2016 Nov 2
by Ridmi Upeksha
Sri Lanka, known for its mesmerising natural beauty, is a country filled with a large variety of exciting and adventurous things to do. Surfing is one of those daring activities which gives you an unexplainable rush of adrenaline as you feel the waves at your feet. Thankfully, Sri Lanka has some of the finest spots for it. With Surf Season upon us, here are a few details you ought not to miss out on if you are a Surfer.
Surf season in Sri Lanka
In a nutshell, Surf Season in our country is at its best from November to April in the Southwest and from May to September on the East Coast. Surfers usually pick Hikkaduwa and the renowned Arugam Bay as the ideal surf spots when in Lanka.
East Coast of Sri Lanka
Based approximately 320 km East of Colombo, Arugam Bay is one of Sri Lanka’s much loved surf/travel spots around the world. Arugam Bay is known to be one of the world’s 10 best places to surf, bringing our little nation pride and joy. Unlike other coastal locations of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay is a not so densely crowded location where you can enjoy your stay with friends and family, whilst taking pleasure in some well deserved R & R. Arugam Bay is also home to quite a few places of accommodation and restaurant options. If you need to find some undisturbed time to unwind and escape your daily toils, Arugam Bay is a place you don’t want to miss out on.
The most popular surf points in the East Coast of Sri Lanka:
Arugam Bay, Okanda, Peanut Farm and Pottuvil Point are spots which do not require immense surfing skills and is ideal for Funboarders as well as Shortboarders.
The ultimate spot for beginners is another popular place called Whiskey Point in Arugam Bay. The waves are just right.
The Crocodile Rock, which is 2 km south Arugam Bay, is a location you’d want to visit if you’re on the lookout for seclusion and a bit of the wild side.
Another location would be Panama; a river mouth break attached to the endpoint of the road towards Yala National Park and is favoured with intermediate and advanced surfers.
Where to stay at & grab a bite:
If you are in Arugam Bay for your vacation and surfing purposes Hideaway Villas Arugam Bay is the place you want to be at. Hideaway Villa also has a cool bar – Hideaway Blue Cafe & Bar. You can drop by and enjoy one of their signature cocktails.
While you are on your vacation, you undoubtedly want to enjoy a beverage and eat good food whilst enjoying the cool vibe. All you’ll need to do is walk towards Arugam Bay Beach and you’ll come across Zephyr Restaurant & Bar and find everything you were looking for at one place.
What else can you do:
Moving further into the country, you could experience wild life of Sri Lanka at Yala, which is located only a few hours away from Arugam Bay. Elephants, Leopards, Crocodiles and bird viewing are few of the activities that await if you are fascinated by wild life.
South West and South Coasts of Sri Lanka
South West & South Coast of Sri Lanka, located 119 km & 158 km from Colombo are also two other famous areas for the deed, among many other attractions. Starting from Hikkaduwa through to Tangalle, there are beckoning beaches and hidden surfs spots scattered along these coasts for you to explore. Even though Hikkaduwa is known to be a very crowded coastal area of the country, it has some quality waves, reaching heights from 3ft going up until 10ft.
A number of accommodation and dining options you can select from, the South Coast of Sri Lanka is one the next most happening areas after Colombo. Midigama, Weligama, and Mirissa are beaches you can endlessly explore until you find the waves that suit your surf game.
Tangalle is another area discovered to be an ideal location to “take a chill pill” and to explore. Talalla, a newly recognised spot you come across on the way to Tangalle, has the most chilled out atmosphere you could find in the South Coast of Sri Lanka. Many popular yoga retreats and surf schools/joints are available in this area for you to let go and learn the ropes. Talalla beach offers a few great surf spots where you can surf over a 150 km into the water if you are a more advanced surfer.
The most popular surf points in the South West and South Coasts:
Hikkaduwa, Matara, Galle, Unawatuna Bay and Weligama are surf spots which are not limited to only highly skilled surfers and cater to Funboarders, Shortboarders and Longboarders.
Midigama, also known as Lazy Left, is a laid back area and a place well known for its surf spot for experienced and intermediate surfers. It is much loved because of its long left rides, barrels and easy entry.
Mirissa and Talalla are also amongst the popular surf locations in Lanka.
Where to stay at & grab a bite:
If you’re wondering where to stay, here are a few suggestions:
- Anantara Tangalle Resort and Spa
- Owl & Pussycat Sri Lanka
- Closenberg Hotel
On the lookout for a good place to eat? Enjoy the view of the scenic ocean and the seashell strewn sands, whilst munching on heavenly food and sipping fine drinks at;
- Luna Terrace
- Poonie’s Kitchen
- A minute by Tuk Tuk
What else can you do:
While Hikkaduwa is an area well known for its snorkeling and sea turtles, Mirissa is renowned for its presence of whales and dolphins. You could opt to go whale watching or view the best sunsets if you take a stroll on the beach at 5 pm, and experience a night you may not remember while you unwind in the area’s nightlife.
Get your surf suit on, grab your board and hit the waves now! Don’t miss out on the amazing experience that waits!
