Written by Josh Band
Posted, 16th February 2024
Looking to go surfing in Weligama?
Then you’ve come to the right place! We’re experts in Sri Lanka travel and even run group tours there, so we are here to give you all the information you need to know about surfing in Weligama.
We’ve rounded up all of Weligama’s best surf spots and some of our best tips for catching the best waves along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline.
Trust us, you’re going to absolutely love surfing here. It’s a paradise 🏝
So without further ado, grab your surfboard and let’s get started!
Surfing in Weligama
Weligama translates literally to “sandy village” and the description couldn’t be more fitting. There is around 2 km of open sandy beaches along the seafront at Weligama, making it the perfect location for swimming, surfing and standup paddleboarding.
Weligama is a town which has skyrocketed in popularity over recent years within the surfing community as its surf spots are on par with those on the eastern Australian coast, and more and more travellers are venturing to the Sri Lankan coastline to test them out.
Located on the southern coast of the island, Weligama Beach has a surf culture full of surf instructors, both amateur and professional, willing to train even the most basic beginner.
The influx of surfers every season has encouraged the development of trendy cafes, cool hotels, hostels and lively bars that all cater to the vibrant surfer community. It’s becoming quite the holiday destination!
Weligama feels very welcoming even to the newest surfers and the surf schools which line the beach will give you the confidence to catch your first waves if you’re a beginner.
The bay of Weligama is protected from the harshest of waves and the break is pretty even and clean, which makes it a great location for beginners.
In fact, we love surfing in Weligama so much that it’s included as an included activity in our Sri Lanka group tours!
All in all, surfing in Weligama guarantees priceless memories, so let’s continue with our ultimate guide to the best places for surfing.
5 Best Surfing Spots in Weligama
Weligama is an incredible stretch of open coastline with dozens of fantastic surf spots for all abilities. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an expert surfer, there are plenty of locations to explore along the coastline from Weligama.
The beach at Weligama extends over 2 km and has been hailed as the best location for beginner surfers in all of Sri Lanka. The shallow sands and reliable, low waves allow you to get comfortable on the board before taking on more challenging breaks.
Because Weligama has such great waves for beginners, there are plenty of surf schools in the area that offer lessons and courses to help you build your confidence in the water. Beginners end up taking on the intermediate waves in no time at Weligama!
Weligama has a great surf culture with many locals taking on the waves with the travellers. Extending out from Weligama in both directions, surf spots get a bit more technical and reef breaks are a lot more common than sand. Intermediate and advanced surfers taking on these reefs need to be very confident in what they are doing as many areas have sharp rocks and huge sea boulders to navigate.
One thing to be aware of in all spots along the southern Sri Lankan coast is that sea urchins are very common and cling to rocks even in shallow areas – make sure to watch where you put your feet!
Here are the best 5 surf spots in and around Weligama:
1. Weligama Beach
Weligama Beach is the number one spot that locals and tourists head to to catch a wave and is a great location for all types of surfers. The beach has small and consistent waves, which are perfect for those still finding their way around a surfboard, but if you venture further from the shore, more advanced surfers will be able to test their skills on larger breaks.
While intermediate and advanced surfers will probably look for a spot with a bit more action, Weligama Beach is the best spot if you have a group of mixed abilities.
The spot has plenty of surf schools nearby for complete beginners, with a range of lesson packages available to allow them to gain some confidence on the boards.
2. Midigama
Midigama is located just a short distance west of Weligama and consists of a series of bays that are a lot more suited to intermediate and advanced surfers who are looking for trickier waves than Weligama Beach.
There are a series of well-known surf spots belonging to the Midigama collection including Lazy Left and Lazy Right and Rams. They aren’t too far from Weligama and are most conveniently accessed by a quick and cheap tuk-tuk ride.
Lazy Left and Lazy Right are great, reliable reefs that are good spots if you’re advancing from only ever surfing on sand to trying out reefs. The left is more suitable for experienced surfers, while the right is a better spot if you’re still taking on reef surfing for the first time.
Rams is the most technical spot along the entire coastline. Named after the quaint guesthouse located along the sand, Rams has been challenging even the most expert locals for years. Do NOT attempt to surf at this spot unless you’re confident in what you’re doing.
3. Mirissa Beach and Reef
Mirissa Beach is a very protected area, making it good for beginner surfers. Waves rarely reach above 5 ft making it very safe for those who have never surfed before and there are stalls lining the beach selling and renting surf gear for those who haven’t packed anything – watch out for scams though!
Mirissa Reef at the western edge of the beach is more suited to experienced surfers but the spot does have some dangers to watch out for. The reef is located between a massive sea boulder and a headland so you’ll need a good level of control on your board to avoid accidents.
While the waves aren’t particularly rough as the area is quite shallow, Mirissa Reef is still more suited to intermediate surfers as the area is also renowned for having clusters of sea urchins clinging to the rocks. Be careful as you paddle out and watch where you put your feet!
4. SK Town
SK Town is located around 30 minutes from Weligama and is reached by travelling the renowned Matara Road.
SK Town has a couple of good surf spots and is becoming more popular for beginners as many Weligama-based surf schools are opting to take their students there during peak season to catch some waves away from the crowds.
The breaks at SK Town are more reminiscent of those found at top European beaches and are unlike many found across the Sri Lankan coast – but that does not make them inferior.
The waves at SK Town are pretty reliable and are ranked for beginner to intermediate surfers. Perhaps, it’s not the best destination for seasoned professionals but it does have charm in being a lot quieter than neighbouring surf spots.
Plus, look at how stunning it is…
5. Hiriketiya
Hiriketiya has two great surfing spots and is located around an hour away from Weligama. The beach has grown in popularity in recent years, particularly with advanced surfers and it has become one of the most visited surf locations in Sri Lanka.
The horseshoe bay hosts two spots which can tailor for both beginner and advanced surfers and the range of surf schools lining the beach offers the perfect opportunity for anyone just getting started. The challenging breaks further out from the beach are loved by more expert surfers.
Hiriketiya is known for its chilled bars and restaurants and there is just a genuine feel-good vibe to the town. Aside from surfing, there are a number of other activities that you can enjoy on the beachfront like outdoor yoga classes.
Overall, Hiriketiya is a lovely spot on the Sri Lankan coast not too far from Weligama and the journey is well worth it to experience the wonderful beach that has great surf breaks.
Surfing in Weligama Tips
Tips for surfing in Weligama are similar to those that you’d have to consider when surfing at any other location. However, it’s important not to get complacent even if you’re an experienced surfer. There’s nothing wrong with reminding yourself of the basics.
You should always be vigilant to ensure you keep yourself and others safe. Here are some of our most important tips that are useful to consider when surfing in Weligama:
Morning is best
The waves along Weligama’s coast are a lot more reliable and consistent in the morning than later in the day. Getting up early is a great idea, especially if you’re just starting out. Going in the morning also ensures that you avoid the peak crowds that descend on the beach after lunch.
Compare surf schools
There are many surf schools and surf camps along the coast of Weligama and it can be hard to choose which package to go for. A top tip would be to consider as many options as possible, considering how many hours of guidance you are getting for your money and how reputable the company are by looking for reviews. Watch out for scams and outrageous add-on prices.
Respect others around you
This tip goes for all surf locations, but particularly at Weligama. You’ll find lots of locals catching waves throughout the day and you mustn’t cut in on their waves or get dangerously close. Give everyone the space that you’d want yourself to ensure that everyone stays safe.
Take time to observe the breaks
While many surf spots close to Weligama have reliable wave breaks, as you go further from the town, you’ll find more violent and random, unpredictable waves. Taking time to observe the breaks to understand the patterns in the waves and where the best takeoff points are will not only improve your performance but also help you to calculate when rogue waves might hit and keep you safe.
Be mindful of wildlife
It’s not uncommon to find sea turtles along the coastline of Weligama. Be mindful of these creatures while you are surfing and keep a safe distance to avoid disturbing them. Urchins are also extremely common and love to cling to the rocks. Make sure to be careful where you are putting your feet and paddling.
FAQs
The best time of year to surf at Weligama is between September and May, but you will be able to catch some decent waves in the off-season such as in August.
The bay shape of Weligama Beach makes for a great swimming spot as it is very sheltered and the waves are a lot gentler but it is also a fantastic spot to learn how to surf with plenty of schools along the coast offering lesson packages.
Weligama is an excellent location for surfing – particularly if you’re a beginner. The beach has reliable and shallow waves which allow you to find your way about a board safely and comfortably.
Weligama is generally considered safe for tourists but normal safety precautions should be taken such as being aware of your surroundings at all times. In terms of surfing, Weligama Beach is considered extremely safe due to the reliable, shallow breaks.
Wrap Up
The south Sri Lankan coast is a great location to not only surf some reliable waves but also to learn how to surf if you’re a complete beginner.
Weligama is the perfect base location for a few days of surfing and there are plenty of nearby surf spots that are suitable for all skill sets.
The town has a great surf vibe and the atmosphere is one of the biggest draws of Weligama. While surfing is likely your top priority, make sure to explore the lively restaurants and unique shops along the coastline too.
Want to experience surfing in Weligama for yourself? Why not join us on a group tour throughout Sri Lanka? We promise you won’t regret it!
Whether you’re looking to travel solo or bring a friend along for the ride, our group tours in South East Asia & Australia are the perfect balance of culture, adventure, chill time & nightlife. You’ll arrive as strangers and leave as the best of friends.
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