Surfing in Sri Lanka is just the activity for which thousands of tourists come here all year round. It’s always the season in Ceylon, but you just have to go to different places in different months. In winter, they go with boards to the south-west coast (Veligama, Hikkaduwa, Koggala and other resorts), in summer they ride the waves in the eastern part of the island (on Pottuvila and Arugam Bay).
There are a lot of surf schools in all these cities, and the competition is serious. And according to the laws of the market, this means that prices are mostly democratic. You can always find a coach that you can afford. Sri Lanka has a gentle warm ocean, a diverse bottom landscape and a variety of waves. In general, without embellishment, a wonderful place where both experienced surfers and beginners frolic.
For beginners, it is better to go out in the middle of the season, when there is always a steady wave. If you come in winter, then for surfing in Sri Lanka this season, choose the south-western direction, and if in mid-late summer – the east. The vagaries of the weather at this time are rare, although you should be prepared for surprises. Those who are not afraid of huge waves and heavy rains can try to tame the elements in the off-season (or April-October).
Which direction should I choose?
If you are not tied to a specific time, and you can choose a beach not by the weather, but by the conditions for surfing, then here is a division that can be made.
- Beginners who have not yet “smelled gunpowder” and are just going to try themselves on the board will feel better in Veligam. On the shore you will find a beautiful entrance to the water, a pleasant sandy bottom and noisy waves that do not knock you down. It is not surprising that dozens of surf schools have found their place here, among them with Russian-speaking instructors. Surfing lessons in Sri Lanka are a separate source of income for local residents.
- Amateurs who already know how to stay on the board can find their fortune in Hikkaduwa, Matara, Mirissa or Tangalla. It will be a little more difficult for beginners, but even with zero knowledge, you can master surfing here. There are wonderful beaches that attract those who just like to swim in the ocean.
- The level becomes more difficult – we go to Halle, Midigama or Talpe. Here, waves allow you to learn new tricks, try to invent something new.
- Professionals will not get bored on the eastern tip of the island. High waves will be long-awaited companions on the beaches of Pottuville and Arugam Bay.
Everywhere you can rent equipment and ride the waves on your own or with the help of an instructor. As you can see, there is no shortage of surf schools in Sri Lanka, but there are large centers. We will tell you about them below.
Hikkaduwa
In the south-west, as we said, the season lasts from late autumn to mid-spring. Moreover, fans of boardwalking come in January and February, sometimes staying until March. There are a lot of people at this time, but the beach in Hikkaduwa is long, there is enough space for everyone. By the beginning of April, you can safely count on a more free approach to the wave.
The weather is excellent outside, the air warms up to +31 degrees, the water is only a couple of degrees cooler. Waves rise in height from one to three meters.
This is one of the most popular resorts in Sri Lanka, so there will be no problems with housing here: there are budget guest houses, and “glamorous” hotels-for every taste. Cafes, shops, bars … the infrastructure is excellent. Therefore, if you are not going to surf around the clock, then it is better to choose this place.
Arugam Bay and Veligama are more run-down and wild, they are created exclusively for surf fans who do not care about anything around – as long as there is a wave. Hikkaduwa is famous for its surf schools, where local instructors work, but they speak English. You can count the number of Russian schools on your fingers, but most likely there will be more of them, because more and more Russians are coming here to ride the board.
Recommendation!
Now the No. 1 surf school in Hikkaduwa — Surf Lanka Me Camp, it has talented Russian-speaking instructors, so there will be no problems with communication. Reviews of the school are extremely positive:
- even those who are unsure of their abilities get on the board on the first day;
- the breakfasts are delicious;
- the cultural program is diverse and interesting: various excursions,gatherings, yoga.
Prices and other questions can be found on the school’s website surflanka.me.
And one more thing: even if you are brought here out of season, you will not regret it. There is plenty of fun to be had, and you can go to Galle or Devata for the waves-there will be suitable waves for beginners.
Veligama
The season here is the same as in Hikkaduwa. The beach is hidden in the arms of a closed bay, there will be no huge waves here, so welcome, novice surfers! There are the most schools here. Recently, surf culture for Russian-speaking tourists has been actively developed here. There are both group classes and individual ones, and even surf camps are organized.
Surf camp – or surf camp) is a “summer camp of interest”, here they create an ideal holiday for those who love surfing. First, experienced instructors teach you how to catch a wave correctly, and in just a week they will raise your level of riding. Classes are held for several hours every day. And secondly, it is traveling all over the island of Sri Lanka and various entertainment options: from yoga to hot parties, from educational excursions to surf tours to other islands.
Prices for surf camps vary. In Veligam – from$650-1300.
Everything in Veligama revolves around the theme of surfing, so there is a lot to choose from.
Recommendation!
One of the best Russian surf schools in Veligama, Sri Lanka-“Surfmakers”. All the details and prices you are interested in can be found on their website surfmakers-lanka.ru. The instructors have earned positive reviews for their work:
- they find an individual approach to each student;
- classes are fun and easy, you can not be shy if something does not work out;
- they take photos and shoot videos, which makes it possible not only to analyze mistakes, but also to capture memories.
Arugam Bay
We remind you that the season on the eastern tip of the island lasts in summer and until the beginning of October. The beaches here are beautiful, so come to this part of Sri Lanka not only ardent fans of surfing. Here, however, all the beauty of tolkov nature: the beach and the ocean. Housing and restaurants are tight: there are several small supermarkets and guesthouses. We also organized surf schools.
If you suddenly need an ATM, a large supermarket or decent inexpensive cafes, then you will have to move to the neighboring city of Pottuvila. It’s a twenty-minute walk or five minutes by tuk-tuk. By the way, there are also some good surf spots in Pottuville.
In Arugam Bay itself, there are spots for both beginners and experienced surfers. The locals are well versed in this business, so they will take you to your needs. Depending on the height of the wave and the wind at a certain time, you will be directed to the spot that best suits your skills. Surf camps in Arugam Bay and South Mirissa will cost between$440 and $ 1,800.
Surf spots
If anyone doesn’t know, a surf spot is where the wave rises. There are spots in different places in Sri Lanka. The most significant ones are located in Galle, Matara, cozy Unawatuna, Koggala, Dalawella, Midigama.
In all the villages mentioned above, there are many surf spots for people with different levels of training, the bottom is made of sand, there are almost no dangerous stones and shells. Each location has at least one instructor who gives group or individual lessons. If you are a daredevil, you can try to ride the wave on your own. But it’s really dangerous, you can get hurt.
We advise you to take at least a few classes, they will teach you how to move correctly. Strictly speaking, there is no need to be constantly under the wing of a master if you are going to enroll as a professional or are not in the mood to go to a surf camp.
For the first few times, the teacher will support or push you if there is a big wave going on. It will tell you when to go in the water and when to take a break.
Usually lessons are held from 8-9 in the morning, the lesson lasts for one and a half to two and a half hours. Always – small introductory words, theory, and then all actions are worked out already in the water.
Prices for classes
Every surf school in Sri Lanka has its own price tags. The cost of classes depends on the experience of the instructors, the language in which the lessons are taught, and the equipment that is included in this price.
In English schools, British is spoken by Sri Lankans. Many even have ISA certificates that allow them to instruct people at a professional level. Of course, their lessons are more expensive. But the English level of teachers may not be perfect, to put it mildly, so without an excellent knowledge of the language, you should not apply there.
- In Arugam Bay, an individual lesson costs about Rs 4,000, while a group lesson costs Rs 2,500-3,000.
- In Hikkaduwa – 4000 and 2500, respectively.
- In Unawatuna – about$40-50.
- Veligam has a particularly large price spread. So, an individual lesson can cost from$ 20 to $ 60, and a group lesson can cost from$15 to $ 45.
In Sri Lanka, there are schools for surfing, but there are not so many of them yet, and prices are higher than average. On average, you will have to pay from$350-450 for weekly classes at a school with instructors. Per day – $ 50, if you rent a board separately, then a weekly rental will cost an average of 50 CU.
Most often, if you order several classes at once, the school meets you halfway and gives you discounts. Sometimes there is even such a service as video and photography of your swims with subsequent error analysis. By the way, a great souvenir from your vacation! In general, surfing in Sri Lanka is a great option for those who do not want to just lie on the beach, but are eager to try something more interesting.
