Surfing in Ahangama, Sri Lanka - The ultimate surf guide

Dry season conditions: High season for surfing 

In Ahangama, the dry season is a surfer’s dream. From November to April, you’ll experience warm, sunny days and consistent swells that cater to all levels of surfers. The waves are generally small to moderate, making for clean rides and clear skies. This is the peak season!

Wet season conditions: Surfing through the occasional rain 

While the wet season in Ahangama, from May to October, might seem daunting, it has its own charm. Swells become larger and more powerful, perfect for advanced surfers looking for a challenge. The increased humidity and more frequent rain showers don’t mean constant downpours—there are still plenty of sunny breaks amidst the rain. This period also offers fewer crowds and more affordable prices, making it a good choice for those seeking a quieter surf experience.

When is the best time to surf in Ahangama for my level? 

Ahangama provides surfable waves year-round, but the optimal conditions vary by skill level:

• Beginner: The dry season is ideal with its smaller, gentler waves.

• Intermediate: Both seasons offer great opportunities, with the dry season providing more consistent conditions.

• Advanced: The wet season delivers bigger, more challenging swells.

Surfing in Ahangama is enjoyable at any time of the year, so there's always a perfect wave waiting for you! So yes, beginner-friendly spots are available even if you’re new to surfing and visiting during the wet season.

Regarding wetsuits and swimwear: What should I wear while surfing in Sri Lanka?

In Sri Lanka’s tropical climate, wetsuits are unnecessary, but there are a few items you might consider to make sure that you’ll be comfortable and protected while surfing:

• Swimwear: You can surf comfortably in swimwear year-round. So you can save space in your suitcase and leave the wetsuit at home.

• Rashguard: Surfing in a rashguard is a great way to shield yourself from sunburn and rashes caused by the surfboard.

• Leggings: Consider wearing leggings to add sun protection and prevent knee abrasions.

• Surfing hat: A hat can help protect your face, ears, and neck from the sun’s rays. Look for one with a chin strap to keep it secure in the waves.

• Reef shoes: Avoid injuries from sharp reefs, rocks, or sea urchins by wearing a pair of reef shoes.

Sri Lanka: General packing

• Passport: Make sure to bring your passport and see that it is valid for at least six months from your arrival date. Confirm that your travel documents meet the requirements by checking with your travel provider. 

• Cash: bring a bit of cash with you, you can easily exchange money or withdraw cash at the airport. 

• A reusable water bottle: preferably one in stainless steel that keeps the water cold. Sri Lanka is a warm country throughout the year, so you're doing yourself a favor by always keeping a bottle of cold water with you. We have water stations to fill up your bottle at our surf camp. 

• Sunscreen: The sun is strong in Sri Lanka, even on cloudy days! You can get sunscreen around Ahangama, but the main brands sold in the stores aren't of the greatest quality. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your skin, which is why we recommend you bring plenty of Oxybenzone-free sunscreen with you prior to arriving. 

• Mosquito spray: We recommend you bring a good mosquito spray from home since it can be tricky to find mosquito spray of good quality in Sri Lanka. 

• A pair of pants and a long sleeve: it's a good idea to put on something that covers your arms and legs during the evening because that is the time when the mosquitos are most active. 

• Summer clothes: The temperature is warm throughout the year in Sri Lanka, so thin summer clothes are good to bring for the warm days in the sun.

• Something warm: Even though Sri Lanka has warm temperatures both day and night, the AC in the rooms can feel quite chilly. So bringing something on the warmer side is a good idea to make sure that you are comfortable.

Sri Lanka: Surf-related packing

• Surfboards: If you want to bring your own surfboard to Sri Lanka, we encourage you to! We offer surfboards at our surf camp and you are free to use them throughout your stay, even outside of the surf lessons. Don’t forget to bring a spare leash and fins if you bring your own board. 

• Surfboard bag: Unfortunately, getting dings on surfboards isn't too uncommon when flying to Sri Lanka. So make sure that you pack your board nicely in a good surfboard bag to keep it as protected as possible. 

• Zink: Zink is a good thing to bring with you to protect the more sensitive parts of your body from the sun (like the nose and cheeks), we sell zink in different colors at the camp. 

• Beach towel/surf poncho: Bringing a towel or a surf poncho is a good idea to dry yourself before jumping into the tuk-tuk on your way back from the surf spot. It’s also a good thing to bring on a beach day. We provide shower towels at the camp.

• Sarong: It isn´t acceptable to just wear a bikini/bathing suit in Sri Lanka outside of the beaches, so it’s easy and convenient to wrap a sarong around you on your way to and from the beach. 

• A first aid kit and waterproof bandaids: There is a lack of medicine on the island, so make sure to pack some first aid kit essentials. Bringing waterproof bandaids in different sizes is good in case you get cuts from the reefs or scrape up your knees. The waterproof bandaids in Sri Lanka do not have the best quality so it's better to bring one from home. 

• Bikinis, boardshorts and rash guards: Sri Lanka’s warm waters do not require you to wear a wetsuit! Just make sure that you wear a pair of board shorts/swimsuit/bikini that is suitable for surfing. 

• Leggings and long sleeves: Maybe these aren't the first pieces of clothing that one might think of when packing for a hot destination like Sri Lanka, but they can be the savior of the vacation! It’s common to get rashes from the surfboard so it’s a good idea to give your skin a layer of protection if you get burned.