Dylan's Surf School

Dylan's Surf School is the lesson arm of Dylan's Surf Company, a surf shop on Arugam Bay's main street with a second branch in Weligama. The school runs in Arugam Bay only and describes itself as the only Billabong-supported surf school in Sri Lanka, with several of its instructors accredited by the International Surfing Association.

Lessons run for 1 hour 15 minutes or 2 hours 30 minutes and are taught individually or in small groups of no more than three students per instructor. Beginner lessons start at 5,000 LKR and include a soft-top board and rash guard, with discounted packages of three or more lessons, while intermediate sessions focus on paddling, wave selection and timing. Instructors choose the spot by conditions and crowds, from Baby Point in the bay to Whiskey Point, Pottuvil Point, Peanut Farm, Elephant Rock and Panama, with tuk tuk transport charged separately.

The main season runs from April to the end of October, and beginner classes continue from November to March when conditions allow. Guaranteed private lessons are available but hard to arrange in the busy months of June to September, so booking ahead is advised. There is no accommodation, but the shop sells and rents boards and gear.