Sri Lanka’s South Coast is a true longboarders heaven. Mellow, easygoing, glassy waves can be found all along the coast. The south coast provides consistent conditions, very small tidal changes and no wind until the afternoon. Ask around and you might even find some secluded breaks, where it’s just you and a few other people in the water. Reason enough to explore this beautiful part of Sri Lanka with it’s soft golden beaches, abundance of coconuts and palm trees, delicious food and locals that will always welcome you with a smile. Let me introduce you to some of my favorite breaks and beaches:
Meddawatta Beach, Matara
This long stretched beach was always a bit of secret to the big public. But news travels fast and more and more people ar falling in love with this beautiful beach. Luckily there’s always a spot to be found in the water on this 2km wide, consistent beach break, especially early mornings. The break is suited for all surfing levels.
Stay
There are places to stay all along the beach, but our favorite one is Seascape. This newly opened place has six rooms, all with a sea view. You wake up to the sound of the ocean and you can check the waves from your bed. The rooms are very comfy and there’s a pool where you can cool off after a surf session. The in-house restaurant serves delicious food.
If you want to make a little daytrip from Matara, definitely visit Hirikateya. This small, beautiful cove has a left reef break and a beach break, which makes it suitable for all levels. There are lots of restaurants, surfboard rentals and shops to keep you entertained after your surf session. One of our favorite shops was DOTS.
Kabalana
Staying in Kabalana means being close to what is said to be the best reef break in Sri Lanka, called Kabalana Rock. Our favorite spot however was on the other side of town, called South Beach. This uncrowded spot has a deep reef break with long, mellow rides left and right, which makes it the perfect break for longboarders. Kabalana Rock is a more advanced short board wave. In front of Kabalana Rock you can find Kabalana beach break, which is very suited for beginners. Kabalana is an easy-going, small town and it’s the perfect base for trips to Mirissa, Galle or Sri Lanka’s famous stick fishermen. Make sure to have dinner at Ceylon Cafe at least once, it’s the best food on the coast without a doubt. Try the oysters and the tuna steak.
Stay
Kabalana Hotel is a superb, surf-friendly, pristine white and modern getaway. It’s situated in the middle of Kabalana Rock and South Beach. It has 12 rooms, a pool, big and spacious, white rooms and excellent service. Because the rooms are all in separate buildings, it almost feels like a village and it creates a sense of community. A nice feature is the big, partly outside bathroom with a palm tree in the middle that stretches out of the rooftop.
If you’re travelling in a group then I would definitely recommend Kabalana House, which is from the same owners as Kabalana Hotel. Once a family home, This four-bedroom villa with it’s contemporary interior in earthy tones is now available to anyone looking for luxury, style and comfort. The villa is right in front of Kabalana Rock point, so once again you can check the waves from your bed. The villa has a private chef who can prepare delicious seafood or Sri Lankan curries. Sip on an afternoon cocktail in the ocean front lounge, enjoy the villas stunning views of the Indian ocean, relax by the turquoise emerald swimming pool or stroll around in the garden covered in palm trees, the Kabalana House has it all.
The same family also ownes Colombo Hotel, which is the perfect and stylish place to start your holiday after a long flight.
Weligama
All though Weligama is quite touristy, it’s the perfect base to discover some of Sri Lanka’s best breaks, which are only a short tuctuc ride away. One of our favorites was Lazy Right, which is the mellower version of well-known Lazy Left. It’s a deep reef break and it can provide some long rides. Where Lazy Left can be quite busy, the crowds tent to stay away at Lazy Right.
Last but not least, our all time favorite spot, Fishermen’s Point. It’s a bit of a secret, but ask around and some people can tell you the way. From Ceylon Sliders it’s only a ten-minute walk to where you need to get in the water. Because there is a ten to fifteen minute paddle out and the break is hard to spot from the shore, there is almost no crowd. If you manage to get out there, you will find a consistent and perfect longboard wave. It’s definitely worth the effort.
Stay
Ceylon Sliders is definitely the place to stay in town. This Swedish owned place is designed for the nomadic surfer. Concrete walls combined with lush green plants set the tone. The café is set in the courtyard, where you can sip the most delicious coffee on the island and meet likeminded people. There are daily yoga classes on the roof early morning and late afternoon. In the front there is a little shop with carefully selected fine, local and imported goods. Ceylon Sliders only has a handful of rooms, so make sure to book in advance.
