Surfing in Sri Lanka: The best surf spots for kids

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If you’re eyeing up Sri Lanka for a family surf trip, stop thinking about it and get it booked.

With mellow waves, warm water, and soft, sandy beaches, it’s the perfect place for getting the kids on a board.

After surfing in the Philippines, Morocco and Lombok, the kids voted Sri Lanka as the best waves for kids!

Here’s everything we learned about surfing in Sri Lanka’s best family-friendly beaches, from first-hand tales to our top tips. (Spoiler: it’s not just about the waves; the coconut stands and sun loungers play a starring role too!)

Surf With Kids in Sri Lanka: Best Beaches, Tips, & More

Where to surf on the south coast

Family-Friendly Beaches to Surf in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s south coast is where you’ll find the best surf from October to April, with the southwest monsoon well out of the way and you get gentle and steady waves.

The South Coast has a beach for everyone and everything. We made our way through these beaches with the kids and Jak surfing their way around, whilst I tested out the sunbeds and coconuts.

Trust me, being a coconut-cocktail-holding supervisor is harder work than it sounds.

Weligama- the beginner surf waves

Our base for the first month was Weligama, a perfect beach for beginners and easily the most family-friendly surfing spot on the south coast.

The waves here are consistent and the sandy bottom makes every fall a bit softer – like a built-in safety net.

It’s not the bluest beach around, not really tropical paradise beach and more of a “cappuccino sea” vibe, but that’s because the waves are working their magic.

The beach has loads of surf schools, walk around, chat with a few and see who takes your fancy.

We signed the kids up at Blue Wave, a small surf school nestled beside the fancier ones on the strip. They’re incredibly cheap – around 2000–3000 Sri Lankan rupees (£8-£10) for a 90-minute lesson.

Each kid had their own instructor, who went through the basics on the sand while the kids mostly ignored them. The patience of these instructors is impressive; they’d paddle each kid back out repeatedly, ensuring they caught some waves.

Where to Stay in Weligama:

• Budget: Lawrence Villas – This beachfront apartment is perfect for families, and cozy budget friendly rooms too
• Mid-Range: Relax Beach Resort – Right on the beach, with a beautiful pool and family rooms.
• Luxury: Parangi Weligama Bay – Beautiful luxury hotel located outside of town in Weligama Bay.

Other Activities in Weligama:

• Whale Watching: Take a boat tour from Mirissa (20 minutes away) to spot blue whales, dolphins, and more. Read more about our post here
• Cooking Classes: Join a local cooking class for some hands-on experience with Sri Lankan cuisine.
• Day Trip to Galle: Only 30 minutes away, this UNESCO-listed fort town is perfect for exploring cobbled streets, historic sites, and vibrant cafes.

Mirissa Beach – For a Laid-back Vibe

Mirissa Beach has got a mellow right-hand break that’s perfect for kids ready to tackle small waves.

By the time we reached Mirissa, our kids felt they were nearing pro-surfer levels and had a “lessons aren’t necessary” attitude. I’d recommend sneaking in the lesson anyway, as paying someone to do the hard work of paddling the kids back out repeatedly is worth every rupee.

Where to Stay in Mirissa:

• Budget: Suriya Homestay – A cozy, family-friendly homestay near the beach with comfortable rooms at a reasonable price.
• Mid-Range: Resort Deepika Mirissa – It’s super clean, comfy and directly in front of the beach.
• Luxury: Imagine Villa Hotel– If you’re after something a bit more luxurious, this beachfront property has chic interiors, a stunning pool, and is the perfect spot to unwind after an early start whale watching.

Other Activities in Mirissa:

• Snorkeling with Turtles: Head to the eastern end of the beach where turtles often swim close to shore.
• Mirissa Secret Beach: A short tuk-tuk ride away, this secluded spot is great for families looking for a peaceful place to swim and snorkel. Bear in mind…it’s definitely not a secret anymore.
• Nightlife & Beach Bars: Once the kids are asleep, Mirissa’s beachside bars light up the coast with chilled-out evening vibes.

Surfing in Hirekitiya for kids

By the time we reached Hirekitiya the kids felt they were nearing Kelly Slater ability of surfing so no longer needed lessons.

But here comes the dad tip. Pay for the lesson! Paying someone to drag the kids board back out into the waves, making sure they catch a good wave and doing that on repeat for one whole hour is worth the 3000 rp!

Having also sampled the sunbeds on this beach, I definitely preferred it to Weligama for the overall vibe of the place.

Where to Stay in Hiriketiya:

• Budget: Kumudu Holiday Home– A full size budget friendly beachside house.
• Mid-Range: Dots Bay House – Eco-friendly beachside lodging
• Luxury: Salt House – Family-friendly, serene and stylish accommodation, with spacious family rooms

Other Activities in Hiriketiya:

• Yoga Classes: Many places offer drop-in yoga classes—great for adults or older kids.
• Tuk-tuk Adventures: Explore the coastal countryside or head down to Dickwella for some local shopping.

Surfing in Hikkaduwa for kids 

The conditions here are not as good as the previous two beaches but still not a bad place to learn to surf.

The bonus here is that its not far from the airport and has almost everything you need should you wish to hang out there.

Head past the coral garden and turtle point to find the best beginner waves at the north end of Navrigama beach.

Where to Stay in Hikkaduwa:

• Budget: L&D Stay Inn– Affordable big, clean beachfront rooms and super friendly staff.
• Mid-Range: Villa Red Lobster– Don’t be put off by the name, this family-friendly hotel with a pool and direct beach access.
• Luxury: The Chariot Hikkaduwa – Not far from the beach, set in beautiful gardens with a fab pool. It’s a great place to stay.

Other Activities in Hikkaduwa:

• Snorkeling at Coral Sanctuary: Ideal for seeing marine life without venturing too deep.
• Shopping and Nightlife: Hikkaduwa’s bustling strip is full of beach bars, local shops, and cafes. It’s a great place to have clothes made too.

The best bit about the south coast of Sri Lanka is how accessible each beach is. Hop in a tuktuk or take the coastal road bus (also known as a death wish but fun) and you can find yourself at a different beach offering a different view, wave and vibe.

Where to surf on the East Coast

If you’re planning to surf April through September, it’s all about Sri Lanka’s east coast.

Arugam Bay is the main attraction, drawing surfers from around the world with its mix of laid-back vibes and solid waves. In fact, we met a few families who swapped their south coast plans for Arugam’s more rustic and peaceful setting.

Where to Stay in Arugam Bay:

• Budget: Tropicana Homestay– Affordable rooms right near the beach
• Mid-Range: Secret Bay – Simple, beachfront chalets in a prime beachfront spot.
• Luxury: Kottukal by Jetwing – Sustainable beachfront villas with a pool and incredible ocean views.

Other Activities in Arugam Bay:

• Kumana National Park: About an hour’s drive from Arugam Bay, Kumana offers an off-the-beaten-track safari experience with elephants, leopards, and exotic birds.
• Lahugala Kitulana National Park: Located closer than Kumana, it’s perfect for spotting wild elephants, especially in the dry season.
• Boat Tours and Fishing Trips: You can arrange trips with locals and experience traditional fishing or a peaceful sunrise boat tour.

Top tips for surfing Sri Lanka with kids

1. Suncream can be expensive, stock up before you go. Use a high factor stick or zinc for the kids faces when out in the sea all day
2. Rash vests. The majority of surf schools will have rash vests for you to borrow. We always have one for the kids because it eases the pain of trying to apply suncream to all of their bodies.
3. Have a lesson first and start with a foam board for an easier first time experience.
4. Chaffing! Nobody likes chaffing, but it was common with our kids. We used a barrier cream before they heading into the water to prevent rubbing and rashes.
5. Always ask about the currents and the rips at each beach you go to. The guys at the beach are a great source of information. And on that note, check the tide times, you don’t want to turn up to flat waves and then spend the day hanging with mum on the sun lounger.

Skill Level and Age of Kids

Sri Lanka’s surf scene offers something for every age and skill level. For younger or first-time surfers, sandy-bottomed Weligama and the beginner-friendly waves at Arugam Bay are ideal.

If you’ve got older or more experienced surfers on your hands, they can challenge themselves at Midigama or even some of the bigger waves around Hiriketiya.

When to Surf in Sri Lanka with Kids

Sri Lankan Surf Seasons

The south coast is best for surfing from October to April, while the east coast comes alive from April to September. There’s really never a bad time to surf in Sri Lanka if you know where to go!

East Coast Surf – Late April to September

Arugam Bay – The best of the east coast, with options for all levels. From beginner waves at Baby Point to the iconic Main Point for more experienced surfers, this area has it all.

Family Surf Camps and Surf Schools in Sri Lanka

For families looking to dive into the surfing scene together, Sri Lanka’s family-friendly surf camps and surf schools are a great choice.

Whether you’re absolute beginners or intermediate surfers looking to refine your skills, there’s a camp or lesson option that fits.

Why Join a Family Surf Camp?

These camps offer surf lessons tailored to different ages and skill levels, from “learn to surf” basics on foam boards to honing techniques on more challenging surf breaks.

Camps usually combine surf instruction with other activities like yoga, beach games, and family excursions, creating a balanced mix of adventure and downtime.

Top Family-Friendly Surf Camps and Schools

• Dreamsea Surf Camp, Ahangama: This surf camp offers lessons for all levels, from absolute beginners to intermediate surfers, in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. With surf breaks suitable for everyone nearby, it’s perfect for easing kids and adults alike into the surf scene.
• Lucky’s Surf Camp: Located on the beginner-friendly Weligama Beach, this camp offers private and group lessons focused on the basics of riding waves. Its gentle, sandy-bottomed surf break is ideal for younger kids or anyone who wants to learn to surf in Sri Lanka.
• The Green Rooms, Midigama: Geared toward families with more experienced surfers, this surf school offers lessons for all ages and can accommodate mixed skill levels. The area’s surf breaks range from mellow to slightly more challenging, making it a good spot for intermediate surfers to step up.

What to Expect at a Family Surf Camp

Expect daily surf lessons with patient instructors, along with activities like nature hikes, coconut weaving, or beach clean-ups.

Most camps also provide all the gear, including rash vests and soft-top boards, making it easy to hit the water without any prep.

Surfing With Kids in Sri Lanka: FAQ

Final Thoughts: Surf Sri Lanka with Kids

Sri Lanka is a beautiful place to introduce kids to surfing and embrace some downtime between waves. Whether it’s Weligama’s sandy-bottom waves or Arugam Bay’s world-famous breaks, there’s a spot for every family. And let’s be real – having someone else paddle the kids back out while you sip a fresh coconut on the shore is a perk you won’t get everywhere!

Sri Lanka is an amazing destination for family travel and adventure also the surfing options are just one of those many reasons. Want to know about our trip? Feel free to drop us a message or take a look at our other posts on Sri Lanka

Our favourite family travel planning tools

• Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site with the widest selection of budget accommodation. It’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability.
• Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss.
• Kiwi– We use Kiwi for our destination inspiration, and to help find those routes which are a little cheaper. It has a very flexible search option for finding flights.
• GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is the place to go for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
• SafetyWing – A great travel insurance option that offers load of flexibility. 
• Genki – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). 
• ESim– We always set up an esim for arrival into a country to help navigate our way around.
• Discover Cars– Our go to for rentals, internationally. We always find the best deals here
• 12go– Our go to for booking buses, trains, coaches and boats
• TravelSpend– Helps us to keep track of our budget

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