Surf Spots on Hiriketiya
Surf Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka's Best Waves
Surfing in Sri Lanka With Kima Surf Camps
A popular destination for surfers is Sri Lanka’s Hiriketiya Bay, also known as “Hiri,” which is tucked away along Sri Lanka’s south coast. Hiriketiya’s palm-fringed bay, consistent surf and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal place for beginner and intermediate surfers. But for more advanced surfers there are also waves along this coastline that pack a punch! Let’s break down the best waves in and around Hiriketiya.
Our Kima Surf Camp in Hiriketiya is a eco-friendly surf and yoga resort that is ideally situated close to some of Sri Lanka’s top surfing locations. You’ll be right in the middle of the action, just a short ride from Hiriketiya Bay, A-Frames, Corners and Easy Rights. With two guided sessions per day, theory classes and video analysis from our experienced surf guides you will improve in no time and we will take you to waves that are appropriate for your skill level.
HAZARDS TO BE AWARE OF:
CROWDS
Hiriketiya is a horseshoe shaped bay where most surfing takes place within the bay and on the main point. Expect some crowds during the peak season, especially with surf schools in the line up as the bay’s right-hander is a favourite among longboarders and beginners. Paddling farther out or going to locations like A-Frames, Corners or Easy Rights will give you access to more advanced waves with less crowded line ups. Our knowledgeable guides at Kima Surf Camp Sri Lanka will always help you locate the ideal surf spot for your skill level and try steer clear of the busiest areas.
ENTRY
It’s easy to get into the lineup at Hiriketiya Beach; you can simply paddle out from the sandy inside area through the channel to reach the line up. Particularly during mid- to high tide it is both safe and easy for beginners. Paddling from the same bay is common for A-Frames, Corners, and Easy Rights however timing is necessary at some locations to avoid strong currents. Our surf guides make getting in and out stress-free and guarantee that you’re at the right place.
TIDE
Hiriketiya is one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent surfing locations, it works best between mid- to high tide for smooth, peeling waves. Beginners will love the gentle waves at high tide. Clean walls and fun areas for intermediates are available during mid-tide. At places like Corners, low tide reveals shallow areas close to the rocks which makes the waves quicker and more technical, making them perfect for advanced surfers. But generally speaking Sri Lanka’s surf spots work on all tides but you will find ideal conditions on mid to high tide.
SAFETY
Be careful when paddling out and don’t jump off of your board in shallow sections because the main Hiriketiya point has a reef bottom beneath the take-off zone. Beginners will find the inside area safer and softer, but always pay attention to the lineup and avoid more experienced surfers on the point. Dismounting feet-first is crucial at low tide because the reef becomes closer to the surface. You can get all the local advice on how to have fun and be safe by using Kima Surf guides.
WHAT IS THE BEACH LIKE?
With its iconic horseshoe-shaped bay, palm trees and blue sea Hiriketiya is one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic surfing locations. With hip beach cafés and juice bars right next to the coast, the bay offers a bustling yet laid-back vibe and the soft sandy coastline is ideal for unwinding in between surf sessions. Hiriketiya provides the perfect tropical getaway.
Surf Spots
HIRIKETIYA BAY SURF BREAK
One of Sri Lanka’s most famous surfing locations is Hiriketiya Bay which is a gorgeous horseshoe-shaped bay with fun, consistent waves. The primary break is a gentle right-hander that is effective nearly all year long, with the ideal conditions during the dry season, which runs from November to April. Beginners will love the soft, forgiving inside part while intermediates and longboarders will enjoy a longer ride on the point. The wave gets faster and offers a more technical take-off on bigger swells giving advanced surfers with something to work with.
Wave type:
Semi Reef and Beach Break (depends on the section of the bay)
Wave difficulty:
Beginner to Advanced (only on big swell)
Wave direction:
Right and Left
Wave bottom:
Sand and Reef
A FRAMES
This is a playful alternative to the fun right hander and is also situated in Hiriketiya Bay, true to the name this wave delivers both left and right handers with a quick take off. This peak is lesser known and working best on small to medium swells. A Frames on bigger days can get punchier and more technical, ideal for more confident intermediates and advanced surfers looking for a challenge. The inside section stays forgiving, so beginners can still find a few mellow waves here on smaller swells.
Wave type:
Beach Break
Wave difficulty:
Beginner to Advanced (on bigger swells)
Wave direction:
Left and Right
Wave bottom:
Sand
EASY RIGHTS SURF BREAK
This wave as the name suggests is ideals for beginners and longboarders looking for a mellow, peeling right hand wave. This wave is slow, playful and forgiving on most days which is great or surfers just starting out or longboarders looking to practice their cross stepping.
Wave type:
Beach Break
Wave difficulty:
Beginner to Low Intermediate
Wave direction:
Left and Right
Wave bottom:
Sand
CORNERS SURF BREAK
On the far side of the bay you’ll find an A Frame wave, Corners. This surf spot is much less crowded and works best on a small to medium swell. On bigger swell it can get a punchy and provide faster and more challenging sections ideal for advanced surfers. The inside remains mellow, so intermediates can still have a good time without too much risk.
Wave type:
Beach Break
Wave difficulty:
Intermediate to Advanced
Wave direction:
Left and Right
Wave bottom:
Sand
If you’re staying at Kima Surf’s eco-conscious surf and yoga resort in Hiriketiya our knowledgeable Kima surf guides will match you with the right waves around Hiriketiya’s Bay using our personalized six-star session planner.
For beginners and 2-star surfers our surf guides will get you learning on the mellow inside section of Hiriketiya Beach, where soft, rolling waves are ideal for learning to pop up and stay on the board. Intermediate surfers can enjoy fun, peeling walls at A-Frames or Easy Rights while advanced surfers (4 star +) can tackle the faster, more technical waves at Corners when conditions line up.
The best part? Kima Surf Camps in Sri Lanka will make your surf trip seamless!