Meet Lahiru, of The Surfer Weligama

Although a common turn of phrase, “catching the surf bug” is kind of what it feels like. Maybe it’s not an illness per se, but once that stoke from a pivotal session sinks in — often, you’re hooked for life. Perhaps this is what Lahiru, guide and owner of The Surfer Beach Camp in Sri Lanka felt when he quit his steady banking job to surf more, teach others to surf, and house them in an extra room 10 years ago. Eventually, the obsession expanded into The Surfer and TS2 surf camps in Sri Lanka’s surf hub of Weligama. Between epic swells gracing the South coast of the island nation, Lahiru mapped out the region’s many surf spots for us and elaborated on how one scores in his neck of the woods.

Thermal: Talk to us about the waves around Weligama. Are there a lot of options in that part of Sri Lanka?

Lahiru: There sure are, and for a wide variety of surfers, actually. Weligama is a huge bay on the southern tip of the island, protected from the heaviest swells, making a lot of its waves softer, cleaner, and perfect for beginner surfers. Just within a 15-30 minute drive in both directions from our surf camp you can hit lots of quality surf spots, from Matara to Ahangama. This is also a great way to advance gradually going from softer beach breaks if you’re a beginner to some of the heavier reef breaks. Mirissa, for example, has a popular reef break, ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers. Nearby Midigama is famous for five consistent breaks within walking distance to each other which are:

• Coconut and Plantation (the top surf spots for intermediate and advanced surfers, located one km south of Midigama Beach. These two waves can hold a solid 2m swell.
• Rams is the best advanced surf spot in Midigama, a short, shallow and powerful reefbreak that tubes.
• Lazy Left is the most famous surf break in Midigama, perfect for advanced and intermediate surfers and offers 500 meter-long left rides on better days. Best at low tide.
• Lazy Right is for sure the best beginner surf spot in Midigama. It’s a deep reef break, good for longboards. When everywhere is closing out, check Lazy Right; you might be surprised with some great rides.

Ahangama is a village right after Midigama, that has a long stretch of beautiful, tropical shoreline, offering all sorts of surf breaks, from sandy-bottomed beach breaks for beginners to rocky points and reefs for better surfers. Stick Point and the Rock are favorites. Unawatuna is a beach town just south of Galle, worth checking out on your way to historical Dutch Fort. Beginner-friendly surf spots are tucked inside of Unawatuna Bay, including the beginner area: Dewata Beach/Clossenburg Beach, offering slow and mellow waves.

Lastly, Hikkaduwa is one of the more developed surf towns, famous for a number of local breaks and waves that can reach 3ft to 10ft during high season. More advanced surfers can head to Benny’s, a short and steep lefthander. For intermediates, we say: Main Reef and North Jetty.

All the surf spots except Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa and Hiriketiya are located around our surf camp and you can reach them within a 10-15 minutes tuk tuk ride.

Nice! Well, I’d say that’s some options. What’s the secret to scoring that side of Sri Lanka, though?

When it comes to scoring this part of Sri Lanka, it’s the dry season that’s best, from September to May. Offshore winds are more common and the swell is nice for a lot of the reef breaks. This is also the time to hit the widest variety of Sri Lanka surf destinations both in the South (Weligama) and West coasts.

So there is a monsoon season then?

Yes, monsoon starts in the South from May to October, so during that period it’s best is to go to the East Coast (Arugam Bay).

How did you first get into surfing and surf-guiding?

I was actually a professional banker when I was 20. While I was working in my hometown in a bank I met a client who invited me to go surfing and that’s where everything started to change. I fell in love with surfing completely, eventually quit my job at the bank and vowed to figure out some kind of business that had to do with surfing. I started to AirBnb a room at my parent’s house and then I started teaching surfing to the guests there and guide them. As time passed, I could see all the potential and how many people were coming to Weligama to surf, so we began to rent more guest rooms and then I was able to buy land on the beach for The Surfer. Of course, the business continues…

How have you seen surfing grow in Sri Lanka?

When I started surfing 11 years ago, there weren’t a whole lot of locals surfing in Weligama, maybe only about 10 -15 people in the whole city. But nowadays there are many locals who surf and it’s become their passion in life. Now there’s a lot of surf camps and surf hotels. I think compared to the last ten years, Weligama has become one of best surfing cities in Sri Lanka.

Wow. So what’s the vibe like in the South (Weligama) in comparison to East Side of Sri Lanka?

I’d say that the East Coast of Sri Lanka is very rural compared to Weligama. Basically, more limited options and facilities on that side of the country. But Weligama, for example, has been developed a lot over the last few years. Surfing culture is the new trend of Weligama, with a lot of businesses turning into surfing businesses and tourist-related companies. But as far as “vibe,” it’s pretty social around here! Every evening there is a party in Mirissa, where one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka is located, just 10 minutes from Weligama. It’s a good time.

As far as comparing waves, though, the East Coast surf spots are mostly pointbreaks with long, green waves that you can ride up to 50 to 75 meters long. Weligama and all the surf spots around in Weligama are mostly reef breaks and sandbottomed beach breaks. So, Weligama has more beginner-friendly options, while Arugam Bay on the East Coast is more typically advanced. There are more waves to choose from here, though, in the South-Southwest.

What else is really fun to do around Weligama that you can’t really find anywhere else in the world?

One pretty amazing thing is going whale-watching. It’s possible to see blue whales (the largest mammal on earth) off the South Coast. Also, there’s sperm whales, dolphins, whale sharks, humpback whales, and a variety of sea turtles. Another cool thing to see are the traditional stilt fishermen. You can see this “ritipanna” in Midigama, for example. Going to the historic, colonial Portuguese city of Galle is a must do while you’re here, too.

Also, about two hours from Weligama, you can reach one of best rainforests in Sri Lanka called Sinharaja. There are lots of different type of trees, plants, snakes, and animals, including a waterfall, too.

What are some rules of etiquette or other advice you give surf travelers to Weligama?

Really, It is the same rules as everywhere in the world: When you are surfing, respect the locals and follow the golden surf rule.

Plan your trip to Weligama

Beach Camp Weligama

We are a top-rated surf camp in Sri Lanka, right in the heart of Weligama. We are meters away from the best surf spots out there! Made for surfers, by surfers.

— Lahiru, The Surfer Weligama