Experiences
Surfing in Sri Lanka
Surfing in Sri Lanka
The tiny island of Sri Lanka is packed with a whole lot of things – from stunning landscapes to experiences – the whole shebang. There are breathtaking landscapes: lagoons, cloud forests, mountain ranges, waterfalls. And the wildlife? Sri Lanka is home to endemic and unique creatures you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, there’s history, culture and traditions. Oh, and did we mention that the country is also a surfer’s paradise?
This island is an up-and-coming star in the surfing world, and for good reason. Whether you’re just catching your first wave or are a pro, Sri Lanka has it all. The unique location of the country means that waves are always on offer, and you can surf all year round. And the vibe? Chilled and all about good times and good waves.
So, what are the best surf spots in Sri Lanka? Here are some of the best:
Arugam Bay
When you think about surfing in Sri Lanka, you think Arugam Bay, period. Considered to be the crown jewel of the East Coast, Arugam Bay is the place to be as summer rolls out. And the waves? There’s something for everyone, from fast barrels at Elephant Rock for the pros and gentle sand-bottomed breaks at Baby Point for the newbies. Peanut Farm to the south is also perfect for beginners. If you’re feeling brave, head to Okanda for some epic point breaks.
The best time to visit Arugam Bay is between May and September, when the region comes alive with southeast/southwest swells, creating some epic point breaks. So, while the other spots get drenched in monsoon rains, A-Bay is blessed with groundswells.
Ahangama
Ahangama is not just about one surf spot, it’s about 10. There are also more reef breaks that will make your heart sing, out of which ‘Sticks’ and ‘Marshmallow’ are favourites among the surf crowd.
Kabalana Beach in Ahamgama is a break that really put Ahangama on the map. There’s “The Rock,” a steep A-frame that’s hollow and also a sand-bottomed beach break for beginners. And if you keep heading south from Kabalana, you’ll stumble upon more surf breaks than you can count. Whether you are a newbie or a pro, you’ll find the perfect surf spot. Oh, and Ahangama is packed with some of the best surf camps in the country.
Hiriketiya
Once a secret little beach town, Hiriketiya is no longer a secret. From fancy hotels popping up and larger crowds visiting the beach, so much has changed over the past few years. Nevertheless, Hiri is fantastic for learning to surf with beginner-friendly beach breaks and surf schools. There are two distinct breaks here:
Hiriketiya Beach Break
Mellow, gentle waves suitable for beginners to practice.
Left-Hand Reef Break
Fast and thrilling rides over a shallow reef. This one’s for intermediate and professional surfers.
Weligama
While Weligama is not as popular as other coastal cities like Hiri or A-Bay, it doesn’t really matter because it’s got epic surf for beginners. With a huge horse-shoe-shaped bay stretching for almost 4.5 miles and gentle beach breaks as far as the eye can see, it’s basically a playground for beginners. If you’re catching your first waves in Sri Lanka, this is the place to be.
The centre of Weligama is where the magic actually happens. Nestled on a little peninsula with the Polwatta River behind it, the waves here are perfect for newbies with primary and secondary swell. If you want to get surf lessons, there are plenty of surf schools in Weligama.
Midigama
With coconut palms leaving over crystal-clear coves, Midigama looks like a scene from a postcard. When those December offshore winds kick in, Midigama transforms into a playground. This place is all about those left and right breaks. The star of the show is Ram’s – a rare expert break over unforgiving coral gardens and it’s not for the faint of heart. But hold up because there’s more to Midigama. A few spots you should definitely try out include:
Coconuts
A deep water reef break with both left and right breaks. The paddle out is a bit tricky, but once you’re in it’s all about fun shoulders for cutting back and turning.
Lazy Left
A long, peeling goofy wave – a dream for longboarders.
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is one of the most happening surf towns in the south, and it’s easy to see why. In addition to having breaks for everyone (from newbies to pros), it also has a reputation as a party town!
If you are a pro, then Benny’s is the wave to catch. It handles swells up to 10 feet, gets hollow on good days and offers open faces for carving epic turns. However, if you are a beginner, Narigama Beach, with gentle waves perfect for learning is your spot.
If you are looking for a surf school, the main beach is where they hang out.
Mirissa
For ages, Mirissa has been a party hotspot with beachfront bars buzzing day and night. In addition to that, Mirissa also has some seriously good waves! November to March is when the waves really come alive. So, if you are looking for a mix of surf, fun and stunning sunsets, Mirissa is your place to be.
In Sri Lanka, surf’s up all year round, how exciting is that? From November to April, the southwest coast is the place to be with sunny days, offshore winds and waves! From May to October, the best part of the country to surf is the east coast. So, choose your season, choose your coast, grab your board and get ready to ride some epic waves in Sri Lanka.