

What is the difference between a soft and hard board?

Soft boards (soft-tops) are made with a soft foam deck, offering more stability and safety, making them ideal for beginners. They're resistant to dings and forgiving on falls. Hard boards (hard-tops), constructed with a fiberglass or epoxy resin over a foam core, provide better performance, responsiveness, and maneuverability, suited for intermediate to advanced surfers. However, they are more prone to damage and can be more dangerous in falls.

What does the length of the board mean? 

The length of a surfboard impacts its stability, paddling efficiency, and maneuverability, making it crucial for choosing the right board. Longer boards (typically 8-10 feet) provide greater stability and easier paddling, making them ideal for beginners learning to catch waves and maintain balance. They perform well in small to medium waves. In contrast, shorter boards (6-7 feet or less) offer increased maneuverability and responsiveness, suited for more advanced surfers tackling larger, more powerful waves. Shorter boards allow for quicker turns and advanced maneuvers but require more skill to paddle and maintain stability. Choosing the right length depends on skill level, wave conditions, and surfing goals.

When is the best time of year to surf at Arugam Bay?

The best time to surf at Arugam Bay, located on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka, is during the main surf season, which runs from April/May to October. During this period, the region experiences consistent swells from the Indian Ocean, providing excellent wave conditions. The peak months, especially June to August, offer the most reliable waves, attracting surfers from around the world. Additionally, the weather is generally dry, with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for both surfing and other outdoor activities.

What are the different surf spots in and around Arugam Bay? 

Our map site has a special tab on the subject: SURF SPOTS.

How can I get to from Colombo to Arugambay?

To travel from Colombo to Arugam Bay, you have a few options:

1. By Road:
- Option 1: Take a taxi or hire a private car from Colombo directly to Arugam Bay. This is the most convenient option, albeit more expensive.
- Option 2: Take a night A/C bus from Colombo to Pottuvil (the town closest to Arugam Bay) or Arugan Bay. Buses depart regularly from the Colombo Central Bus Station (Pettah) or the Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal. From Pottuvil, you can take a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride to Arugam Bay (5-10 min.).

2. By Train and Road:
- Step 1: Take a train from Colombo to Batticaloa. Trains operate regularly from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Batticaloa.
- Step 2: From Batticaloa, proceed to Arugam Bay by taxi or local bus.

3. By Air and Road:
- Step 1: Fly from Colombo to Batticaloa Airport (BTC). SriLankan Airlines operates flights between Colombo and Batticaloa.
- Step 2: From Batticaloa Airport, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Arugam Bay, which is about 2-3 hours by road.

Travel times can vary depending on traffic conditions and mode of transport chosen. It's advisable to check for the latest schedules and availability, especially during peak tourist seasons.

PONO Surf Camp also organises transport to and from the airport for its customers. We offer our customers a private or group transfer (where possible) in complete safety. The journey takes an estimated 7 hours and can be made during the day or at night, depending on your preference. Request a quote here.

What activities can I do in and around Arugam Bay? 

Our map site has a special tab on the subject: AURUGAM BAY.

When is the best time of year to surf in the south?

The best time to surf in the south of Sri Lanka is from November to March. During this period, the weather is sunny, and the swell is consistent, offering ideal conditions for surfers of all levels.

What are the different surf spots in and around south? 

In the south, there are many surf spots all along the coast. We mainly focus on the amazing surf spots in Weligama and Ahangama.

• Weligama: Perfect for beginners due to its sandy bottom and gentle waves.
• Ahangama: Known for more advanced breaks, including reef breaks that attract intermediate and experienced surfers.
  Additionally, other nearby spots offer a variety of wave conditions, depending on your skills and preferences.

How can I get to from Colombo to south?

There are several ways to travel from Colombo to the south:

1. Train: A scenic and affordable option that takes around 3–4 hours.
2. Bus: Local buses are budget-friendly but can be less comfortable.
3. A/C Night Bus (Expressway): He leaves from Colombo Airport at 8pm and he drops you at the exit of the highway approximately around midnight. We can book your seat and our tuktuk can pick up you to PONO Surf Camp. Contact us
4. Private Car or Taxi: The fastest and most convenient option, with a travel time of about 2.5–3 hours via the Southern Expressway.
5. Airport Transfer: We can arrange a direct transfer for you to ensure a hassle-free journey. Contact us

What activities can I do around south? 

Our map site has a special tab on the subject: SOUTH.