Riding the roaring waves of the ocean, leaping into the air—surfing is an exhilarating water sport. While less popular in Bangladesh, it enjoys massive global appeal. Interestingly, Cox’s Bazar is home to the country’s highest number of surfing clubs, making it an ideal destination for surfers.
Local surfers in Cox’s Bazar frequent the waves at Kolatoli and Sugandha points, where they are often joined by foreign tourists and expats who seek the thrill of surfing in Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Surfing Association has been established in Cox’s Bazar to promote this sport. The organization has even secured membership in international surfing bodies, making Cox’s Bazar a recognized surf training ground.
Foreigners now travel here specifically for surfing, contacting the association for guidance. Encouragingly, local women also take up surfing, breaking barriers, and enthusiastically diving into the sport.
Today, around 150 young and seasoned surfers continue to brave the saltwater, chasing their dreams.
Experts believe that surfing has immense potential in Cox’s Bazar and can redefine its identity as a tourism hub. This would boost employment, strengthen the local economy, and attract foreign visitors.
Cox’s Bazar Civil Society President Abu Morshed Chowdhury Khoka emphasized, “Surfing is an immensely popular sport in developed nations. Cox’s Bazar is naturally suited for it. We can introduce Cox’s Bazar to the world through surfing and bring in more international tourists.”
With the right investments and promotion, Cox’s Bazar could soon emerge as South Asia’s next big surfing hotspot.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Palash Sikder
