Clean breaks, sick barrels and uncrowded waters? Sounds like a surfer’s paradise. This tear-drop shaped island is full of surfing opportunities, just a paddle away from the leafy jungle beaches. Whether you’re a beginner or a wave ripping pro, Sri Lanka’s south and east coasts have got the goods. Here’s why.
THE SOUTH COAST (Season: May - October)
Easily accessible from Colombo, a cruise along the south coast of Sri Lanka offers up so many surfing opportunities that you could end up stuck there for months. Sunrise lefties and catching shade followed by fresh coconuts and tongue-tingling Sri Lankan curries. Here are some of our favourite southern spots to get our surf on…
1. Midigama
Left: Point-break > all surfers Right: Reef-rocky > experienced surfers
Speak to anyone who’s just left Midigama and they’ll be buzzing about the consistency of clean breaks and opportunities to rip it up. Paddle out at Lazy Lefts and ride wave after wave after wave from dawn until dusk. And for the intermediate to experienced barrel hunters, check out Rams Right point.
2. Hikkaduwa
Reef-coral > all surfers
This is one of the main surf towns in Sri Lanka and after its post-surf nap, it likes to part-ay. If sleep, surf, rave, repeat is your ideal mantra, this spot is for you. So grab a board, join the dreadlocked locals and explore the many levels that Hikkaduwa’s coast has to offer. For the experienced, hit up Benny’s for left-handers on reef breaks; and beginners look no further than the main beach. Just be prepared to wait in line, this place gets crowded.
3. Weligama
Beach-break > beginners wave
Have that ‘OMFG I just stood up for the first time’ moment on this two-kilometre sandy stretch. Beach breaks make it perfect for beginners and there’s an abundance of legit surf camps and lessons you can sign up to.
4. Mirissa
Reef-coral > all surfers
A backpacker favourite, tropical Mirissa beach attracts both surfers and sunbathers alike. This reef break is ideal for those wanting to build confidence on a reef. Just check with the locals when the tides are out, as the reef can be shallow. And when you’re burnt out from the right-handers? Boho bars, cafés and restaurants line the beach, ready and waiting.
THE EAST COAST (Season: November - April)
Slightly different from the south coast, the surfer hang-out Arugam Bay and its surrounding beaches are a lot less crowded and developed. Yes, there is a strip of beach hut hostels, zen dens in leafy grounds and daily yoga followed by fresh juices, but amongst it, the Sri Lankan culture, traditional cuisine and friendly nature still thrives. Less beachside booze-ups more beers in hammocks, Arugam Bay is the perfect resting ground for an abundance of awesome surf points. Rent a board in town for the week and scooter, cycle or tuk-tuk it to all the best points. Here’s a few to get you started.
1. Arugam Bay
Main: Point-break > all surfers
At the right end of the main beach, past popular Mambo’s surf camp and bar, is where the point-break occurs. Easily accessible from the beach, this is a great spot to learn without too much paddling out. If you’re more experienced, head here early or later in the day so you’re not caught up in all the learner hoo-ha.
2. Peanuts Farm
Point-break > all surfers
Located six-kilometres from Arugam Bay and down a muddy dirt-road is the dearly-loved Peanut Farm beach. Uncrowded and unspoiled means more surf ops for lucky old you, whoop. Hire a tuk-tuk, pack some snacks, extra sunscreen and head there for the day. Hear the distant elephants roar, ride some waves, chill, and watch an epic Sri Lankan sunset with the crew.
3. Pottuvil Point
Beach-break > beginners
This is another awesome place to pick up a board for the first time and catch your first wave, as well as try out long-boarding and paddle boarding. The right-hand wave breaks close to the shore, so if all fails the first few times, it’s easy to get up and try again. We believe in you!
TIP: Do your research first! Surf opportunities change with the weather and season. Where to go to catch the best waves in Sri Lanka will depend on what time you travel there and the conditions on the day. If in doubt, ask a mega friendly local in one of the many surf rental shops.