Surfing Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, they fall in love in absentia by looking at photos on the internet. The perfect combination of ocean, sand, lush greenery fascinates at first sight. It is always warm here, the annual temperature fluctuates by several degrees. And surfing is becoming an increasingly popular sport and its fans come to the island from all over the world. Here, unlike popular Mediterranean or Red Sea resorts, there are real ocean waves, because Sri Lanka is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean.

Where and when to surf in Sri Lanka

Surfing on the island is possible throughout the year. You should know that the change in weather conditions occurs twice – with the beginning of the local "winter" and "summer". A more favorable time for surfers is winter, that is, the period from mid-October to March. At this time there is warm dry weather, the wind blows from the Northeast.

Especially attractive for surfing at this time is Hikkaduwa – a town located on the south-west coast. There are many tour desks, surf schools, equipment rental points. The height of the waves reaches 2-4 m, they can move in both directions.

The summer period is the time from the second half of March to mid-October. When the storm wind begins to blow from the south-west side of the island and its western part becomes unsuitable for surfing, athletes migrate to the East Coast. The calmest waves during this period are in the area of Arugam Bay.

Read learn more about the seasons and weather in Sri Lanka...

Tourist seasons in Sri Lanka by month, when is the best time to go

Best places in Sri Lanka to surf

The winds blowing from different directions in the summer and winter seasons guarantee year-round surfing for both beginners and high-level athletes. Surfers most often choose the beaches of Hikkaduwa, Arugam Bay, Mirissa, Weligama.

The most famous spot is Hikkaduwa resort. For surfers here are ideal conditions in the winter season. The infrastructure in the resort is well developed, it is generally one of the most youth resorts. Conventionally, it can be divided into two parts – Sandy and reef. Training begins on the sand, in the foam. On the reef, where the waves are high, surf those who have sufficient experience, as well as beginners, trained under the guidance of coaches. The board can be rented directly on the beach, an hour of rent costs 400 rupees (see currency of Sri Lanka, exchange rate), it is much more profitable to take for a longer period. If you hire an instructor, he gives a wide, stable board, which is unlikely to find in the rental. For accommodation, you can rent one of the mini-hotels with a restaurant, which are located right on the beach.

On the south coast of the island, 40 km from Hikkaduwa, is the beach Mirissa – one of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka. Its length is only about 1.5 km, but if considered together with the neighboring beaches, it turns out a fairly long line. Big waves are almost constantly, so here is one of the best places for surfing. The bottom on Merissa is Rocky, which is not good for beginners. At the end of the beach is a large rock with the name "Parrot", which offers beautiful views of the surrounding area and you can admire the sunset.

There are very few Russians on Mirissa. The atmosphere is calm and romantic. There are only two hotels, comfortable living conditions. Cozy private houses are also available for rent. Here prices are much cheaper than in Hikkaduwa. So, a full breakfast in the hotel for two will cost about$ 5-6, and on the beach in eateries is even cheaper.

5.5 km from Mirissa in the Bay is a small cozy town Weligama. The eastern part of this Bay has long been chosen by surfers. The place is attractive not only for professionals, but also for beginners who can learn the skills of riding in surf schools. Weligama is the best place for novice surfers in Sri Lanka. There is a surf school with Russian instructors. Gentle waves and sandy bottom promote learning. You can learn to turn and easily slide along the wall of the wave. The spot runs from October to March.

Surf schools in Sri Lanka

There are many surf schools in Sri Lanka, including Russian schools. There are also many private instructors who offer their surfing training services on site or through social networks for less than in schools. But be careful, and try not to give money to private traders in advance.

The most famous Russian surf school Surflanka.me located in Hikkaduwa. Training is held from November to April. The instructor simultaneously conducts classes with 3-4 beginners. In addition to practical lessons, lectures and seminars are held. One lesson costs$ 60, five lessons - $ 275, 10 - $ 395, individual lesson - $ 130. The price includes surf clothes and a board.

Another surf school was spotted by us at Dalawella beach near Unawatuna and at the resortKoggala.

There is also a Russian-language SurfDiscovery school on Veligam. A trial session for those who want to see if they can master surfing costs$50. The price of four classes is $ 180. The price includes rental of a board with a soft coating. Accommodation is possible at the Jagabey hotel, located in the rainforest. A room for two, including breakfast, costs $ 45-55 per day, a bungalow on the beach can be rented for$60-90.

Every year in the first half of July, surfing competitions are held on Arugam Bay Beach.