Surfing in Sri Lanka

Surfing, kitesurfing & windsurfing on the tropical island

Sri Lanka has been on the surfing map for a long time. Regardless of whether you are surfing, kiting or windsurfing, beginners, intermediates or advanced surfers – Sri Lanka offers the right spot for all surfing enthusiasts and those who want to become one. The pleasant water temperatures all year round also make Sri Lanka the ideal place for a surfing holiday. We have summarized the most important information about surfing in Sri Lanka below. At the bottom of the page there is also a surfing calendar for Sri Lanka for a better overview.

Surfing/wave riding in Sri Lanka

Constant and clean waves – all year round

Sri Lanka can be divided into two surfing regions that complement each other perfectly seasonally: The surfing spots in the south and southwest offer perfect conditions, especially between November and April. In Hikkaduwa, Midigama, Weligama, Mirissa, Matara and Hiriketiya you will find the best and most popular surf spots in the southern region, which boast clear water, breaks of all kinds, fabulous weather and waves of up to 2 meters in the season. From April to October, surfing enthusiasts flock to Arugam Bay on the east coast of Sri Lanka. Arugam Bay is a true surfer’s paradise with over 10 different surf points in the surrounding area – including several point breaks – and was the venue for the ASP Pro Surf Competition in 2010 and 2011.

Surfboards can be rented almost everywhere for a fee, but you have to make a few compromises when it comes to the quality of the boards. Good surf shops for buying surf goods and accessories are still quite rare in Sri Lanka and the shops are usually not particularly well equipped. If you want to be on the safe side, it’s best to bring your own equipment. For beginners who want to immerse themselves in the joy and lifestyle of surfing, there are plenty of easy beach breaks; Surfing lessons are also offered in many places. Surf camps in Sri Lanka are now very popular and can be found in almost every place on the surfable coastal area.

In addition to the constant and clean waves, it is also Sri Lanka’s beautiful, palm-lined sandy beaches that make every surfer’s heart beat faster. And in the evening? End the perfect day of surfing with cool drinks and hot beats on the beach!

Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka

Perfect wind in a world class kite destination

With more than a dozen kitesurfing spots and wind speeds averaging around 35 km/h, Puttalam is the ideal kitesurfing region in the north-west of Sri Lanka. The Indian Ocean on one side, the Puttalam Lagoon on the other side and in between the small Kalpitiya Lagoon, which offers perfect conditions for beginners and freestylers. The best time to travel for kiting in Sri Lanka is from May to October, but there are also good wind conditions outside of the main season, namely from December to February. The temperatures are pleasantly warm all year round, which means you can safely leave your wetsuit at home.

The kitesurf shops in Kalpitiya and the surrounding area are very well equipped. Kitesurfing camps are available, as are individual kitesurfing lessons with well-trained kitesurfing instructors. The kitesurfing schools also organize downwind safaris. Equipment can be rented on site for a fee. An excellent address for information, accommodation, kitesurfing and windsurfing trips of all kinds is the De Silva Windresort in Kalpitiya. The owner and kite and windsurfing professional Upul De Silva 

A stay in Puttalam is also something very special: far away from western culture, the region is known as one of the most original in Sri Lanka. Authentic Sri Lanka meets cool sport – what more could you want?

Windsurfing in Sri Lanka

Cruising on azure waters with views of idyllic beaches

Anyone looking for good wind for windsurfing will find a true windsurfing paradise in Kalpitiya on the west coast of Sri Lanka from May to October. The area around Kalpitiya & Puttalam is considered one of the best wind destinations in the world and has therefore developed into a true mecca for kite and windsurfing enthusiasts in recent years (see also kitesurfing). Many very well-equipped surf schools run cool accommodations there and also offer their guests a great supporting program (e.g. yoga, beach volleyball, Ayurveda,).

Outside the peak windsurfing season in Sri Lanka, the months of December to February in Kalpitiya also offer good wind conditions for advanced surfers. For beginners there is also enough wind in other months – they will find good practice conditions almost all year round in the calm water of the lagoon.

Good to know: Although the kite and windsurfing scene around Kalpitiya has grown rapidly in recent years, the beaches in the area are still considered one of the most authentic and tranquil holiday areas in Sri Lanka. So, if you’re looking for a quiet holiday, Kalpitiya is the right place for you.