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Surf · Weligama

Weligama: Where Sri Lanka Learns to Surf

By Days of Iru and Opa
Weligama: Where Sri Lanka Learns to Surf
📷 Honeplus · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons · source

Weligama, meaning "sandy village", is a long shallow bay that has become the go-to place to learn to surf. Its forgiving waves, sandy bottom and cluster of surf schools make it ideal for beginners.

Learning to surf

The mellow beach break and knee-to-waist-high waves are perfect for first lessons, with plenty of schools renting boards and running classes.

Taprobane Island

A tiny private island sits just off the bay, reachable on foot at low tide, and is a charming photo stop at sunset.

Season

The south-coast surf season runs roughly November to April, though Weligama’s beginner waves work much of the year.

Nearby

Mirissa’s beaches and whale-watching are minutes east, and you may spot the stilt fishermen along the coast toward Koggala.

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