Joanna James
Set amidst the wide-open Indian Ocean, the South Asian island nation of Sri Lanka is surrounded by nothing but azure blue waters, calling avid surfers to catch some incredible waves. Make your way to the lively southwest coast or more laid-back east and treat yourself to a fantastic surf getaway.
When the surfer's mecca, the vibrant southwest, sees pouring rain from May through October, Arugam Bay comes to the rescue with its sun-filled days and welcoming seas, making for a surf haven for all surfers on the Indian Ocean island nation. The waves on the menu are also comprehensive – Baby Point presents the perfect conditions for novices with its sand-bottomed breaks whereas intermediates can put their skills to test at Peanut Farm and Okanda gets the pros' adrenaline pumping. The A-Bay on the east coast has a reputation of being a laid-back town than those on the southwest, but when the sun goes down, the shores get as zestful as the day's swells.
Arriving at Hiriketiya feels like uncovering some untouched surfer's paradise as the low-key beach town has been remaining quiet while being strung along the very beaten path of surfers in Sri Lanka, the vibrant southwest coast. Hiriketiya's low-key days are certainly nearing the end, as the southwest continues to flourish as a tourist and surfer's hotspot, and more and more people discover its pristine shores and thrilling swells, but the town still has managed to preserve its charm – all the more reason why it should top your surf itinerary.
If surfing is what brought you to Sri Lanka, then Hikkaduwa is probably what put Sri Lanka on the map for you. Hikkaduwa as a surfing destination requires absolutely no introduction and is on the itinerary of almost every surfer to the teardrop island. The swells to everything that's out of the water are as incredible as you'd wish they'll be at this surf town, almost perfect, but it also comes along with one imperfection – thronging crowds – which should be no surprise for a city that's supposedly renowned as the surfers' mecca of the country.
Yearning to taste your first set of waves on the teardrop island but lack the skill in the sport? The small beach town of Weligama calls you, welcoming you to their turquoise blue waters with all the help you need to get the hang of the sport. Any novice craving to catch a wave or two in Sri Lanka has no better place to head to than the 7-kilometre horseshoe bay that calls Weligama home.
Last but not least, surfing in the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka wouldn't be complete without riding some waves at Mirissa on the southwest coast. Come out of the water – there's so much more to be enjoyed besides surfing, such as staying at one of the finest luxury hotels in Mirissa, Sri Lanka, the likes of The Beach House.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
