Travel to south Sri Lanka, advice needed

[zalle]

Hello guys,

I'm spending a month in Sri Lanka, down south, near weligama. Nothing booked yet, just plane ticket.

I was told by a friend to bring my own board (longboard). Is it a good idea? How difficult would it be to carry it from the airport to the south by train? Or should I just get a transfer? Any recommendations?

[jaffa1949]

Check out hire around Welligama, compare freight of your board to and from risk of arriving with damaged board against in house cost in Sri Lanka, also be aware that because surfboard repair kits are consider combustible you might not be able to take them.
Airlines trains and self carry many destinations have pretty decent boards available. When was your friend last in Sri lanka.

There are quite a few rentals available where are you flying from check the airline policy for both cost and volume size of board the accept>
It could be a nasty shock

[zalle]

Hi, thanks for your reply.

My friend is actually in Sri Lanka right now, and he is a high level pro. He told me boards are being sold for crazy prices right now.

I'm traveling with Etihad airways, and they claim I can bring surf boards for free, up to 3m, within my 23kg allowance.

[jaffa1949]

Good to go then!

[TeeBee89]

Curious how you found travel down to Welligama with the bigger board? Hassle or not so bad?
Was looking at taking a board under 8," but as Jaffa says very worried about potential dings on route and logistics of getting it down there.
Thanks!

[zalle]

Hi TeeBee89,

I wrapped it really well, with foam all around, 1 surf sock and 2 bags.
Coming back there was a small ding on one rail.
To get there from the airport I booked a private car (55usd each way).
I rented a scooter with racks, so went everywhere with it. I was a bit disappointed with the number of surfers in the water though...

If you want a good board, take yours. There you may find nice NSP or Torq boards if you are lucky, and some are ok, and around 3usd for a session).
Good longboards (what I like to ride! Are expensive).
One week or two I wouldn't bother taking my board.

[TeeBee89]

Thanks zalle, really appreciate that! Sorry to hear. I wrap my rails with pipe insulation. Does the trick usually, but still luck of the draw with the deck. The vaunted Singapore Airlines has caused me the worse damage so far.
Not so bad for a Torq, but as you say I would likely take my own for a longer trip. Sounds like it was too crowded? I hope you trip was otherwise good!!

[jaffa1949]

The trains to the south can get pretty crowded, and carrying a longboard might make things tricky, especially if you have other luggage.

A private transfer from the airport is definitely easier and will give you room for your gear. If you’re okay with renting, there are plenty of surf shops in Weligama with decent boards, so that’s always an option too.

If you’re still in planning modeHave a great trip and catch some amazing waves!