Joanna James
The island nation of Sri Lanka is ringed by nothing but the azure waters of the wide-open Indian Ocean, where thrill-seeking souls can feed their appetite for adrenaline with a good surf. Grab yourself a surfboard and hit the zestful southwest or the laid-back east, where rolling waves await you.
Come the south-western monsoon from May through October, Arugam Bay on the east coast is the place to catch some promising waves. When the country's putative surfing mecca, the lively southwest, sees rough ocean currents and pouring rain, A-Bay, the jewel on the east coast, is a haven for avid surfers, blessed with pleasant sunshine and welcoming seas. When it comes to the element that interests surfers the most, breaks, from the novice-friendly Baby Point to the intermediary sand-bottomed Peanut Farm, Elephant Rock, and Okanda that are an absolute treat for the pros, there's a whole host that allows people of all skill levels to have a good surf.
A surferless, empty set of waves is a rare sight in the renowned surfing mecca of Sri Lanka that is Hikkaduwa. Undoubtedly the most developed surf town in the Indian Ocean island nation, Hikkaduwa is rich in enjoyment, both in and out the water, where the turquoise waters are chock-full of breaks that encourage all levels of surfers, and the palm-fringed shores are peppered with seafood shacks and vibrant cafes, where the after-dark partying is as incredible as the day's swells.
The long stretch of golden sandy beach that runs from the touristy town of Unawatuna to far less touristy Midigama, Ahangama isn't just one but a clutch of surf spots, making the beach town a surfer's paradise on the teardrop island. Tranquil seaside bliss is a big ask on the palm-fringed shore laid right beside the buzzing Matara road, but navigating the many beaches is certainly easy. The stunning beach of Kabalana is the star attraction that put Ahangama on the map for most surfers who are drawn to the thrill of fan-freaking-tastic swells.
Hiriketiya has been remaining quiet under the radar all this time while being strung along the very beaten path, which is the surfer's favourite lively southwest coast. Hirketiya's low-key days are undeniably nearing the end, mostly thanks to the beach's renowned double breaks—the beginner-friendly Hiriketiya beach break and a fast left-hand reef that gets the pro surfer's adrenaline pumping.
Set 150 kilometres south of Sri Lanka's commercial capital and the only gateway into the country, the bustling metropolis of Colombo, Mirissa is a beach town on the lips of not just surfers but almost all tourists to the island nation. Surfing is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Mirissa, but come out of the water, a plethora of wonders await your indulgence. Vacationing tourists could also find a host of fine resorts, such as Lantern Boutique Hotel.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
