Sri Lanka has a charm that few places in the world can match. It is a mystical island crisscrossed with lush rainforest, crested with tea plantations, dotted with ancient forts, and filled with enchanting tales of Hindu demons and enlightened Buddha. A mix of cultures, beliefs, and natural landscapes, you won’t be surprised.
Next, I will introduce the surf spots in Sri Lanka.
pure quality. pure fun. Bordered by two major coastlines, the east coast (mainly Arugam Bay, discussed later) and the west coast (the most famous surfing region of the two), it is generally one of the most accessible and forgiving in Asia. One of the waves. .
The two beaches operate at opposite times of the year, so there’s always something to do in each season. Also, the atmosphere here is really nice. Eat delicious dal and swim with sea turtles in the reef in the morning. good.
Sri Lanka is one of my areas of expertise as a surf travel writer. It was love at first sight when I learned of this stunning Teardrop of India in 2018. Since then, I’ve been living in Hiriketiya (the coolest surfing town in Asia if you ask me) for a full month and heading south to surf, relax and have a beer at sunset. I have traveled extensively in the West Coast region.
1. Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay takes us to the eastern side of Sri Lanka. Worlds apart from other places on this list. A country with long, undulating white-sand beaches facing due east toward Southeast Asia.
Location is certainly important as Arugam Bay offers the best surfing conditions at the exact opposite time of year to the west coast. Swells become more regular, monsoon rains abate by mid-spring, and summer sets in with offshore winds and glassy water. If you are visiting Sri Lanka between May and September, this is the best place to surf.
The point is Money Shot Wave. As the water pulsates there, it hits a salty rock promontory and begins to erupt in long, 100-meter-long lines that range from semi-hollow surfaces to barrel-shaped sections if large enough.
Arugam Bay sits in the middle of about 80 miles of fragmented coastline. Some places are famous but difficult to access, such as the super fun all-level spot at Peanut Farm. Some remain complete mysteries, hidden behind coconut trees and cow-spotted fields.
2. Weligama
Weligama is in the heart of the Southwest Surf Zone. With Mirissa to the southeast and Midigama to the north, there’s no shortage of breaks for those looking to hop on a tuk-tuk and explore the region.
But Weligama is not for exploring surfers. 100% suitable for absolute beginners and the best place to learn to surf on the whole island.
The main reason for this is the geography of the bay. At a whopping 8 miles (5 miles) in length, it winds from a coconut-covered promontory on one side to a coral reef community on the other. The opening to the sea, on the other hand, is two miles in diameter, large enough for normal waves to roll in, but then breaks and loses its strength, leaving light, foot-high waves, and plaster to caress the beach. .
If there’s one downside to Weligama, it’s looks. The town is a dilapidated city of concrete hotels along a busy coastal highway. It’s noisy, so you’ll have to walk to the water’s edge to avoid traffic jams.
3. Midigama
Moving north from Weligama, Midigama City takes over the baton. The quality of surfing is also multiplied, as every corner of this vast stretch of coastline is nearly perfect for point and reef breaks of all shapes and sizes.
Authentic Sri Lankan food is everywhere, but if you’re short on time, consider heading straight to Coconut. A fun and powerful right arm that dodges artificial breakwaters. Sea urchins are less likely to be encountered during high tide as the reefs are deeper. Additionally, the beach itself is a sight to behold. Think palm trees crouching low in the sands of daffodils and occasional shadows.
The more familiar Midigama Left and Midigama Right breaks couldn’t be more different. The latter is a fast, snappy number for a shortboard hot dog. The former is a sleepy gurgling water and for parties, he is suitable for people with a height of 8 feet or more.
Midigama currently offers some of the best surfing accommodations on the island. They range from bohemian lodges with sleek concrete suites to affordable hostel stays with in-house surf instructors.
4. Mirissa
Little Mirissa is truly a party town. Occupying a very beautiful beach east of Weligama, it stretches across a sandy beach clustered with bamboo-built bars and ginger-scented curry houses. As the evening approaches the happy hour begins and Mirissa becomes the hedonistic cocktail of beer drinkers and dancers. Get a taste of Sri Lanka’s Koh Phangan.
For those who can avoid hangovers, there is plenty of surf here. The best spot is the right reef at the northwestern end of Mirissa Beach. It is recommended to go during high tide. At low tide, it is very shallow and you will definitely hurt your toes (yours) and your nose (the board).
If it’s too crowded or too hard, you have the option of picking up a tuk-tuk and he will take you to central Weligama in 20 minutes. In fact, many do because Mirissa has a better atmosphere and nightlife than its neighbors and is much more beautiful. That is, surf on one side and stay on the other. Sorted.
5. Kabalana
Like its predecessor Hiriketiya, Kabalana is the tale of the discontinuity of two. Due to its easy mode beach breaks, many of Ahangama’s local surfing schools adopt this route in their study courses. And then comes the true star of the show.
that stone.
The Rock is a wedge of A-frame waves that draws large amounts of energy from the Indian Ocean through channels carved into the reef below. When 5-9 feet is expected, the ball turns into a world-class left-right ball with a fast drop-in straight into the throwing surface. The right course of the two trails cleanly intersects, curves, rolls along a tapered line, and ends in a loose section where you can enjoy hot dogs to your heart’s content.
Kabalana itself does not actually have a city center. Camps, lodges, curry houses, and onboard shops line the streets of Matara.
6. Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa was one of the original surf chill meccas in the southwestern zone of the island. Much closer to the airport and Colombo than any other city featured here, the city is very popular with both locals and holidaymakers. The golden sandy beach is crowded with gigantic hotels, and there are so many curry huts that even chapattis can’t be shaken off, and there is an atmosphere of overdevelopment.
If you can overcome all of them, Narigama Beach with beautiful waves spreads out in front of you. This is a great place to learn. A factory for knee-high cruisers that rarely become very powerful. Benny’s is just up the coast and is a point break with thick, choppy left waves crashing against rugged coral reefs. This is suitable for experienced riders and only really works when big waves are expected.
For me, Hikkaduwa is a perfect first stop for a surfing trip on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. There are many friendly, simple, and affordable beachfront hotels (some of which are quite luxurious), and importantly, they are on the way from Negombo’s main airport.
7. Ahangama
The super cool Ahangama is a newcomer to Sri Lanka’s surf spots. Stretching over the 4.1 miles of coastline between Midigama and Koggala, the beaches, coves, and reefs are accessible and all have surfable waves.
There are some spots that stand out in the crowd. The first is the marshmallow. A deep reef perfect for minimal riders and anyone looking to go from beach vacation to the first coral underfoot. Styx, then, is a collection of steep, wedge-like towering spiers above the flat rock, sometimes slightly mottled due to potential locality. These are just the breaks mentioned. One of the joys of Ahangama is finding a quiet spot almost anywhere. As you move between the seaside hotels and cottages that line the coast, you’re sure to find waves waiting.
Additionally, Ahangama is now the hipster hub of Sri Lanka’s surf scene. A swanky café serving sourdough avo is joined by an artisanal pizzeria and a chic cocktail bar with a breathtaking sunset show.
8. Hiriketiya
Away from the crowds of Matara and Colombo, Hiriketiya is a U-shaped bay on Sri Lanka’s southernmost coast where you can hammock or surf from dawn to dusk. Here he has two waves, both on the same beach, but on opposite sides.
The first is Hiriketiya Beach Break on the western side of the bay. It’s a plump and agile little flyer with about two or three firing points depending on its size. You can ride a little on the reef in the middle. Alternatively, you can turn left and gently surf into a row of palm trees, usually inhabited by a troop of monkeys.
The second break is for advanced and above. This is a pure point break his reef located at the eastern end of the bay, near where the water meets the open sea. Moxibustion is required to make the sucker take off, but the sucker hides on a flat rock decorated with sea urchins. This will allow you to straighten into a long, open left shoulder.
Hiriketiya was once the best-kept secret of southern Lanka. It’s become more well-known these days, but the atmosphere has remained tropical throughout. Head to a secluded surf villa off the main beach road and sleep with chirping birds of paradise and cheeky monkeys.