Midigama surf spots range from the edge of Weligama all the way to the town of Ahangama, with reef breaks for intermediates the main port of call.
Midigama surf spots at a glance
The good:
- Some easy-going reefs for intermediates looking to graduate from the sand.
- Fast and hollow waves in some spots.
- Lots to try.
The bad:
- A little localism.
- You might need a tuk-tuk to get to some Midigama surf spots.
- Rocks and urchins by the bucket load!
This is a part of our greater guide to Sri Lanka surf.
What will I find in this guide to the surf in Midigama?
An introduction to Midigama surf spots
Beyond the huge bay of Weligama, Sri Lanka’s south-western coast starts to run through hidden beach after hidden beach. For almost six kilometres, the stretch passes gold-tinged sands and little coves crowded by coconut palms, all of which can be referred to by the collective name of Midigama (the name of the small town at their centre).
But, while the beaches might be lovely to look at, they are also a surfing mecca. So, if you’re the sort that likes to hunt secret waves and unknown reefs, this is perhaps the perfect hunting ground. That’s all down to the sheer variety of Midigama surf spots that are on the menu. You can expect to find the likes of Lazy Left – a really fat peeler that mushes up the beach for over 100 metres a pop – sitting tight with Rams – a high-octane tube waves that’s super exposed.
Those coming to surf Midigama are still predominantly islanders and long-term travellers who’ve settled here on their Sri Lankan surf odyssey. That means you might find a little localism, though the Midigama hostel and surf camp scene is picking up to boot. In terms of level, Midi adds a whole other layer of technicality to the basic beach-based Weligama surf spots. It’s the top spot to go when you want something a little more challenging and faster.
Where exactly is Midigama?
Midigama is a town, but when it comes to surfing, the moniker now refers to a whole string of beaches and reefs that stretch along the south-west side of the island. They start at Weligama and go all the way to Ahangama. That’s nearly 6,000 metres of shoreline, which you’ll find replete with gorgeous beaches and cool Midigama hostel stays with board rentals just a stone’s throw from enticing waves.
A guide to all the best Midigama surf spots
One of the reasons that Midigama surf spots are so popular is that there’s such a variation in their size, style, and character. Here, you can start the day with a longboard on a mellow left-hander atop deep reefs and end with A-frame barrels peeling fast across shallow tide pools. Let’s take a look…
Lazy Right and Lazy Left
The combo of Lazy Left and Lazy Right is what really helps put Midigama surf spots on the map of the Sri Lanka south-west coast. They epitomise what the region is all about: Good, reliable reef breaks that are approachable even for those who’ve only surfed ever on sand in the past.
Of the two, it’s the left that’s the harder one. It offers a pretty steep starting zone followed by a long ride that peter out a little as they move across the beach. Lazy Right suits beginners much more, with long, cruisy rides that break over a really deep reef. Main hazards are rocks and urchins during a paddle out and return, but you could also get clogged up in the crowd when the conditions align.
Rams (or Ram’s – whatever you prefer)
Rams is the piece de resistance for advanced riders looking to surf Midigama. By far the hardest wave in the region, it takes its name from the guesthouse that sits – conveniently – just metres from the break. For years, it’s been challenging the local crowd with its quick, fast takeoffs and barrelling sections.
Because it really is that sort of wave – a right-hander with an attitude that kicks up hollow sections over some seriously shallow reef and rock. Watch out for urchins. Respect the people that surf it regularly. Simply don’t even think about paddling out unless you know exactly what you’re doing!
Plantations
A good reef pick for graduating intermediates is Plantations. It sits just two notches along the coast road from Weligama, so is still easy to get to from the surf town by tuk-tuk. Find the main entry point between an opening in the rocks directly by the softly-sloping beachfront right by the Plantation Surf Inn.
Style-wise, Plantations is a lot like Coconuts (see below). It’s a deep reef that rolls off a point. The predominant direction is right, but you’ll catch a couple of lefts. Waves can get mushy, but there’s usually something going, even on low tides.
Because it’s a popular choice with groups of improving surfers out of Weligama, we’d say it’s a good idea to bed down in one of the hotels right by the road and get up early to have the dawn patrols all to yourself.
Coconuts
There’s lots to like about Coconuts. That’s especially true if you’re already a decent intermediate and want to break into the world of reefs. Where else to try your technique on this consistent left-and-righter that rolls over the rocks close to Weligama (the tuk-tuk is about 15 minutes and should cost in the region of 300 LKR from there).
The paddle out can be tricky, especially when the tide’s up. You’ll need to navigate a few wonky tidal pools before being able to go flat in the water – or risk scratches (trust me, poly repair after this one twas’ thank you very much!). Getting into the line up means tucking neatly into the point that pokes out from the main beach.
That’s where the swells come in. They lip up nicely to offer a long right that runs over the deep reef, along with quite a fast left that’s short by snappy as it shoots towards the rocks. The spot can be nice and quiet because it’s quite well hidden from the main road, but you’ll almost always find a few folk from the nearby Midigama hostel lodges and surf camps in the water.
The best Midigama hostel and hotel options close to the surf
Midigama Holiday Inn ($$)
Midigama Holiday Inn comes with stylishly decorated, air-conditioned rooms. Hotel location is perfect for surfers, just a stroll away from lazy right and lazy left spot. Surrounded by a leafy garden, it’s a perfect place to relax after a busy day of surfing.
Laguna Surfing Stay ($)
Laguna Surfing Stay has everything you need for a great surfing trip. This cosy little place is right in front of the lazy left spot. It comes with a rooftop where you can enjoy watching surfers in the afternoon. Rooms are pretty basic but clean. It comes with a yummy Sri Lankan breakfast every morning.
Surf Swell Hostel ($)
If you want to meet other fellow surfers, stay at Surf Swell Hostel . You can choose a shared dorm or opt for a private room. The hostel is a great option for budget travellers looking for a comfy and clean hostel right by the beach. And sorry, this is no family-friendly place, it’s adult only.
A guide to the Midigama surfing season
Best:
January, February, March
Basically: Go surf Midigama in the Sri Lankan high season. When’s that? Well, on this corner of the island, it’s when the south-west monsoon buggers off. So, November to April then. The reason is that regular rains and ocean storms can do all sort to the predominant groundswells during the wet season. You’ll want to score the sunshine and good periods that come with drier months, not to mention those coveted offshore winds that roll down from the highlands of Sri Lanka!
Where to eat in Midigama
Ceylon Sliders
A perennial favourite of the surf crown in next-door Weligama, Ceylon Sliders is super-easy to reach from Midigama. A tuk-tuk costs just 200 or so right to the establishment. There’s a surfboard rack to store your quiver while you eat. The menu is hearty burgers, homemade chips, and healthy salad bowls. Get there for the happy hour if you’re keen on a little après surf!
Plantation Surf Inn & Restaurant
Fresh-caught fish and spicy Sri Lankan staples served up on a plate of banana leaf – what more could you want? Well…how about all that just metres away from one of the best-loved Midigama surf spots? Cue Plantation Surf Inn & Restaurant, where you’ll get excellent local food in a lush tropical garden. Oh, and there’s WiFi!
Things to do when you’re not surfing in Midigama
Party in Mirissa
Catch a tuk-tuk through the beginner surf town of Weligama and go straight to Mirissa Beach for the evening. That’s graduated in recent years to one of the most hedonistic and happening corners of the island. There are happy-hour deals to die for (seriously, expect some of the cheapest Lion beer in Sri Lanka – at least for tourists) and loads of pumping clubs set right by the waves. Fire shows compulsory, it seems.
Laze on the beach
Remember – you’re in Sri Lanka. There’s no shortage of gorgeous beaches in these parts. Coconuts surf break is fronted by a stunning dash of golden sand watched over by swaying palm trees, and that’s right in the heart of Midigama’s surf spots. Alternatively, you can find the traditional fishing stilts poking out of the water at Ahangama a little to the north.
Galle Fort
It’s easy to hop to Galle Fort for a day among the Dutch-Portuguese colonial mansions. History lovers will feel right at home, what with old cannons and high walls to wander. The area is also now an arty hub. It’s brimming with cool cafés, hipster eateries, vegan joints – you name it.
How to get to Midigama
From the airport in Colombo to Midgama is a 2.5-hour drive straight up the E01 and E02 motorways. You can easily organise a private transfer there from any number of drivers. Expect to pay in the region of 50,000 LKR for a private taxi with room enough for the surfboard.
The main coast railway line runs right through the middle of Sri Lanka. That’s a lovely way to travel, letting you see the glimmering beaches and coconut plantations as you travel. It’s also cheap – tickets from Colombo Fort cost in the region of 200 LKR each way!
How to get around Midigama
Tuk-tuk is the best option for navigating the Midigama surf spots. Cheap and abundant, these local rides might not have the best suspension, but they are always around when needed. Expect to pay in the region of 200-300 LKR for a trip to Weligama (each way). You’ll usually find drivers waiting on the main road just behind the beach whenever you’re ready to go. Make sure they have tie ropes and know how to secure your board – most will have done it before many a time!