Solo Surfing in Sri Lanka? Here are the Best Spots!
Surfing may have gained popularity as a sport in Sri Lanka rather recently, but in that time, it has garnered significant traction within the island. Sri Lanka’s coast contains a variety of surf spots suited for beginners as well as more advanced surfers.
Here are some of the best spots to head to if you are looking to surf in Sri Lanka.
1. Arugam Bay
Sri Lanka’s east coast is known for its fabulous waves, particularly those at Arugam Bay from April to September. In fact, they’re so popular that surf competitions and festivals take place there annually. The waves here are a bit rougher and not suitable for beginners, but it’s still worth a visit for those who are eager to try the best (mainstream) surf spot Sri Lanka has to offer.
2. Weligama
If you’re a beginner, you may want to consider Weligama, which is located at the southernmost point of the island. The beach break is settled in a bay, making it ideal for hopeful surfers just starting out, and is also usually protected from the wind even when other surf points along the Southern Coast are blown out. Nearly 145km away from Colombo, Weligama is accessible via the Southern Expressway.
3. Hikkaduwa
The Hikkaduwa Reef is teeming with marine life, but that’s not all that attracts travellers to the coastal town. This is a great spot for surfers of all skill levels, but the waves at the main break could reach up to about 6-8 feet. It’s about 120km south of Colombo, making it one of the closest surf points to the cosmopolitan city. Between November to April is a good time to surf in Hikkaduwa.
4. Midigama
Midigama has a small but perfect spot for advanced surfers. Known as Rams, this spot is consistent all year round. The waves are powerful, but there’s shallow coral right below, so navigate with care. You can find both barrelling waves, as well as short swells on either end in Midigama.
5. Unawatuna
Unawatuna is popular among families as it’s relatively safe and protected. Unawatuna Bay is a great place to learn surfing, but the swell along the beach isn’t consistently great. You must exercise caution when at Kabalana, as despite the short waves at the shore being conducive for learning to surf, there are riptides at the main point which could drag you out to sea.
6. Mirissa
Mirissa is a great place for beginners, as its gentle waves make it easier for newbie surfers to learn and adapt. The 2km stretch has tons of water activities, but it’s towards the furthermost ride that you will find the surf spots. The crescent-shaped Mirissa Bay surf point accommodates both right and left handers over at the reef break and the harbour. There are two major surf seasons annually at Mirissa – August to December and November to April.
The list doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve made friends with the local surfer community, you will learn more about the hard-to-access, secret surf spots. Some of them are incredibly difficult and are not meant for novices, but there are also little picturesque nooks just waiting to be discovered. So go ahead, be curious, and explore!
