Surfing in Sri Lanka
Everything you Should Know with Kima Surf
Sri Lanka is one of the world’s most underrated surf destinations as well as a great destination for beginner surfers, thanks to its blue, warm tropical waters, consistent year round swell and its beginner friendly waves! Sri Lanka has two main surfing towns: Weligama and Hiriketiya which both offer a welcoming surf community with many beginner friendly waves. Ready for your surf trip to Kima Surf Camps? This blog covers everything you need to know before you set off on a trip of a lifetime!
Is Sri Lanka Suitable for Beginners?
Sri Lanka is a perfect destination for people who want to learn how to surf. Sri Lanka has many beach breaks, which are surf spots with a sandy bottom. These beach breaks offer a more forgiving surf experience for beginner surfers. The sandy-bottom bays in Weligama and Hiriketiya provide soft, rolling waves that are ideal for surfers who are wanting to build confidence without the stress of powerful reef breaks. Sri Lanka also receives year round swell which means there is almost always a wave to match your level. The surf culture in Sri Lanka is friendly and our Kima Surf Camps are conveniently located in the heart of these surfer towns, meaning more waves, less stress and the perfect destination to catch some waves!
Sri Lanka’s Beginner Surf Spots
The two best beginner friendly surf spots in Sri Lanka are located in Hirikeitya and Weligama, where you will find Kima Surf Camps also!
Weligama is a long bay with gentle waves that break on a sandy bottom. This bay is perfect for beginners wanting to practice their pop up and build their confidence on long mellow waves. Kima Surf Camp Weligama is located within a short distance from Weligama Bay and we have daily surf sessions to this surf spot.
Hiriketiya is a sheltered bay with beginner friendly waves on the inside section and slightly more intermediate waves on the outside section, Kima Surf Camp Hiriketiya is located a short distance from this surf spot.
Sri Lanka even has something in store for the more advanced surfers, some nearby reef breaks include Lazy Lefts, Rams, Plantations and more, all accessible to our more seasoned surfers with the help of our experienced surf guides.
Best Time to Surf in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is special as it offers waves all year round with consistent swells from the Indian Ocean. However Sri Lanka has two different seasons which means each coast becomes more reliable at different times of the year.From October to April, the South Coast, including Weligama and Hiriketiya, receives clean, consistent swells and light offshore winds, creating ideal conditions for beginners. From May to September, the East Coast comes alive with its own powerful and reliable waves.Even during the “off-season,” both bays stay sheltered and still produce soft, rideable waves, so you can learn to surf at any time of the year. Plus, our Kima Surf Camps run two-daily guided surf sessions year-round, ensuring you’re always at the right spot for your level.
What to Pack for your Surf Trip?
Kima Surf Camps wants to help you travel light, that’s why we have almost everything you need to start your surfing journeys at our camps in Hiriketiya and Weligama. When you join our 5 Day Learn to Surf Course we provide you with a soft top surfboard, lycra, wax and leash. The water is warm all year round, so no need for a wetsuit, simply pack along your favourite surf suit, sunscreen and breezy clothing and you are good to go! Here’s a brief packing list:
- Reef-safe sunscreen.
- Bikini/board shorts.
- Flip-flops.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Light gym clothes.
- Light clothing.
- A good book.
The Benefits of Surf Lessons
Surfing is based on a good technique and that is why learning to surf with trained instructors is going to help you progress faster. If you are completely new to surfing you can join our 5 day learn to surf course which will teach you all the basics on land and in the water. You will learn how to pop up, how to turn, tips on safety, surf etiquette and more. If you are already confident in the water you can take full advantage of our two daily surf sessions which are included in your Kima Package! We also offer pool sessions, theory classes and video analysis to help you learn to read the waves, learn techniques like duck diving and more!
Ready For your First Surf Trip to Sri Lanka?
COME SURF WITH KIMA SURF CAMPS!
If you are joining our 5 Day Learn To Surf Course or taking on our two daily surf sessions, the Kima Package has you covered! Enjoy a daily three course breakfast, two daily surf sessions, daily yoga classes, video analysis, surf theory classes, pool sessions, ice bath sessions, full access to the camps facilities, including the yoga shala and functional gym, and get involved with the daily social activities to meet fellow surfers. Pack your bags, book your stay, and come ride your first waves with us at Kima Surf Camps in Weligama or Hiriketiya. Your surf adventure starts here!