Weligama is a dream destination for any aspiring surfer. No wonder, travellers from around the world flock to this beautiful bay year after year. Sri Lanka has become such a hub spot for surfing that their national airlines has even made it free to carry your surfboard!
Here are 12 reasons why Weligama is a great place for your first surf trip-
1. Easy spot to learn for beginners
2. Long sections of whitewash
3. A 1km long surf break
4. Sri Lanka is perfectly placed for great waves
5. Great surf infrastructure
6. Intermediate/ advance surf spots close by
7. Great parties in town
8. Amazing Sri Lankan food
9. Plenty of international cafes
10. Chance to surf with turtles
11. Chance to see the world's largest mammal
12. A friend in need, is a friend indeed
1. Easy spot to learn for beginners
Weligama beach has no rocks or corals, only sandy bottoms. This ensures that when you fall off, you don't get scratched or injured. A beach break is the most ideal learning condition for any beginner.
2. Long sections of whitewash
The waves break in sections, creating a lot of foam. As a beginner, you learn to ride foam waves (white waves) before attempting unbroken waves (green waves).
A long section of whitewash gives a chance for long rides, even as you attempt your first waves
3. A 1 km long surf break
Weligama bay has surfable waves for nearly 1 km. This means that there enough space for many surfers to practice together.
Most spots in the world have a 100m or less section of waves. This means all the surfers are crowded at a single spot. More crowd means more chances of injury, and less chances to get your own ride.
4. Sri Lanka is perfectly placed for great waves
The island is fully exposed to the Indian Ocean. There is no land mass between Antarctica and Sri Lanka. This vast exposure means that Sri Lanka gets great swells perfect for surfing.
5. Great surf infrastructure
Weligama has over 30 surf schools. There are also tons of surf shops with surf gear, surf clothing and accessories. The best surf brands of the world are available here.
6. Intermediate/ advance surf spots close by
Within a 30 km range, there is at least 15 world class surf spots for aspiring intermediates and advanced surfers. This means Sri Lanka attracts plenty of hobby surfers from around the world.
As a beginner, watching better surfers helps understand the sport better. Not to mention the interesting stories you get to hear from the pros.
7. Great parties in town
Weligama and the adjoining areas of Midigama & Mirissa are known for their parties. The bars in town take turns to host parties through Mon - Sunday.
There's never a dull night in Weligama.
8. Amazing Sri Lankan food
The local food is mind blowing. Red rice, Sri Lankan curries, coconut sambal, string hoppers are some must try dishes when you're here. Amazing to taste, super healthy and light on the pocket.
9. Plenty of international cafes
Smoothie bowls, juices, buddha bowls, pizzas, burritos all are plenty. Choose what you like to eat.
10. Chance to surf with turtles
It is common for surfers to spot turtles in the water while surfing. Enough said :D
11. Chance to see the world's largest mammal
A 30 min scooty ride will take you to Mirissa, where the blue whale visits every year. Not many countries are lucky to have the world's biggest mammal as a visitor. And the best part, the surf season coincides with the whale migration. Enough said again :D
12. A friend in need, is a friend indeed
Having recently undegone an economic crisis, the Sri Lankan locals have seen a terrible low. Let's help our next-door neighbours generate some livelihood again. Not to mention, the local Sri Lankans are some of the most welcoming people you will meet.
Conclusion
Weligama makes for a fantastic destination for anyone looking for a few days of well-rounded fun. It offers the chance to holiday + learn a new sport with great ease.
Want to plan a surf vacation to Weligama? Head to AdventurePlay's Surf Beginner's Course and start your journey as a surfer!
About Author-
Nitisha Sethia is an outdoor sport practitioner and founder of AdventurePlay. Ex-McKinsey & Co. and IIM Ahmedabad, Nitisha left her corporate job to follow her passion in the outdoors.
Adventure Play is a one-stop platform to discover and play outdoor sports in Asia. www.adventureplay.asia | Instagram- @adventureplay.asia