Fritzjames Stephen
Since the 1960's Sri Lanka has been known as one of the most reliable surf destination across the globe; the best breaks are found along the eastern and southern coasts framed by sandy beaches.
Along the popular southern coast of Sri Lanka surfing season is from November to April while the eastern coast is known to have the best breaks during the period of May to October. Not to worry if you are visiting outside of these periods for it is quite common to find a good swell around these parts if you follow local advice.
Hikkaduwa or 'Hikka' as the vibrant resort is popularly known is one of the country's busiest surf locations. The place is home to vintage temples, lakes and off shore corals. Surfing in Hikkaduwa is classified as intermediate. Surfing is one of the resorts most popular water sports with the dry season from November to March being the best time to catch the perfect swell. Hikkaduwa is home to four main breaks, these are the locals break which is a spot located in front of the A Frame surf shop, the main peak which can be found in front of Ranjith's Beach Hut, the beach break located south of the Hansa surf shop and the Hansa Surf spot which is immediately south of the so named surf shop.
Classified as a surf spot for beginners Arugam Bay is a truly beautiful spot along the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. The place is quite rural and is framed by verdant jungles; the main beauty of Arugam Bay lying in its unspoilt environs. Listed as one of the world's top 10 surf spots Arugam Bay is serviced by Antarctic swells that are also prevalent along the southern shores of Indonesia. The resorts surf season is from May to November.
Unawatuna is located 5kms from the city of Galle. Serviced by a crescent shaped beach that dips into the azure blue bay of Unawatuna, this is one of Sri Lanka's most popular resorts loved for the sleepy village that skirts the beach. Unawatuna hotels are very popular amongst locals and visitors looking for tranquillity and the best beach frontage in Sri Lanka, for Unawatuna Beach is tipped to be the best beach in the country. Head over to the quieter side of the popular beach and you will come across the CoCo Bay Unawatuna, crabs darting across the sands and monkeys swinging from the trees. The beach is protected by a coral reef and is quite safe for swimming. To catch the best swells for surfing in Unawatuna you need to pay heed to local advice and go with the flow. Here too the best seasons for surfing are from November to March.
This coastal town is located along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Home to rubber and coconut plantations Weligama is home to pristine beaches that are still mainly unspoilt by commercial tourism. Surfing is Weligama is for intermediates with high season being from November to March.
