In July of 2024, I took my first surfing class in Weligama Bay, on the south coast of Sri Lanka — the pearl of the Indian ocean. It was a day I had anticipated for a very, very long time. A day full of joy, laughter, sunburns, and smiles so big my cheeks ached.

The wide bay was lined with palm trees, surf schools, surf instructors, and students like myself from all over the world eager to experience the special feeling of riding a wave. It doesn’t take long to spot a skilled local surfer or surf instructor on Sri Lanka’s beaches; just keep an eye out for the ones with the most welcoming smiles and long, sun-bleached wavy hair. Evidence of countless hours under the golden sun. You’d think they were born to surf.

The shores surrounding the tropical island are filled with local male surfers shredding the up-and-coming scene, which only began in the 60s! Today, more and more Sri Lankan women are breaking cultural limitations and carving out their space in the community, with the launch of Arugam Bay Girls Surf Club, the island’s first all-female surf club and SeaSisters social enterprise.

From Hikkaduwa to Weligama, Hiriketiya to Arugam Bay and beyond, the surfing scene in Sri Lanka is flourishing fast, becoming one of the hottest spots in the world for catching waves.

Why Sri Lanka’s shores are prime for surfing

When people talk about surfing, they often think first of Hawaii, Australia, California, or Portugal. Nowadays though, surfing hubs in the East are beginning to get the hype they deserve: Indonesia, Thailand, and of course, none other than Sri Lanka.

What makes Sri Lanka so special? For one, you can surf year-round due to the island’s unique weather patterns. The west and south coasts are perfect for surfing from November to April, and then the east coast takes over from around May to October. Basically, you’re never more than a few hours’ drive from good waves. To add to that, the warm tropical waters (averaging 27-29°C year-round) mean you don’t need a full wetsuit, just board shorts or a bikini, but a rash guard is always recommended.

The variety is incredible too. Weligama on the south coast, where I took my first few classes, is perfect for beginners: gentle, rolling waves that build your confidence without punishing your mistakes. Weligama Bay is lined with plenty of surf schools to choose from, and they provide all the needed surf gear for rent. Just a short tuk-tuk ride away, surfing spots in Mirissa offer more challenging breaks for experienced surfers. And then there’s Arugam Bay on the east coast, a legendary surf hub that’s been attracting seasoned surfers since the 70s.

Beyond the waves themselves, there’s something else that makes Sri Lanka the place to be: the warmth of the people and the richness of the culture surrounding you. Not only do you get to surf on some of the most picturesque beaches in the world, you also get to explore ancient temples, spot elephants and leopards in national parks, sip Ceylon tea on misty hillsides, and feast on mouthwatering Sri Lankan curries.

Where to start your own Sri Lankan surf journey

If you’re considering a surf trip to Sri Lanka, Weligama is an excellent starting point, especially for beginners and intermediates. The bay’s sandy bottom and consistent, manageable waves make it forgiving as you learn. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses and hostels to boutique surf camps and upscale hotels — and you’re never far from a great meal.

For those wanting a smaller “seaside village” vibe, Hiriketiya Bay (also known as “Hiri”) offers a gorgeous horseshoe-shaped beach with an intimate community feel. Hiriketiya was one of my personal favorite beaches on the south coast, even just for a swim and watching experts catch some waves.

More advanced surfers might want to make the journey to Arugam Bay, where the iconic “Main Point” delivers world-class barrels. Whiskey Point and Peanut Farm are also popular surf spots in the area.

A note on safety: Always take lessons when starting out, especially to learn about currents and local conditions. Respect the ocean and the reefs — as they say, “Take only waves, leave only bubbles.”

Every skilled surfer was once a beginner

As I made my way back to shore after my first session, saltwater stinging my eyes, my back-body red from the sun, and arms aching from paddling, I couldn’t stop grinning from the rush. I’d finally done it. Leaving Sri Lanka meant I had to pause my learning journey, but I know… I’ll dance with these waves again very soon.

Are the waters calling you, too? Do you have an inexplicable yearning to learn how to surf? I hear you! First and foremost, keep in mind that surfing is a very challenging and humbling sport which takes a lot of time and effort to get behind. It asks you to be patient, courageous, committed, and understanding of the risks involved — but don’t be discouraged by the steep learning curve. Sri Lanka awaits!

Learn more about the Arugam Bay Girls Surf Club and SeaSisters, or make a donation to help get more Sri Lankan girls and women surfing these island waves.

— Ghina Fahs

(All photo credit goes to respective owners, sourced from search engines)