Safa Surf Camp
Safa Surf Camp
4.5
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
SAFA Surf Camp is a locally owned and run surf business, Arugam Bay. Here, at SAFA (Surfing Access For All), we want you to truly experience the real and traditional Sri Lanka with all its simple beauty. We also want you to learn how to surf in a unique opportunity with the locals who will never fail at putting a grin on your face. We also support our community by employing and training local fishermen in surf as their knowledge of the ocean, currents and tides is immense. Arugam Bay is a perfect spot for beginners to learn how to surf or improve their surfing skills. SAFA Surf Camp and Surf School is opened from 2nd week of March to end of January every year. Come and have the best surfing experience in Arugam Bay with complimentary yoga classes in the best chill & relax spot. We also provide surf Lessons, surf board rental and surf gears for those who rather a one-time session instead of a full stay.
Pottuvil, Sri Lanka

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
156 reviews
Excellent
137
Very good
2
Average
3
Poor
4
Terrible
10

Ozdawgg
12 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Epic surf camp! The camp is located just off the main road and on the beach. Was super handy being able to walk to all the cafes & restaurants in between surfing or chill on the beach.

The surf camp starts real early but it’s necessary coz we were in the water way before the other surf camps arrived. It was amazing paddling out as the sun was rising with elephants on our morning commute.

The team were clearly part of the surfing community in Arugam Bay, they had a mates everywhere, which was nice knowing ya not getting ripped off all the time.

They organised our safaris / activities (if we wanted them). They also organised transport from Colombo to Arugam Bay, which was flexible (we asked to be leave Colombo at 0500 to make the arvo surf session)

The vibe at the camp is really laid back (never pressured to utilise their services unless we wanted too), the video sessions were handy & the feedback was helpful to see where you could improve. The yoga was spot on and a nice to complement the 2 surfs a day.

We went out with all the gang one night it was absolute chaos!

They also offered a camping trip if enough people were keen and apparently it was a hoot.

The only recommendation I’d say is bring your own board if your an intermediate surfer. They have boards there ,however, there isn’t the largest selection. There are boards in town if you wanna hire them but there isn’t heaps on offer.

Thanks a mill Fawas & Nista!
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Arabella H
4 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
The spots we were taken to are stunning, seeing wild elephants on your way to and from the gorgeous breaks. The staff made an extra effort to beat the intense crowds by getting us therr early or staying late, but there's not much you can do when it's very busy. Great to have video analysis and lots of tips in the water. Despite the crowds, we took lots of waves. Fawas is an expert who really knows this area well and how to manage any challenges. Met some great people at the camp. Good vibes, good location, good food. Thank you!
Written 31 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Keny B
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Couples
I just stayed with my boyfriend for 2 weeks at safa surfcamp in Arugam Bay. We had the best time with Favas and his team either in the water or at gatherings in the camp. The camp is situated just in front of the beach which allows you a swim into the sea at anytine you wish.
I learnt more about surfing as expected and improved my surfing skills a lot. I appreciated the way they taught us with their friendly and open nature. We felt absolutely welcome and will for sure come back as soon as possible.
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

pandre2
6 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
I went to Safa Surf Camp in May 2022 for one week, and had such an amazing time !! The week was very intense, we had 2 surf classes and 1 yoga class per day, but this is how we improved a lot and managed to have great surf sensations. I went with a friend, both of us were beginners. The lessons given by Fawas were very clear and helpful, we really liked the organization and the theoretical classes between surf practice. The 2 other teachers, Kutty and Rasheed, were very friendly and had great surf advices as well. Always helpful and there for us. And the atmosphere at the camp was so nice, we cooked Sri Lankan dishes all together.
I can’t recommend enough this camp, and I will definitely go back !
Written 9 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Niko S
3 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
Amazing surf camp right on the beach. We had a great time. Super friendly and helpful stuff. Loved to surf at the peanut farm.
Written 8 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stefanie
Vienna, Austria11 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
We have booked individual surf lessons with SAFA Surf Camp, as we stayed in a different hotel. We can highly recommend surf lessons with SAFA. Our surf instructor was Kutty from Arugam Bay. He is a highly professional and experienced instructor. Being a surf beginner, I felt quite nervous about surfing in the beginning. Kutty’s trust management skills, however, made me feel very safe throughout the lessons. I can therefore only recommend to do surf lessons with him, whether you‘re a beginner or already advanced.
Also, SAFA surf camp offers accommodation with nice common areas, where you can also do Yoga. Fawas, the owner of SAFA was also very welcoming and friendly at all times. We want to thank the whole team at SAFA for making our stay at Arugam Bay so worthwhile. We will come again!
Written 14 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Neranjan Jayaruwan
Ratnapura, Sri Lanka1 contribution
Dec 2019
It is a very nice place to enjoy.. really appreciate their services. Their instructors are very friendly and helpful. I really recommend this. I was with some of my friends, but I feel like it also a great place to come and enjoy as a family or a loving couple.
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you
Written 11 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sachin D
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Friends
We visited Arugambay several times and each time we stayed at safa surf camp. They are very nice people and professionals in surfing. If anyone wishes to visit Sri Lanka for adventure safe surf is the ideal place for it.
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jaliya R
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Friends
Great place to relax and surfing. The food and all the other facilities are excellent.Spending time on this place is sure to be a delight.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pawara S
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Solo
Nice Place. 👌 I really Enjoyed My vacation. Its safe and Beautiful. sri lanka is an awsome country. 😊
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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SAFA SURF CAMP: Tickets, Tours & Things to Know (with Photos)