Surfing in Sri Lanka: where to start, when to go and what lessons cost
- The season in the south is roughly from October or November to April.
- For beginners, Weligama and Hiriketiya are the most often recommended.
- According to websites, a lesson costs roughly 20 to 35 USD for 90 minutes (about 435 to 760 CZK, roughly EUR 17 to 30).
- I surfed at the Sea You House camp near Matara, where there is a sandy beach without rocks.
The south of Sri Lanka is one of the best places to try surfing for the first time. Warm water, lots of schools and beaches where you don't have to worry about rocks. I surfed as part of a camp and here is what I know from it.
When to go surfing in Sri Lanka?
The south works best from roughly October or November to April. According to the guides, the bays near Weligama and Mirissa get going at the end of October and last until early May. Hikkaduwa peaks a little earlier, from around November to March.
Where is the best place to start?
- Weligama - the most often recommended place for first lessons. The beach is sandy, the waves are gentle and there are plenty of board rentals and schools.
- Hiriketiya - according to the guides it has grown quite a lot by now, with bars and hotels and decent waves for beginners.
- Midigama - more for advanced surfers. According to the guides, Lazy Right suits intermediates, while Rams is a short, powerful reef for the experienced only.
How did I surf?
I stayed at the Sea You House surf camp near Matara, run by the Czech school Surf Trip. The beach there is sandy, so there are no rocks or sea urchins to worry about, and boards can be rented on the spot. Lessons are also available in Czech, which helps when you are learning for the first time.
You can also book the camp in other ways than for a week: accommodation and surfing are available separately, and you don't have to join the whole group. The camp for a week works out at 12,490 CZK (about EUR 500), and a double room is from 1,200 CZK (about EUR 48) per night (prices for the 2026/27 season).
How much do lessons cost?
Near Weligama, according to offers on booking sites, 90-minute lessons sell for roughly 20 to 35 USD (about EUR 17 to 30), including board and rash vest. In Hiriketiya the guides give 4,000 to 5,000 rupees for an hour and a half (about EUR 10 to 13). A board rented on its own is usually paid for separately.
What to bring?
- A rash vest or a T-shirt with UV protection. The sun is strong there and skin burns easily under it.
- High-factor sun cream, ideally waterproof.
- If you are surfing for the first time, you don't need anything else, boards and leashes are rented.
The whole trip around Sri Lanka, including excursions and working from a coworking space, is in the main article.
You can find the whole trip in the main article about Sri Lanka.
Surfing and trips by the sea
If you wanted to try surfing in the south, these are bookings that come in handy.
Lukáš Dobrovolný
Over 17 years on the road, but still with one foot in Czechia. I write about road trips, mountain hikes, cycling trips, Amazing Places and my favourite food.