5 tips when surfing in Weligama – for the ardent surfer in you

Reputed for housing the inviting waters of Weligama Bay, the town of Weligama is found nestled along Sri Lanka’s southern coast and between the areas of Galle and Matara. Easily identified by a gigantic opening, the town comes across as the perfect spot for first-time surfers as well as highly experienced surfers. Further, the area is littered with a slew of surf schools and reefs that combine in affording a truly remarkable and enjoyable outing.

The dry season which begins in December and concludes in March is by far, the best time to grab your surfboard and head out in search of giant swells that tend to dominate the seas during the aforementioned period. Although the odd rain shower can be experienced, this is the time of year when impressive swells from the south and west roll in and effectively, offer the best chance of getting your money’s worth. While those trying their hand for the very first time will be able to delight in action-packed shore breaks, the intermediate surfer in Weligama will be treated to big breaks for the better part of the day. On the flip side, the monsoon period which stretches from April to November is best avoided owing to the threat of heavy downpours and storm-like conditions which prevail during this time. However, if lucky, you may stand a chance to hit the waves when the weather does take a turn for the better albeit these occasions would be few and far between.

Long before you run off for the nearest stretch of beach, you must tackle the area of accommodation during booking your airfare to Sri Lanka. Having a sound and comfy base to retire to after a day’s surfing will leave you in a better frame of mind and turn, afford you ample space to rest and recuperate for the challenges that lie ahead. In this sense, consider staying at Ayurvie Weligama which is a reputed Ayurveda resort Sri Lanka is known for.

Serving as your springboard into the world of surfing in this part of the island is undoubtedly its most favoured destination, Weligama Beach! While affording novice surfers all the time in the world to come to terms with perfecting the finer points of the sport which focus a great deal on balance and body movement on the board, the secondary swells in and around the coast ought to be made good use of. Known to reach as high as your chest area, surfers will stand to benefit even when attempting the pop-up as there remains a likelihood that you will not be knocked off your board at the very outset. For the more daring at heart, the double overheads must be made note of if one is in the mood to be part of a faster and more exhilarating ride. Farther away and to the west of Weligama is Midigama which must be penned down on your bucket list should you yearn for a bigger and bolder encounter with the ocean. Aside from Lazy Left and Lazy Right which are sought-after spots for calmer and mellow rides, the South Asian reef referred to as Coconuts will see to it that both intermediate and skilled practitioners receive more than what they bargained for.

Even top-notch surfers on their first visit to Sri Lanka must tread wisely given that it would warrant familiarising themselves with the conditions. Even if you’re more comfortable using your own surfboard, nothing should deter you from pairing up with any of the local surf schools who in short, will have your back at all times. For example, Ceylon Sliders provides flexible schedules that can be fitted into one’s itinerary with relative ease and no fuss whatsoever while Freedom Surf School Weligama boasts the largest collection of surfboards to avail of where you can train under watchful eyes and capable hands who understand the conditions as well as all capacities.