Sri Lanka’s Surf Guide
Best Surf Spots: Beginner to Intermediate
Widely known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is one of South Asia’s most biodiverse countries, making it one of Kima’s favorite choices for the dream surf adventure. Some of the best surf spots on the island are short distances from our Weligama and Hiriketiya camps, both located on the southern coastline. Depending on the time of year, each surf spot can change and have its ups and downs; our surf guides are always quick to identify which spots are the best for your skill level during your visit.
Sri Lanka’s finest surf breaks, from beginner-level to intermediate-level and advanced-level spots—get to know when to surf the break, how to surf the break, and potential dangers with Kima Surf.
Weligama
( 1-2 star level)
Just a 7-minute walk from Kima Surf camp in Weligama is one of Sri Lanka’s best-known surf spots, Weligama Beach. The Weligama surf break is ideal for beginners because of its sandy bottom and soft and consistent waves. The waves go both left and right and it’s short paddle from the beach to the peak, making it a safe place for beginners to practice their pop-up and paddling while still enjoying the ocean. Weligama is at its best from November to April which is the dry season; this gives the break clean and consistent waves and weather. The bay provides long, soft and perfect waves, great for practice, making it one of our go-to’s for Learn to Surf guests who are just starting their surf journey. Although Weligama is considered a spot for beginners, it’s still fun for all levels and at all tides, so if you’re already experienced and want a long ride, head to Weligama.
Fisherman's
(2-star level)
Fisherman’s surf break is a two-minute tuk-tuk ride from our Weligama Camp. Known for its glossy long waves and far-out peak, Fisherman’s is the spot for you if you are looking to advance your skills. This break is perfect for those who are already familiar beginners or intermediates. Fisherman’s is a faster and steeper, mostly left-handed reef break, which makes it a bit riskier for those who are just starting with surfing. Its best waves are found from November to April; at this time of the year Fisherman’s surf spot is at its most consistent state. The long ride April makes this spot perfect if you’re making room for improvement and fun.
Lazy Left
(2-4 star level)
Lazy Left is another one of the island’s long, breaking left-handers. One of Midigama’s most popular spots, especially for longboards due to its smooth and slow waves. Lazy Left is the ideal spot for intermediates and more confident beginners who are comfortable on reef breaks and want to practice their left-hand turns. The waves at Lazy Left are pretty predictable, so they are great for beginners on smaller days and intermediates on larger days, but it is not recommended for beginners just starting who are still on soft-tops. To find Lazy Left in its best form, you can’t be lazy since it’s at its best in the early mornings, so unless you like to sleep in, Lazy Left is for you.
Hiriketiya
(2–5 star level)
Hiriketiya, also known as “Hiri,” is a short 10-minute tuk-tuk drive from our Hiriketiya surf camp. This Sri Lankan gem is one of the island’s most liked left-handers and is well-known for its safe, steady and diverse waves. While the outside peak of the Hiriketiya reef break offers a faster and more powerful break perfect for advanced surfers during larger swells the inside section is great for beginner and intermediate surfers offering smooth and mellow breaking waves. Hiriketiya is the place to go if the surf isn’t good or you want to relax after a fantastic session because it’s not only a great place to catch some of Sri Lanka’s best waves, but it’s also a gorgeous beach with green surroundings.
Mirissa
(3-5 star level)
Mirissa is one of the spots that’s a quick trip from our Weligama Surf Camp. Also best during the dry season, Mirissa is at its very best in the months of December to March, providing waves that are suitable for surfers with lots of experience, although it can be surfed by beginners with experience on smaller days; it is regularly a surf spot for intermediate surfers. Mirissa is less crowded than most spots like Weligama and Hiriketiya, making it easier to catch waves. It’s hard to go wrong in Mirissa; it’s almost always pumping and ready for some fun. Besides its surf, Mirissa is one of the area’s nicest beaches with white sand and blue waters and some of the southern area’s best local food, so if you’re looking for an after-surf tan session or a swim, Mirissa is the place to be.
Rams
(4-5 star level)
One of Sri Lanka’s most popular surf spots is Rams, located in the town of Midigama. This right-hand reef break is a favorite amongst intermediate and advanced surfers because of its consistent waves, which can reach up to 6 feet on good days. Due to its shallow reef bottom, Rams is not recommended for intermediate-level surfers who aren’t experienced with such breaks. Rams offers a short but powerful ride and a shallow inside that adds thrill but also risk, so always be aware when catching waves here.
Rams is the best area to surf during the dry season, which spans from November to April, when the winds are offshore. With a number of amenities around, Rams’ area is also rather desirable.
Madiha
(4-5 star level)
Madiha is a favorite amongst surfers who are looking for a more peaceful and relaxed setting since Madiha is one of Sri Lanka’s less popular surf locations.
The two main breakers of Madiha are a more tranquil reef break on the right and a more hollow booth break on the left, which may be challenging to enter and exit. The right-hand point break is a reef break suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers with a slower, gentler speed, as opposed to the shallow, fast left-hander, which on the right day offers some good barrel portions. Aside from the surf, Madiha itself is a charming beach town with an easygoing atmosphere.
Catching the perfect waves in Sri Lanka is easy but it’s hard to find the right one for you and your level. Depending on what sort of waves you’re after, if you’re left-footed, right-footed, looking to improve or even just starting to learn, every corner in Sri Lanka has a spot for everyone; you just need to find the right one for you.
