The Surf Window

Weligama

Southern Province, Sri Lanka

Beach breakBeginner

A wide, sheltered bay with gentle waves and warm water, Weligama is Sri Lanka's premier learn-to-surf destination and has welcomed generations of travellers to their first wave on the warm southern coast.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalSSW (195°)
WindowSSE–WSW (150°–240°)
Size4-8ft

Wind

NE

Offshore

Tide

Any

LowMidHigh

Season

March–October

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand and some rock

Shape

Slow, gentle beach break, wide, forgiving waves perfect for beginners

Length

20–60m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginner
  • •Why: Warm water, gentle waves, and a huge number of surf instructors make Weligama one of Asia's best places to learn.

Hazards

  • •Fishing boats and outrigger canoes share the bay, maintain awareness of boat traffic
  • •Jellyfish seasonally
  • •Can get very crowded with learners during peak season

Local Tips

  • •Weligama has excellent surf schools, cheap guesthouses, and extraordinary food, a perfect budget surf destination.
  • •The iconic "stilt fishermen" of the nearby coast are a famous Sri Lanka landmark worth photographing.

Location

Map showing the location of Weligama in Southern Province, Sri Lanka

5.9714, 80.4272