Surfing at Mirissa takes place on a beautiful white-sand beach on Sri Lanka’s south coast. However, the town is more well-known as a party destination, with many getaways in the surrounding area.
The pros of surfing at Mirissa include the beautiful scenery, coconut trees, and other amenities, as well as good reef breaks and proximity to Weligama for newbies. Let’s use this opportunity to get to know surfing in Mirissa better.
An introduction to Surfing in Mirissa
Mirissa is unique in that it is located in the center of Sri Lankan surf country yet only has two or three breakers on its doorstep. These breaks are excellent, and we don’t want to belittle them in any way. There’s a lot of variety with an easy left at Harbor Jetty and a tricky reef with an aggressive takeoff at West Bay’s westernmost tip. It’s simply that there’s so much more to choose from in the area that you may arrive expecting more and be disappointed.
That’s because Mirissa isn’t recognized as a major surfing destination. It’s more known for its nightlife than anything else on the island (except for Arugam Bay). Therefore, we recommend coming here for a vacation and surfing secondarily. Take in the Sri Lankan vibes while sipping on a coconut drink, and then take a tuk-tuk to the beach when you’re ready to surf. For beginners, there’s Weligama; for intermediates and above, there’s Mirissa; for more experienced surfers, there’s SK Town and other places farther west.
Images by Google – Credit to original owners
Where to surf in Mirissa?
The best places to catch a wave in Mirissa are along the beach near the pubs. You may learn to dive on the fast reef or the beach part, depending on your experience level. Exploring the Sri Lankan shore outside of town, on the other hand, is a must.
Mirissa Beach Surfing
Mirissa Beach has a lot more protection than other beaches along Sri Lanka’s southern coast. During the dry season, the waves seldom break at over 5ft. The mainline is that they aren’t going to be as good as places like SK Town for sand-bottomed setups, but they are adequate for beginners. There are a few rental booths on the beaches, but be on the lookout for scammers!
Weligama
It takes approximately 15 minutes to go from Mirissa to Weligama by rickshaw. Be careful to bargain! It should only cost you around 300 rupees. It’s a daily journey for many surfers in Mirissa since it provides access to the island’s finest beginning break.
Out at sea islands and the Midigama Headlands to the west protect this large harbor. Inside, you’ll find whitewash breakers with sand bottoms that separate main and secondary waves, making it a great place to learn how to surf.
Mirissa Reef
In Mirissa Beach’s westernmost reaches, there’s a reef break where you can catch some waves. In the middle of the ocean, it’s quite shallow. This is due to an overabundance of sea urchins that have taken up residence on the rocks below. One of Sri Lanka’s most laid-back reef breaks is just a matter of being cautious where your feet land and paddling out. It’s not a lengthy ride, but it’s rough at times. Because of the shallow rocks, we’d rather leave it to the intermediaries.
Mirissa Harbour
Mirissa Beach’s harbor end has a quicker and hollower current. There are a few excellent 6-8 footers, but they won’t give you tubes if you ask. If it’s a big wave, it’s more likely to be crumbly and fat. The journey from the temple to the coconut trees may take you across the major bay and be rather lengthy. Please.
SK Town
South Sri Lanka’s SK Town is a good new location for beginners and intermediates. Bays like Weligama are seeing an increase in the number of groups wanting to go out on the water due to the increasing number of schools using them. The waves themselves are of exceptional quality for this part of the world. The oversand beach breaks with plenty of power. On good SW waves with a northerly offshore, it’s the greatest choice.
When to surf in Mirissa
There are two distinct seasons in Mirissa. It’s pouring rain, and you can see how rough the seas are becoming. On the other hand, this one is drier and calmer, making it ideal for pounding the waves in Mirissa.
Dry season (November-March)
In Sri Lanka, the dry season does not imply that it is entirely dry. Rain is still possible, particularly in November and December. While rain is less frequent at this time of year, ocean storms subside to provide regular, long-lasting showers along the South Coast, making this a better time to visit. In that location, you’ll find Mirissa. In other words, the ideal time to go surfing in Mirissa is during the dry season. Larger waves are expected in November, so plan your trip accordingly. Arrive in town in January to take advantage of the finest circumstances for newcomers.
Put on your rash vest because this is the place to do it. There’s no need for a wetsuit.
Wet season (April to October)
The onshore weather in Sri Lanka may be completely wrecked during the rainy season. It’s choppy, and there are seldom enough waves coming through to charge the reefs near Mirissa. If you want to try surfing, go to Mirissa Beach or SK Town. At this time of year, almost everyone travels east to Arugam Bay.
Wear just a rash vest. When you’re not surfing, make sure you have a rain jacket handy.
Mirissa has many surf shops.
While the number of surf shops in Mirissa isn’t as high as, say, Weligama, there are still a few that you’ll like.
Lazy.Ride Surf Boutique
Lazy. Ride Surf Boutique is one of the best surf shops you will visit in Sri Lanka. They’re laid-back, friendly, and straightforward in a little shop around 300 meters from Mirissa Beach. Tie-dye bikinis and graphic shirts for women and men adorn the assortment, which is very distinctive. Come on by and have a look around.
Dylan’s Surf Company
To go to Dylan’s Surf Company in Weligama, spend around 200 rupees on a tuk-tuk. You’ll find a large selection of PHD surfboards available, as well as anything else you could need, like swimsuits and sticky wax.