Arugam Bay is South Asia's premier surfing destination — and Pappy's is at its heart. Expert coaching, premium gear, and TukTuk rides to perfect waves.
Never surfed before? No worries. Our patient instructors will have you standing on the board and riding waves in your very first session. You don’t need to be perfect to surf — just brave enough to paddle out.
Already standing? Time to refine your turns, improve your pop-up, and tackle bigger waves at Elephant Rock, Pottuvil Point, and Peanut Farm point.
Level-up coaching at versatile Arugam Bay breaks — we match the day’s swell to Elephant Rock, Pottuvil Point, or Peanut Farm point so you can refine turns and confidence in the right lineup.
Powerful, punchy waves that challenge even experienced surfers. The iconic break of Arugam Bay.
A versatile spot with different breaks depending on the tide — suitable for both beginners and intermediates.
Mellow, forgiving waves — perfect for first-timers to build confidence and practice their pop-up without pressure.
Top-quality boards matched to your skill level — foam longboards for beginners, performance boards for intermediates.
UV-protection rash guards provided to every student so you can stay in the water comfortably all session.
We pick you up and drop you off at the best surf spot for your level. No navigation stress, just show up.
Complimentary water bottles provided to every student, every day. Stay hydrated in the Sri Lankan heat.
A complimentary banana to fuel your session — light enough not to slow you down, energizing enough to power through.
Personalized coaching from Mr. Pappy, a senior instructor with years of experience teaching all skill levels in Arugam Bay.
We run multiple sessions daily — catch the glassy morning swell or end your day with a golden-hour sunset session.
A banana is perfect — heavy meals before surfing cause fatigue and discomfort. Keep it simple and save the feast for after your session.
Alcohol dehydrates you and slows your reflexes. A good night of sleep is your single best preparation for a successful surf lesson.
Sri Lanka's equatorial sun is intense. Apply SPF before you leave and bring a dry towel — we'll handle everything else.
Board shorts or a swimsuit that fits snugly. We provide the rash guard, so just wear something you're happy to get salty in.
Mr. Pappy has been coaching surfers of all levels in Arugam Bay for years, creating a laid-back, friendly atmosphere that makes guests feel instantly at ease. His calm, supportive approach has earned glowing reviews from beginners and experienced surfers alike—many say their time in the water with him was the highlight of their Sri Lanka trip.
Fluent in English and deeply connected to the ocean, he reads the waves with precision and adapts every session to your comfort and pace. Whether it's your first time standing on a board or you're refining your technique, you'll feel guided, safe, and confident throughout.
And it doesn't stop at the waves—Mr. Pappy brings the full surf lifestyle experience. From relaxed beach vibes to easygoing evening hangouts, you'll feel part of a welcoming surf community where good energy flows from sunrise sessions to chilled night moments.
"First time doing surf for me! And the experience was really nice — I had a great teacher with Rass. Really cool and professional. I recommend Pappy's for anyone who wants to spend great time in the waves."
"Pappy's is the GO TO place when it comes to surf schools in Arugam Bay. They make surfing so much fun with their friendly personality. We were even invited for dinner after surfing. 10/10 Stars!"
"Rass was the most patient man ever. He gave great instructions on how to improve with each wave. So much better than my previous school. I'd 100% recommend anyone to take a lesson with Rass!"
"We had a really great surf at Elephant Rock — both of us were able to ride many waves. Easy to understand techniques will help you get surfing faster. If you need help, book with Pappy's. 10/10."
"Can only recommend Pappy's surf school! Rass was very helpful, explained a lot, and helped me make real progress. 5 Stars — no hesitation."
"I really enjoyed my time at the surfing lessons with Rass. He was patient and professional. I felt the progress day by day, and my progress mattered to him too. Thanks a lot!"
Pick your level, choose a session, and we'll take care of everything else — boards, gear, and a TukTuk to the break.
Or message us directly: +94 752 654 456