Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 09:39 am
If you are looking for a surf camp in Sri Lanka you came to the right place. In this post we listed our top picks for a surf camp in Sri Lanka, where you can have the perfect surf vacation, and improve your surfing skills.
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About Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a fantastic country for both traveling and surfing. It offers warm water, long waves, and a fascinating culture. Moreover, the prices here are ridiculously low, so you can have an incredible surf vacation with a significantly smaller budget than in other surf destinations.
When choosing a surf camp in Sri Lanka, several key factors must be considered. The type of accommodation, transportation, location, and price are obviously important, but not as much as the level of the surf instructors and their coaching tools. Moreover, your current surf level and the kind of people you will meet are also things to consider to make the best out of the experience.
So let’s get right to it, in detail; these are the most recommended surf camps in Sri Lanka:
A List of the Best Surf Camps in Sri Lanka:
Kima Surf Camp, Weligama
Kima Surf offers a unique and relaxing atmosphere and, more importantly, a professional coaching program. For that reason, it is considered one of the best surf camps in Sri Lanka.
The accommodations meet all Western criteria and feature hot water and A/C. The waves are just in front of the camp, perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers. However, if you are an advanced surfer, there are more challenging waves within a short tuk-tuk drive to Midigama.
Kima Surf Camp offers 7-day coaching programs depending on your surf level:
FOR BEGINNERS- The camp is located in the perfect position for beginner surfers. Right outside the camp doors, the soft waves are ideal for riding your first green wave and learning the basic surf skills.
FOR INTERMEDIATES- For intermediate surfers, Sri Lanka has a whole series of beach breaks and reef breaks. There are many perfect waves nearby that will push your skills and hopefully make you an advanced surfer by the end of your stay.
FOR ADVANCED SURFERS- advanced surfers also get great value during a Sri Lanka surf camp. You will meet other capable surfers, and the experienced guides will give you tips on improving your turns and maneuvers.
For more details about surf camps in Weligama please click here.
Solid Surf House, Weligama
Solid Surf House is situated in the lush green area of Weligama, in one of the most beautiful surf beaches in the country – Jungle Beach. In addition, it offers a great surf program for surfers of all kinds.
All the Instructors here are ISA Licensed and have life-saving certificates as well. The surf lessons are suitable for all levels, from absolute beginner all the way to advanced.
All surf sessions maintain a student-teacher ratio of 1: 4/5, depending on the group set up for that day, so personal attention is guaranteed.
The daily Surf Lessons are 2 hours long and include both theory and practice. Moreover, you will get a full theory and video analysis with a surf movie. As for equipment, you will use soft surfboards to ensure your safety and surrounding surfers. Solid Surf House also has other camps in different locations in the world.
For more details about surf camps in Weligama please click here.
The Surfer, Weligama
The Surfer Camp is situated right next to the best surfing beach in Weligama, and it is suitable for surfers of all standards. The camp aims to get you up and ripping as fast as possible, following best surf practices and techniques. If you have in mind the perfect surf and yoga camp experience in Sri Lanka, The Surfer is a great choice. You have found a premium Sri Lanka surf and yoga camp run by surfers and for surfers.
The Surfer provides a variety of surf packages for all skill levels. All Surf lessons are done by ISA-certified surf instructors, and the yoga lessons are by certified professional yoga instructors.
The stunning rooftop is the heart of the camp, where you will meet people from different countries.
For more details about Weligama surf camps please click here.
Layback surf Camp, Weligama
Layback is a boutique surf & yoga camp situated in Weligama Bay. Surfing is part of the daily routine here, with the beach only a few minutes away.
Layback Surf Camp Sri Lanka operates since 2017, intending to create a friendly, laid-back, and creative space for like-minded travelers, yoga fans, and surfers. It provides beginner and advanced surfers with surf lessons and surf camp packages. All the instructors are qualified and have tons of experience in the water. In addition, the camp has a yoga deck and offers daily yoga classes for all levels.
For more details about surf camps in Weligama Sri Lanka please click here.
Ticket to Ride Surf House, Ahangama
Ticket to Ride is another wonderful surf camp in south Sri Lanka. It offers progressive surf coaching conducted by a team of professional instructors led by former WCT surfer Nikita Rob.
You can choose the right program for yourself depending on your schedule and specific needs. The general package includes the following:
5 days of theoretic lessons and guided surf sessions.
Surf theory and video analysis sessions.
Maximum ratio of 5:1 student to instructor.
All surfing equipment.
Surf-specific yoga classes.
Pre-surf coffee/bananas and post-surf breakfast.
All transport required during surf lessons and sessions.
For more details about surf camps in Ahangama please click here.
Dreamsea
Dreamsea Surf Camp is also situated in Ahangama. This area in south Sri Lanka is rich with many surf breaks and consistent swells between November and April.
The main surf package provides 12 hours of surfing lessons, divided into sessions of 2 hours for 6 days a week. It is made in small groups and separated into 3 different skill levels:
Beginner– This package will introduce you to the surf basics in an easy and friendly way while catching as many waves as possible during your surfing lessons.
Intermediate– with this package, you can expect to develop your skills and catch as many waves as possible by yourself from the inside lineup. Here, the main focus is on understanding and reading waves properly, catching green waves, riding the face of the wave, and boosting your surfing in amazing, uncrowded waves.
Advanced– Improve your surf techniques with the advanced package and take your surfing skills to the next level while receiving individual feedback and coaching from experienced, well-qualified surf instructors.
For more details about Ahangama surf camps please click here.
The Nuga House, Kabalana
The Nuga House is a boutique hotel right in the heart of Kabalana Beach. This is, without a doubt, one of the best surf spots in Sri Lanka. This beach has several great breaks to both the right and left sides. The reef break is where the steep and challenging waves are, but there is also a beach break for beginners.
Nuga Camp offers three levels of surf programs:
Level 1 – for beginners- learning the balance, paddling, and the basics of surfing, and understanding the ocean currents and conditions.
Level 2 – for Intermediates- depending on your current surf level, the coaching will focus on what is needed to improve your performance.
Level 3 – for experienced surfers- in this program, The Nuga House will analyze your movement and flow on the wave and improve your maneuvers and radical turns.
For more details about surf camps in Kabalana please click here.
Surf & Yoga Mirissa
This surf camp is situated in Mirissa Bay, on the very south coast of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by a jungle of palm trees, this area hosts some of the best surf spots in the country. The camp offers yoga lessons, activities, and, of course, professional surf packages.
All surf programs include plenty of time in the water, video analysis, personal feedback, and surf theory. Each surfing session is progressive and goal-oriented for each of the participants. At the end of the surf session, your coach will discuss how you progressed in learning that new skill taught on the beach.
The camp keeps a maximum 5:1 student-instructor ratio at all times to ensure personal attention. This will also mean that you will never have to wait for others to keep up or feel left behind looking at the other surfers.
For more details about surf camps in Mirissa please click here.
The Salty Pelican, Hiriketiya
The Salty Pelican offers a great surf camp in Sri Lanka as well as in other locations worldwide. Here, you will find a perfect balance between surfing and yoga practice. Depending on your schedule and desires, you can choose your favorite package, as there are a few different ones, which include the following:
Food & beverage.
Unlimited yoga classes and meditations.
Daly surf lesson.
Transportation for surf sessions.
Unlimited premium surfboard us.
Yoga mats and all relevant equipment.
Free time to explore National Parks.
For more details about surf camps in Heriketiya please click here.
Elsewhere Surf Camp
At Elsewhere Surf Camp&Yoga it’s all about surfing, yoga, adventures, parties, and meeting great people from all around the world. The camp offers several packages, which include the following:
Customized surf lessons with professional instructors focusing on theory and practical application.
Boards and equipment for all your stay.
Transfers from the camp to beginner or intermediate surf beach.
Video analysis session to improve your technique.
Photo & video packages are available per demand.
For more details about surf camps in Sri Lanka please click here.
Soul & Surf
Since 2015, Soul & Surf has been a leading surf camp in Sri Lanka. Whether it is your first time surfing or that you are an experienced surfer looking for new challenges, Soul & Surf has the right program for you. The approach of this camp is to focus on the mental and spiritual aspects of surfing rather than only on the mechanics. As for the different packages, you can choose the one that fits you, including accommodations, food, surf lessons, yoga sessions, video analysis, and more.
For more details about Sri Lanka surf camps please click here.
Safa Surf Camp, Arugam Bay
Unlike most of the surf camps in Sri Lanka, this one is situated on the East Coast, in the town of Arugam Bay. If you come between May and October, this is where you want to be to score the best weather and wave conditions.
Safa Surf Camp offers different packages for all levels, which includes the following:
Beachside cabana with private bathroom.
Daily breakfast.
All surfing equipment, including a Safa rash vest.
Free surf photos and videos.
Yoga classes.
Use of all chill-out areas and Wi-Fi.
Free of charge pool table
For more details about surf camps in Arugam Bay please click here.
Surf & Yoga Arugam Bay
Also located in Arugam Bay, this camp offers a great combination of surfing and yoga. It aims to have the highest regional standard for your benefit. Therefore, all the coaching courses are designed to ensure you get the most out of your surfing during your stay. The program is suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and is done by certified surf coaches. Depending on your level, you will get personal teaching in a small group and use top-quality equipment. The program also includes video analysis & feedback and surf theory classes.
For more details about surf camps in Arugam Bay please click here.
Paddyway Surf, Arugam Bay
Paddyway Surf Camp offers comprehensive surf coaching for anyone who wishes to become a better surfer. The camp welcomes surfers of all levels, from beginners who want to learn for the first time to self-taught surfers who have hit a plateau and intermediate surfers who want to improve their skills. Group surf lessons are scheduled so that you learn with other surfers at a similar level to yours. The lessons are conducted in a fun atmosphere, encouraging students to help each other improve. Stay in this newly built property and enjoy luxury accommodation. Vinyasa and Yin Yoga classes are also available in the yoga shala and sunset yoga on the rooftop.
For more information about surf camps in Arugam Bay please click here.
Star Rest Beach Hotel, Arugam Bay
In this yoga&surf camp, you will be staying at Star Rest Beach Hotel, where you can feel free to utilize the amenities and facilities provided by the hotel, such as their laptop rental, board rental, car rental, free parking for hotel guests, laundry services, and tour assistance. The professional surf coaches in this camp will be there to guide you through two hours of surf lessons per day. You can rent a surfboard and all the surf equipment provided at the camp. Depending on the wave conditions, you can also enjoy daily drives to local surf spots. Lastly, enjoy a complimentary massage for your sore muscles after a long day of surf lessons and catching waves.
For more information about surf camps in Arugam Bay please click here.
Why Do People Prefer Surf Camps in Sri Lanka?
Going on a surf trip on some sunny beach in the Indian Ocean is one of the best things a surfer can do for himself. There is no greater joy than leaving everyday life and dedicating a week or two to something you love. However, planning a surf trip can be quite a hassle, especially when you lack local knowledge. Tasks like booking hotels, finding restaurants, and knowing which surf spots to go to can be pretty exhausting.
This is precisely where a surf camp kicks in. By booking a surf camp in Sri Lanka, you basically take the annoying part out of the equation and focus only on the fun part. While the camp will take care of transportation, accommodation, meals, equipment, and surf lessons, you can simply enjoy your vacation time. In addition, surf camps in Sri Lanka are a great way to meet new surfers from all over the world.
What is the Cost of a Surf Camp in Sri Lanka?
When booking a surf camp in Sri Lanka, the cost should play a significant role in your decision. Luckily, you will find a great variety of camps and packages to suit any budget here. In fact, most of the surf camps in Sri Lanka offer great value for your money. Factors like the quality of the accommodation, number of days, number of surf lessons per day, seasonality, and additional services determine the cost of a surf camp. Therefore, depending on your budget, you can customize the package that suits you best. In most cases, booking a surf camp in Sri Lanka will actually cost you less than it would be if you booked all services on your own. As for the numbers, a one-week package in a surf camp in Sri Lanka should cost somewhere between $250 to $900.
Are Surf Camps in Sri Lanka Suitable for Beginners?
Sri Lanka offers a great variety of beaches that receive different types of swells to suit any skill level. For instance, the waves in spots like Midigama and Madiha can be extremely powerful, but just next to it, in Weligama, you will find small waves and an excellent environment for surfing lessons. Therefore, surfers of all skill levels can attend a surf camp in Sri Lanka. Moreover, the instructors in all the surf camps in Sri Lanka know exactly where to take their students in order to keep them safe and help them practice in waves that are suitable for their skills.
What Time of the Year is Best for a Surf Camp in Sri Lanka?
There are two surf seasons in Sri Lanka:
Between November and April, the West Coast of Sri Lanka gets the best waves and weather. Therefore, the best places for a surf camp during these months are Weligama, Midigama, and Hikkaduwa.
In contrast, the East Coast gets the best waves and weather between May and October, and then Arugam Bay is the place to be.
So, any time is a good time to visit and surf in Sri Lanka. Just be aware of the different seasons and choose your location accordingly.
Which Location in Sri Lanka is Best for a Surf Camp?
Although there are many good surf beaches in Sri Lanka, these are the most recommended ones for a surf camp:
1. Weligama- This is the best location for beginners due to the soft waves and the sandy bottom.
2. Arugam Bay- If you go between May and October, this is the only good location for a surf camp on the East Coast.
3. Hikkaduwa- This beach offers a great reef break for advanced surfers and, next to it, a beginner spot over a sandy bottom.
4. Midigama- Staying in Midigama will give you easy access to some of the best breaks on the West Coast, such as Plantation, Lazy Left, and Kabalana.
Essential Things You Should Check Before Choosing a Surf Camp in Sri Lanka
Before choosing a surf camp in Sri Lanka, it is crucial to understand exactly what the camp provides, so don’t forget to check the following:
1. What is the student-to-instructor ratio during the surf lessons? The smaller the group is, the more personal guidance you will get from the instructor. Therefore, look for a ratio of 5 to 1 or less.
2. Are surfboard rentals provided by the camp, or must you bring your own surfboard? Also, can you use the camp’s equipment for practice on your own?
3. Are airport transfers included, or should you get there on your own? What about transfers to different surf spots during the camp?
4. Is the package all-inclusive, or should you pay for meals? If it is an all-inclusive, which meals are included and which are not?
5. How many surf lessons are included in the package each day? Is there a precise schedule?
6. What type of accommodations will you be staying at? Is it a private room or a dorm? How many people will you be sharing the room with?
7. Does the coaching program suit your skill level? Is there a separation between beginners and advanced surfers during the sessions?
8. Which qualifications do the surf instructors have? Are they certified? Remember, your safety is above everything.
9. Which coaching tools will be used during the camp? Is there a theoretical part? Video analysis? Enough practice time?
10. Are there any add-ons or additional services you should know about, or does the initial price cover everything?
How to Book a Surf Camp in Sri Lanka
Once you choose your preferred surf camp in Sri Lanka, booking it is pretty easy, as everything is available online. The main question, though, should be what type of surf camp are you looking for, and these are the two main options:
1. If you are a beginner or an intermediate surfer looking for a coaching program, the best website to book your surf camp is www.booksurfcamps.com. This is where you can get the most reliable information about the surf instructors, weekly schedule, and general guidance.
2. If you are an experienced surfer and you only need a place to stay close to the waves, you can simply book your stay on www.booking.com.
Both websites are trusted and user-friendly, so you can feel comfortable using them for booking your surf camp in Sri Lanka.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, these are the top surf camps in Sri Lanka. In reality, it doesn’t matter which one you choose, as they are all good and offer pretty much the same. What’s most important is your attitude. If you come open-minded to learn, practice, and make the best of it, you can improve your surfing drastically, meet great people, and have lots of fun.
Before you go, you might want to visit our post about the best beginner surf beaches in Sri Lanka, and the one about surf resorts in Sri Lanka.
