Sri Lanka's latest spectator sport:

A new attraction on the beaches

The first ever Surf-boat regatta will be held at the Mt.Lavinia Beach on the 28 April commencing at 7.00 a.m. Surf Boat rowing an internationally popular sport was introduced to Sri Lanka in 2012 through the aegis of the Secretariat for Indian Ocean Marine Affairs Co-operation (IOMAC) located in Colombo since the 1980s, and pursuant to its mandate for promoting international co-operation across a wide range of activities, ranging from marine science and technology to ocean law policy and management and inter alia the development of tourism and marine recreational activities. A number of rowing clubs have participated in the familiarization programmes.

This pioneering event is organized with the support of enthusiasts, the rowing club well-wishers, sponsors and the Tourist Board in promoting the development of tourism, sport and a beach and marine recreational culture in the country. Ministry Of Defence is also playing a strong role through the participation of the Army and Navy fielding several teams for the event. Another highlight of this event will be the participation of the coastal community with over 20 fishing boat dingys racing in the 25 and 15 h.p categories.

Surf-Boat rowing originated in Australia during the early 1900's,when powered vessels such as inflatable skiffs and Jet Skis replaced surf boats as the primary tools for real world rescue efforts.

Surf-Boat rowing is a sport of growing popularity around the world. Unlike traditional rowing it is rowed over a short distance, 400m out to sea battling the waves and then returning back to the beach ending with a short sprint back to the starting point. This high intensity sport will keep spectators on edge throughout the race.

The organizers look forward to conduct Surf-boat racing events under the calendar of the newly constituted Surf Boat Association, at all the popular resort areas and beaches in Kalpitiya, Trincomalee, Arugam Bay, Negombo and Mt Lavinia, to broad-base the sport and also elevate it as a tourist attraction. Subsequently regional events will be organized, and It is hoped to progress in the near future to international events with the participation of teams and spectators from around the world.

Several teams including leading schools, Universities, Armed Services are expected to take part in the first ever Surf Boat Rowing fiesta. This will be a fun filled day for the whole day with music, food stalls and other entertainments on the beach.

Commentators for the event will be well known comperes Arun Dias Bandaranaike and Sports Commentator Chandrashan Perera.

The event will take place early in the morning at 7 am near the Surf Club.