Anastasia Smith
Ranked among South Asia's finest surfing hubs, Sri Lanka is home to some of the best surfing beaches in the region. With a vast majority of its surfing hotspots located on the southern coastline, here are 5 must-experience beaches for avid wave riders.
As the most famous surfing beach in Sri Lanka since time immemorial, Hikkaduwa Beach is renowned for its reef breaks and massive waves. Although this is a veritable paradise for seasoned surfers, the conditions of the waves are not suitable for beginners as the height of the average wave is 2 to 6 feet. Intermediary surfers can try their luck on Hikkaduwa Beach with the aid of an experienced instructor but the area is a veritable playground for those who have been riding the big waves for decades. In addition to taking on the reef breaks, holidaymakers bound for Hikkaduwa can also enjoy the surf culture of this popular beach town at the surf schools, surfboard rental shops and surfer bars along the coast. Surfers will find the best conditions for their favourite pastime between November and April but it's crucial to watch out for the Hikkaduwa Reef when engaging in surfing activities.
Surfing is one of the best things to do in Unawatuna for those based at Araliya Beach Resort & Spa and other beachfront hotels due to the idyllic conditions available for beginner surfers. The smaller waves that are characteristic of Unawatuna Beach are what makes surfing in this area suitable for newbies and those who are learning the basics of wave riding. Those who wish to learn how to surf during a trip to Galle will also find plenty of surf schools and independent instructors in Unawatuna. As one of the southern shorelines' more forgiving surfing venues, the lack of big crowds also makes surfing in Unawatuna a more wholesome experience not only for beginners but for experienced surfers as well.
Also called The Rock by local surfers, what makes Kabalana Beach a fantastic surfer's paradise are the consistently powerful waves accessible throughout the day. Suitable for serious surfers on the lookout for a real challenge, the lengthy rides and the thrilling barrels are what make Kabalana Beach a hit with both intermediary surfers and advanced-level athletes. The reef break at the beach creates waves that peel beautifully and systematically so surfers can perform daring stunts and show off their skills with ease.
Surfers in search of a dynamic surf spot that provides exciting conditions for experienced surfers will find no finer alternative to Ahangama Beach. Catering to wave riders with different skill sets, the waves at Ahangama Beach are usually long and provide ample opportunity to perform difficult manoeuvres.
Revered for its laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, Plantations Point which is close to Unawatuna is another versatile surf hub in Galle. The variety of waves generated in the area that's a heady mix of challenging and more mellow waves is what sets Plantations Point apart from other surfing Meccas down south.
