Last updated on November 16th, 2023 at 12:31 pm
In this post we listed our top 5 surf spots in Sri Lanka for beginners. These beaches have the best conditions for learning and practicing your surfing. On top of that, they are also great places to stay on a surf trip.
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About Beginner Surf Beaches in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka receives consistent year-round swells from the Indian Ocean. During winter, from November to April, the South West Coast offers the best surf conditions, but in summer, from May to October, it is the East side that performs best. Along the Sri Lankan Coastline, there are countless wonderful breaks to suit any type of surfer. For that reason, Sri Lanka is one of our favorite destinations for a surf trip.
In detail, these are the best surf spots in Sri Lanka for beginners:
A List of Sri Lanka’s Best Beginner Surf Spots:
1. Hikkaduwa:
Hikkaduwa is situated only 2 hours from the capital Colombo. It is a wonderful surf town that has everything a surfer would want on a surf trip. You will find here a great variety of hotels right on the beach, and the prices are truly ridiculous. On top of that, there are surf shops, surf schools, boards to rent, and crazy beach parties in the evenings.
As for the waves, Hikkaduwa offers several different surf spots. The main reef is a world-class break but can be aggressive and not recommended for beginners. However, as you head south on the beach, the waves get smaller and much more beginner-friendly. The best waves for beginners are just in front of the Ritas Hotel. Here on the beach break, the waves are soft and forgiving. For that reason, all the surf lessons take place here. After learning and practicing, if you feel like taking a bigger challenge, you can head north on the beach to deal with the steep waves over the reef.
For details about beginner surf camps in Hikkaduwa, please click here.
2. Mirissa:
Mirissa is a stunning bay in South Sri Lanka. In fact, many travelers claim it is the most beautiful beach along the coastline. It offers a pretty developed touristic scene with a big selection of hotels and restaurants. Moreover, the prices in Mirissa are higher than in the rest of the country, but it is still very cheap compared to other countries.
There are 2 main surf spots in Mirissa. First, you have the right-hand point break. It is truly a beautiful wave that can last for 1 full minute on a good day. However, it breaks over a rocky bottom with lots of sea urchins, so you do need to be careful when getting off a wave. Second, on the other side of the bay, there is a left-hand point break. This wave is fat and mellow and, therefore, best for longboards.
Both of the surf breaks in Mirissa are mellow and user-friendly. However, they require a big swell to perform well, otherwise the waves are simply too weak. But if you happen to be here on a good swell, expect some really long rides.
For details about beginner surf camps in Mirissa, please click here.
3. Weligama:
Weligama is probably the best surf spot in Sri Lanka for beginners. You will not find here powerful reef breaks or punchy barrels. In fact, it is a typical beach break with a sandy bottom and soft waves. Moreover, the waves here are always smaller than the other beaches around, but somehow, there is always something to ride on. When getting to Weligama, you will see many soft boards in the water. It is the beach where most of the surf lessons in Sri Lanka take place, and mostly, newbies and longboards are here in the lineup. After practicing your moves in Weligama, you can take a 5-minute Tuk Tuk drive to surf in Midigama, where the waves are more challenging.
For details about beginner surf camps in Midigama, please click here.
4. Arugam Bay:
Arugam Bay is definitely the surf capital of the East Coast, which receives great swells from May to October. The main point is a world-class break, with long rides over a flat reef. As a novice surfer, the main point will probably eat you alive unless the swell is tiny. However, just in front of town, there is a great beginner spot called Baby Point. Luckily, here, you can practice on soft waves over a sandy bottom. This wave will forgive you for mistakes and prepare you to deal with the strong waves of the main point once you feel ready. Moreover, within a 5-minute Tuk Tuk drive, you can find other excellent beginner surf beaches, such as Pottovil and Elephant Rock.
For details about beginner surf camps in Arugam Bay, please click here.
5. Pottovil:
The town of Pottovil is located about 5 minutes from Arugam Bay. It is an excellent place for those who want to escape from the crowds of Arugam. Moreover, you will find that the waves in Pottovil are very mellow and beginner-friendly. It is a right-hand point break, but the bottom here is sandy, and the waves simply don’t have much power. Also, if you walk north on the beach for about 5 minutes, you will find another good break behind a big rock, Whisky Point.
For details about beginner surf camps in Sri Lanka, please click here.
How to Prepare for a Beginner Surf Trip to Sri Lanka?
As a beginner surfing in Sri Lanka, you are going to face a few challenges. The waves breaking on your head, the currents, and the unstable surfboard can sometimes be hard to handle. Therefore, to make it easier on yourself, preparing your body and mind for the challenge is crucial. Here is what you can do to ensure you are in perfect shape and ready to shred:
1. Take an online surf course– You can practice great online surf exercises to work on the relevant muscles and improve your fitness. Check out Surf Strength Coach and Surfing Made Simple; both are great online surf programs that can help get you ready for your surf trip to Sri Lanka.
2. Sign up for a surf camp– Why deal with the ocean alone when you can be surrounded by people just like yourself and get advice from professional coaches? To find the best beginner surf camps in Sri Lanka, click here.
What to Bring for a Beginner Surf Trip to Sri Lanka?
Here is a complete gear list for the perfect beginner surf vacation:
1. Travel Insurance– For the best insurance by World Nomads, please click here.
2. Surfboard Bag– If you bring your own surfboard, you must have a good bag to protect it. Check out UCEDER, for example, which offers great value for money.
3. Surfboard Wax– Check out Sticky Bumps on Amazon.
4. Sunscreen– For tropical sun, use no less than EltaMD UV.
5. Surf Shorts/Surf Bikinis– Check out Hurley for new shorts and CUPSHE for surf Bikinis.
6. T-shirts and beach wear– Look for the new collection at Hurley.
7. Rash Guard– Protect your body with a good rash guard like BALEAF for men and AXESEA for women.
8. Surf Hat– To keep your head in the shade, try O&E Ocean and Earth Surf Hats.
9. Surf Booties– You will need a good pair of surf boots only if you surf over a sharp reef or in really cold water. Check out O’Neill Split Toe Booties.
10. Surfboard Leash– It is always good to have an extra leash just in case. Check out Ho Stevie Surf Leash.
11. Towel/Poncho– If you want a nice poncho, look at SUN CUBE Surf Poncho.
For more gear options and greater selections, look for our surf gear guides.
Conclusion- Final Thought
In Short, these are our 5 best surf spots in Sri Lanka for beginners. This beautiful country is definitely a surf paradise for any surfer, from beginner to expert. The warm water, consistent swells, and low prices make it such a fun place to visit. Also, the great variety of surf spots allows you to choose the wave that best suits your skill level, and therefore, you can improve here very quickly.
Before you go, don’t forget to visit our post about the best surf camps in Sri Lanka, and the one about surf resorts in Sri Lanka.
