Surfing in Sri Lanka - spots for intermediates

[girlgonesurfing]

Hi there - I'm planning a surf trip to Sri Lanka in early January. I have a surf camp package booked around the south-west of Sri Lanka (staying around Koggala beach).

But I will have a couple of redundant days before the surf camp starts, and was wondering whether anyone could recommend any good, less crowded spots for an intermediate surfer? I am working on my pop-up and turning, so long, slow, smallish (<3 foot) waves would be amazing

Also, is there much localism there? And do I need to bring booties?

Can't wait to get into the 28 degree water!

[Ryano]

Hi,

I think you'll get plenty of waves down there. Best and also famous areas down there are Midigama and Mirissa. They have plenty of spots and they are all pretty easy going waves. People are super friendly but sometimes the surf schools ruin a session so make sure you rock up early!

You can get tuk tuks for fair money that drive you to the spots.

Enjoy!

[JLo]

Hey,

I'm also going to Sri Lanka this winter and have been doing some research on where to go (also a beginner surfer).

Ryano already mentioned Mirissa which I've been told is both beautiful and great. On top of that I'm told that Weligama, Unawatuna and Galle are also worth checking out.

Although i probably won't make it that far, Arugam Bay I have been told is also a surfer hotspot.

Be wary of the strong riptides and undertows!

Jan.

[jaffa1949]

JLo, this is an international forum so which particular winter are you meaning, ( Guessing northern hemisphere)
So some thoughts , Sri Lanka has two,distinct season, the Weligama side and the Arugam Bay side, , unusual to,be able to do both!
The month you go will determine a lot of things, swell, and most importantly winds!
Different set for each season.
November to March is the time for SW Side, at either end the quality time lessens!

Join the European winter refugees!

Weligama and Mirrisa are within easy reach of each other, and quite few surf schools, so lots of learning traffic, but at your stage safety !
That side is more suited to your needs.
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[BaliSurfCamp]

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[Ryano]

Although i probably won't make it that far, Arugam Bay I have been told is also a surfer hotspot.

Arugam is a super cool placewith great waves, but in January out of season, you might hit bad weather with no waves

[ale k]

November to March is the time for SW Side, at either end the quality time lessens!
:

Hey Jaffa,
I am going to sri lanka in the end of april, but i only have 5 or 6 days to spend there.
The South Coast would be lot easier for me, but i am not sure wheter the conditions are good enough.
Would you recommend travelling all the way towards Arugam Bay in that time of the year?
thank you very much !
cheers
ale k

[jaffa1949]

November to March is the time for SW Side, at either end the quality time lessens!
:

Hey Jaffa,
I am going to sri lanka in the end of april, but i only have 5 or 6 days to spend there.
The South Coast would be lot easier for me, but i am not sure wheter the conditions are good enough.
Would you recommend travelling all the way towards Arugam Bay in that time of the year?
thank you very much !
cheers
ale k

At the end of April, I certainly would take the chance, the SE Coast ( Arugam and friends) is starting to up, SW side is beginning to experience more onshore winds.
You don’t have good luck if you don’t put yourself in position to have it!

[ale k]

makes sense !
muchas gracias!!

[ale k]

The thing is that I was planning to stay about 14 days in that area, spending 6 days in Lanka and about 9 days in Maldives.
The few days in Lanka were planned to cut down costs and to change the setting [althoug i ve been twice to Lanka, I dont mind go back again..]

Well, reconsidering the whole thing, now I am not sure it is worth to go to Lanka for few days, having to travel all the way to Arugam Bay.
Would it be better to remain in Maldives for the whole period? What would you do?

[jaffa1949]

Follow your gut, heart, instinct! Toss coins in the air! If you have been somewhere you know a load more than enough to make your own decisions!

My leaning is to go with that sort of process!