Surfing in Weligama is famous as the best beginner surf on the Sri Lanka south coast. Come here to ride the waves with one of the best surf schools in the country. There are lots of surrounding reefs and point breaks for you to progress to as well.
On Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Weligama Beach widens into a vast bay. It’s 3.2 kilometers long in total, although it curves like a horseshoe well inland. What’s the end result? It is a great place to catch waves from the Indian and Southern seas because of the natural split in the shore there.
What have we included in this guide to Weligama surf?
An introduction to surfing in Weligama
- Where is Weligama?
- The best surf spots in Weligama
- Weligama surf season
- Surf shops in Weligama
- How to get to Weligama?
An introduction to Weligama surf
As mentioned, on the south coast of Sri Lanka, Weligama Beach expands out into a large bay. From one end to the other, it’s 3.2 kilometers long, yet it forms a horseshoe-shaped arch further inland. The ideal dune for refracting incoming waves from the Indian and Southern seas. When a wave makes it through, it’s dragged out into a long, flowing frame that hits the main beaches in a sequence of crests. They’re sturdy yet shielded from the elements by the nearby headlands, so clear. Crystal water is the norm. Surfing in Weligama is perhaps the best choice for beginners.
The town of Weligama itself is disjointed and lacks a focal point. Matara Road is more of a sprawling collection of surf shops, cafés, pubs, and restaurants. Arugam Bay is no longer Sri Lanka’s starting center. Therefore, the region is now home to many hostels and hotels, some affordable and others opulent. There is also a slew of rental options available. All in all, these establishments have made Weligama surf a more pleasurable experience.
The major Weligama surf locations are all buried inside Weligama Bay. However, a short tuk-tuk ride along Matara Road will reveal a plethora of other attractions. If you’re an intermediate, the reefs and points around Midigama are yours for the taking. Other surf guides will take you to the less well-known SK Town, located east of the main island. This is a great place to base yourself in Sri Lanka for surfing, no matter your skill level.
Where is Weligama?
Located on Sri Lanka‘s southern coast, the major town of Weligama is known as the gateway to Weligama Bay. You’ll find it on the bustling seaside road connecting the two cities of Galle and Matara, about halfway between them (known as the Matara Road). Colombo, the island’s capital, and the home to the island’s primary airport, where you’re likely to arrive, are both around two hours north.
A guide to Weligama surf spots
In addition to being beginner-friendly, the Weligama surf locations are conveniently located just outside of town. If you’re in these regions, you can wake up, grab your board, and surf within minutes of leaving your hostel. Other spots, a bit farther away, are ideal for intermediate surfers. To get there, you’ll need to barter with a tuk-tuk driver. It’s not a huge deal. Here are the best spots for surfing in Weligama.
Weligama beach
Everyone heads to Weligama’s beach break, which is the most important site to know about. The perfect place for beginners to learn how to surf in Weligama, but with a little additional oomph out in the sticks. Secondary swells are best for surf schools and beginners. It’s usually chest-high and squishy, making it ideal for honing your pop-up technique.
Meanwhile, even when it’s cold on the secondary, more experienced riders may enjoy double overheads and rather rapid excursions outback. It will never be as wonderful as when the reef in Midigama breaks down more. It’s a start. On big days, closed-outs are typical. Longer periods will benefit from this.
Midigama
Midigama is located just west of Weligama. It’s not a town in and of itself, technically speaking. But it’s more like two or three-click-long beaches before Ahangama, with bays and dunes in between. Also, intermediate and advanced surfers go to this spot searching for a break that’s a little more difficult to get into than Weligama. You may select from several locations. The relaxed and rippable rides of Lazy Left and Lazy Right have made them popular. Over the years, Midigama has taken a top spot as one of the best Weligama surf spots.
Mirissa waves
Mirissa is more well-known for its whale-watching opportunities than as a surf destination in Sri Lanka. After dark, it’s known for its wild parties. However, it does have a few reefs. On the main beach, keep an eye out for the finest spots. On a high tide, it’s a powerful right-hander that comes in off the point. It may provide excellent barrels over extended periods. Rocks should be avoided at all costs.
SK Town
More and more of the guides from the Weligama surf school are taking their groups to SK Town along Matara Road. It’s not difficult to understand why. Surfers may expect consistent surf coming in from the S-SW from this location. Light onshore secondary waves and tidy wedges outback make it great for beginners and intermediates. There are plenty of waves in the region, but this one has a European feel rather than the typical Sri Lankan reef breaks. In regular traffic, it takes 30-40 minutes to go to SK.
Hiriketiya for surfing in Weligama
Hiriketiya Beach in southern Sri Lanka’s surf scene is rapidly rising. There are two great breakers in this stunning horseshoe bay. An excellent place for beginners and casual intermediates is the sand beach break. There’s also a left-hand reef for specialists only, where you’ll have to navigate sharp rock. In regular traffic, the trip from Weligama to Hiriketiya takes about 1-1.2 hours.
The best times for surfing in Weligama
Dry season (December-March)
During the dry season, the surf in Weligama is at its best. They’re quieter, hotter, and drier, all at the same time. There is rain, but it doesn’t fall as often. Therefore, less run-off pollutes the sea. There are plenty of days when the Southern Ocean’s southerlies and westerlies help get things going swell-wise, so the intermediates and novices at the Weligama surf school can enjoy those large waves and short shore breaks.
Monsoon (April-November)
Around the middle of April, rain begins to fall on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. As the months go on, the rain gets heavier, and in June, July, and August, we may expect some very significant storm systems to sweep over the area. Arugam Bay, which has the finest surf right now, is where most surfers go. There are days when you can take the board out in Weligama, but that’s not why you came to Sri Lanka in the first place! Surfing in Weligama is not recommended during this time of the year.
Surf shops in Weligama
There are several surf shops in Weligama. The majority of them are situated between Matara Road and the town’s main intersection. Here are a few of our favorites:
Dylan’s Surf Company
Dylan’s, a stockist of well-known brands like Billabong and DHD, is a mainstay of the South Sri Lanka surf scene. In the center of Weligama, there’s a nice small shop on the major Matara Road intersection. Grip pads, leashes, bikinis, zinc-based sunscreens, and more may be found here.
Kwaii Surfing Co.
Rather than gear, Kwaii Surfing Co. caters to your new surf attire. Vintage board shorts and throwback tees from the 1970s were displayed in the store’s cool decor, including polished concrete walls and simple tables. Very kind and helpful members of the team. This is a gorgeous place to visit when you plan surfing in Weligama.
How to get to Weligama for Surfing?
Private transfer
A trip from Colombo Airport to Weligama will cost around 11,000 rupees. The easiest method to arrive is by vehicle if you’re hauling your surfboard and gear, but be sure to ask the driver whether it’s acceptable to bring along additional luggage.
Tuk-tuk
From nearby towns like Mirissa and Midigama, you may take a tuk-tuk directly to Weligama. Never pay full price; pricing is always up for negotiation. A cab journey to Mirissa cost us between 200 and 300 rupees.
Train
A Colombo to Weligama direct train service is available many times daily. In addition to seeing beautiful beaches and surf towns like Hikkaduwa, the trip is enjoyable. Seats are limited, so plan ahead of time. First-class tickets are 400 Rs, while second-class tickets are nearly half that.
And that’s the end of the ultimate guide to Unawatuna surf. Plan Your Surf Tour with us
Images by Google – Credit to original owners