Surfing

Water Skiing in Bentota

Those who now come to Bentota to enjoy their beach vacations have the perfect chance to engage in an exciting water sport. That’s none other than ‘water skiing’!

What’s water skiing?

Jet skiing is something you already know about. Water skiing also is played on the surface of the water where the rider is pulled behind a boat.

The experience

It’s an exciting experience. Riders get to skim the surface using one or two skis. Two skis are generally used by beginners, but the experts can manage with just one ski.

Instructing and supervising

Once you understand how the game works, water skiing will not be a big deal at all. But, if this is your first time, you’ll need some support from the experts. Let them teach the basics to you and then develop your confidence.

Other water sports

Bentota also offers perfect opportunities for jet skiing, surfing, and fun tubing. Those who want to swim all day can do it without any barriers too.

Holidaying in Bentota

Choose to spend your family holiday or that with your friends at one of the 5-star hotels in Bentota. There are many great options available for you including Cinnamon Bentota Beach.

Discover the Best of Hikkaduwa

Vacationing in Hikkaduwa is something wonderful you can try out during your tour to Sri Lanka. It’s a small coastal town located 116km south of Colombo.

Hikkaduwa beach SriLanka — DaemonX, Hikkaduwa beach LK, CC BY-SA 4.0

Swimming at Hikkaduwa Beach
Needless to say, Hikkaduwa beach is one of the safest for swimming. You may also indulge in snorkelling if you prefer, and spot huge turtles in the evening.

River safaris
For river safaris in Hikkaduwa, you have the Madhu River very close to Balapitiya. Exploring this lake system will expose you to many birds, reptiles, and also a rich network of mangroves. If you are a nature photographer, you are sure to click some of the best shots during this boat ride.

Enjoy all sorts of seafood
Any Hikkaduwa resort the likes of Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon is specialized in seafood, and that’s a fact! You are sure to find the best seafood in the world here prepared using the Sri Lankan authentic cooking styles and flavours.

Explore an ancient temple
Hikkaduwa is home to the ancient Buddhist temple Sri Pushparama Viharaya. Visit this temple during your stay to know some details about Buddhist philosophy. The monks residing here are very friendly and they’ll teach you the facts without expecting anything in return.

5 Days in Trincomalee

Trincomalee is one of the best locations to visit in Sri Lanka, renowned for its pristine beaches, natural beauty, and charming atmosphere. So, if you find yourself in this fascinating region on holiday, here’s how you should spend the next five days of your vacation.

A Day at the Beach

The beaches are by far Trincomalee’s star attraction, so why not get your tour of the region started there. Uppuveli is one of the best choices available to you in this regard, here the sands are white and pristine while the waters are nice and calm.

Go for a Dive

Most resorts Trincomalee has on offer – such as the Trinco Blu by Cinnamon – will include scuba diving in their itinerary. So, on your second day, why not take them up on this. There are a number of great diving spots to choose from in the region, all of which are home to a fascinating array of marine life.

Touring the City

On your third day, consider going inland to see all the wonderful sites that Trincomalee town has to offer. A good starting point would be the famous Koneswaram Temple – a relic from the ancient Chola period. Along the coast, you’ll also discover Fort Frederick, an ode to Sri Lanka’s colonial past.

Going Snorkelling

As day four arrives, it’s time to head back into the water. Specifically, consider a day’s snorkelling session at the reefs bordering the famed pigeon island. Well away from the hustle and bustle of the main city, this is the chance to relax and spend some alone time with yourself.

Try Some Seafood

With your time in Trincomalee slowly drawing to a close, it’s time to end things on a high note – flavourful high note that is. All along Trincomalee’s coastline, you’ll find a number of great seafood restaurants. You should definitely consider stopping by these and enjoying some signature Sri Lankan dishes.

The Best Surf Spots in Sri Lanka

If you are hoping to catch a good surf wave in Sri Lanka, then here is a list of the best beaches and surf spots in the areas to help you plan your surf trip!

Hikkaduwa

Located on the south-west coast and about 120 km from Colombo the Hikkaduwa beach is an ideal spot to ride the waves. Those staying in luxury hotels in Galle Sri Lanka such as the Heritance Ahungalla can easily reach this destination in a mere 40-45 minutes. Initially just a surf-spot, it is now a party destination too. Some good surf spots here are Bennys, Main Reef and North Jetty.

Weligama

Ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers, the Weligama beach is also a good spot to surf. The tides are not very high and there are also many hostels and motels dotting the city that can put you up with some good accommodation. A few good surf spots here would be Weligama Beach Break and Midigama that you should definitely check out.

Unawatuna

The Unawatuna Bay is yet another popular surfing destination in the south-west coast of Sri Lanka. There a few secret good swells that the locals can point you to, so its just a matter of asking them! Some of the best surf spots in Unawatuna are Delwalla Beach, Bonavista Bay and Kalabana Beach Break.

Arugambay
Known as a surfers paradise in Sri Lanka, Arugambay is by far the most famous surf spot in the island. Frequented by a lot of tourists, this beach is located on the east coast. The best time to visit this beach would be from April to Sep. Some of the best Arugambay surf spots are Elephant Rock, Baby and Main Point and Pottuvil and Whisky Point.

A Fun Day at Kurrawa Beach

Ask surfers on Australia’s Gold Coast for the best beaches for surfing, and chances are they will include Kurrawa Beach in Broadbeach. However, this idyllic stretch of shore offers more than just great waves!

A Day at the Beach

Located in Broadbeach, Kurrawa Beach with its golden sands is an ideal place to unwind and soak up the sun. Of course, one of the best things to do in Broadbeach is to go surfing on the fab swells found here; novices can head to the Gold Coast Surf Academy which provides board hire and surf lessons.

Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club

The beach is home to the well-known Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club which hosts the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. Around an 11-minute walk from Avani Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences, this club also features a popular bar and bistro where one can enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment.

Active Beach Pursuits

Those looking for more fun things to do while at the beach can head to its boardwalk; it offers an excellent spot to go rollerblading and cycling which makes for ideal family activities too. You can even enjoy a leisurely stroll here and take time to appreciate the stunning coastal vistas.

Playground & Picnics

Families visiting Kurrawa Beach in Broadbeach can also make use of the nearby playground area which has a duck pond that little ones are bound to love. Additionally, there are picnic grounds which are sheltered and provide opportunities for one to have a BBQ before heading back for more fun on the shore.

A Quick Guide to Surfing in Southern Sri Lanka

Looking to combine a holiday with some surfing adventures? Then, make plans to head to Sri Lanka’s south coast where you can enjoy sun, sand and most importantly, surf!

When to Go Surfing

While surfing on the south coast may be one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka, you do need to visit during the right season. The best period to ride the waves on the south coast if from November to April when conditions are at their most consistent. Ideally, head out before eleven in the morning or later in the evening.

Top Destinations

Beginners will find Weligama an ideal place to visit, while intermediate and experienced surfers will have plenty to look forward to in Midigama. Advanced surfers will also enjoy the waves at Hikkaduwa though it can get crowded. Checkout local travel sites such as Truly Sri Lanka for more insights on activities like surfing.

Surfing Hotspots

Surfing| Img by: Amila Tennakoon via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

The main break at Hikkaduwa has some of the biggest swells on the south coast and the size of the waves can reach between six to eight feet. Those looking for longboard waves will enjoy Lazy Left in Midigama, while Kabalana in Ahangama features big walls as well as barrels for you to conquer.

Rentals & Lessons

While it may not be practical to travel abroad with your longboard in tow, the good news is that there are places to rent them in Sr Lanka along with shortboards too. While you will also be able to find instructors at the major surfing hubs, surf schools have been set-up in certain locations as well.

Why Sri Lanka is Ideal for Adventurous Travellers

Sri Lanka is the perfect vacation location for adventure-seeking travellers. There is plenty to do and most of it does not involve putting your life in mortal danger. Here are a few of the most adventurous experiences in Sri Lanka.

Wildlife Safaris

Sri Lanka has three major wildlife reserve, famous of which is Yala which is home to the largest density of Sri Lankan leopards in the world. There are also sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles and sambhurs not to mention the very many species of birds.

That’s only on land, at sea, there are all year round sites for dolphin and whale watching.

Kody8958, Play time for young elephants, CC BY-SA 4.0

Picturesque Train Rides

The three major long-distance train lines; Colombo – Jaffna, Colombo – Kandy – Ella and The Southern Coastal Line are some of the most picturesque train rides in the world. Hang out of the open doors for the best views and some breath-taking photography.

Chandimal Pathirage from Gampaha, Sri Lanka, Udarata Manike, CC BY 2.0

The Surf Party

The South and East of the country are not only packed with pristine beaches each more magical than the next, there are some great places to surf and really take on the waves. Surf all day and party all night for these beaches come equipped with a wild nightlife.

An Adrenaline Pumping Climb

Scale the beautiful blue-tinged mountains on a hike through the wilds or climb for the history and architectural wonder as it is in the case of Sigiriya and its rock fortress or Adam’s Peak; a holy site for all four major religions in the country.

There is plenty of adventure to be had and sometimes in the case of high-flying long-distance bus rides, you don’t have to go looking for it. Plan the perfect adventure in Sri Lanka with tour operators like Tangerine Tours.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Surfing experience in the Maldives

Would you like to surf the mellow and playful waves in Maldives? Everyone who visits the island is sure to be enchanted by the majestic splendour of oceans. Know these tips before planning your surf trip.

Image by Ishan @seefromthesky seefromthesky, North Central Province, Maldives (Unsplash KgCbvOWYuU0), CC0 1.0

Right time?

In order to spend an enjoyable time of surfing in Maldives, you must ensure that the visit is made at the right time. Try your best to visit the island during the surfing season to enjoy an unforgettable experience. The surf season in Maldives starts in late February and generally lasts until November. During this time the size of the breakers averages between 4-5 feet.

The best destination?

If you’re planning to visit Maldives between April and October, consider staying at a resort in the North Male Atoll as the conditions for surfing are best in that area during this period. Always make sure whether the resort you’ve chosen provides all the necessary facilities for your surf excursion. Amongst many a surfing resort in Maldives the likes of Niyama Private Islands Maldives come as an excellent venue featuring excellent surfing spots to indulge in an unforgettable surfing experience.

Beginners!

If you wish to discover the sublime delights of surfing for the first time, you’ll find a myriad of surfing spots across the atolls that are ideal for beginners. Places such as Ninjas/ Piddlies in the Male Atolls as well as the Mulhaku Rights/ Lefts in the Central Atolls are quite safe for beginners and intermediates.

Tips to know

The heat of the sun can be brutal when you go out into the ocean so drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Most of the surf spots are often crowded, so remain calm and wait for your turn!

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Adventures in Praslin

Praslin is one most beautiful island in Seychelles that features pristine white sand beaches and crystal blue waters. Apart from indulging in its natural splendour, the island of Praslin also offers its guests a myriad of fun activities to engage in. Read on to know more about this wondrous island and the things you can do here

Aerial View from Praslin, Image by Marco Verch via Flickr (CC By 2.0)

The Island

Being the second largest island in the archipelago of Seychelles, Praslin is located 44 kilometres northeast of Mahe. The island has a lot of tempting destinations; serene and calm beach resorts, and so much more.

Snorkelling and diving

The oceans surrounding the island of Praslin is crystal clear and very clean and it is also home to a number of reefs that accommodate a diverse range of sea life which makes it ideal for snorkelling. There are also many dive spots scattered in the ocean surrounding Praslin where you can see and swim along with turtles, reef fish and even dolphins

Anse Lazio beach of Praslin is very famous among surfers and the waves here are ideal for amateur surfers who are trying to improve their surfing skills.

Exploring the wilderness

The islands of Praslin is home to a small rainforest that has small waterfalls and scenic places that a worth a visit you can also see some of the rarest birds and small animals here.

Other activities and accommodations

Game fishing, boat riding, island skipping are some of the other things you can do during your stay at this paradise island. Apart from all the adventures, this is a place to forget all your problems and to unwind and relax. You can find a number of accommodations across the island which offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere to indulge in. The Berjaya Praslin Resort, for example, is a good accommodation option and a renowned Seychelles resort.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Different Types of Surfboards and Their Use

Surfing is a popular sport throughout the world, but many would easily overlook the intricacies of the concept. This is particularly true where the variety of surfboards is concerned.

Fish

This is a peculiar kind of shortboard that is shaped to resemble the basic outline of a fish. The back-end has a V-shaped cut out that makes the board resemble the mouth of a fish. Despite the short-length, these boards can be quite wide.

Gun

These are larger versions of shortboards that are designed to tackle extreme surfing conditions. They are designed to be easy to paddle and to enable surfers to enter fast-waves quickly.

File:Jeff Rowley Big Wave Surfer Surfboard 10'2 Channel Islands Photo by Xvolution Media - Flickr - Jeff Rowley Big Wave Surfer.jpg — Jeff Rowley, Jeff Rowley Big Wave Surfer Surfboard 10’2 Channel Islands Photo by Xvolution Media – Flickr – Jeff Rowley Big Wave Surfer, CC BY 2.0

SUPs

Stand-Up Paddle-Boards are one of the latest trends and also one of the easiest to grasp since these are large stable boards where an individual can navigate easily with the use of a paddle. This concept is becoming extremely popular, and soon every Seminyak beach resort the likes of Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort should offer SUP experiences.

The Foilboard

This is definitely one of the most bizarre kinds of surfboards you will ever discover. These are designed with the same physics as hydrofoil craft, with a component that extends into the water and will lift the rider and the board above the surface of the water at high speeds.

WaterHound, Water skier rides homemade foilboard, 1995, CC BY-SA 3.0

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+