Surfing in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

About Hikkaduwa
The beach of Hikkaduwa is situated 98 km from Colombo towards the south of Sri Lanka. This fun coastal town 14 kms from Galle was the first (1960's) of Sri Lanka's beautiful beaches to be discovered by tourists. Snorkeling and diving in the clear waters are the major past-time along this stretch and is the most environmentally friendly way to see the colorful fish that dart around. The coral sanctuary found on the coast of Hikkaduwa is a large shallow body of water enclosed by a reef, decorated with layers of multi colored corals, witch is home to countless number of colorful fish. Off the beach there is a collection of tine islets surrounded by beautiful coral formations. Many species of fish and large turtles are found here.There are more than four different shipwrecks for diving enthusiasts to explore along with dive shops offering PADI courses and equipment. Plenty of beachfront accommodation and a reputation as the second best surf spot in Sri Lanka by the international board-riding set, and the reason so many visit Hikkaduwa is blatantly clear.

The resort area has now engulfed two or three villages south of it, and is now a 4km strip of hotels, shops, bars, restaurants and guesthouses. The beaches are nice and wide and swimming is safe here, though the currents are stronger south of Hikkaduwa proper. The impressive coral reef runs just offshore and is still populated by exotic fish and sea turtles. Glass bottomed boats are available for visitors wanting to admire the wonders of the deep while keeping their feet dry!

After a shot distance southwards from the center of the reef, it diminishes given rise to a wider sandy bottomed beach with good waves ideal for board surfing and body surfing. You can always rent the necessary equipment needed for snorkeling and surfing. Hikkaduwa is an established tourist destination and the surfing there is quite well known. You won't see the Indonesian style overcrowding here though. The reef is coral so a first aid kit and booties are handy. Localism is usually not a problem though we have seen some tourists get some hassle. Respect them and they leave you alone pretty much.
There are many shops selling Masks, Gems, Jewellery, Batik, Antiques and etc. along with several Buddhist temples, all which add spice to life at Hikkaduwa.

Useful facts to know:

The surfing season in Hikkaduwa starts in November and ends in April.

Average water temperature: 28 degrees

Average air temperature: 30 degrees

Surfspots in Hikkaduwa

North Jetty. Coral bottom, a right wave that requires a great swell that breaks. When this wave behaves as expected it can be a wonderful ride, it’s a long wave with very hollow sections.

Benny´s. Coral bottom. A fast left wave and quite dangerous that breaks over a very sharp reef and with shallow water. Only surf here if you really know what you are doing and at your own risk.

Main Reef. Coral bottom. Right and left waves that offer fun and relaxed surfing.

Inside Reef. Coral bottom. Breaking fast hollow waves from left and right that can be quite intense at times.

Beach Break. Sand bottom. South of the inside Reef there is a number of thin sand over which several types of waves break. This area is recommended for the inexperienced surfer.

Pro-Surf event held from 21st to 24th February - March 2001
The month of February saw two surfing events held in Sri Lanka for the first time. SriLankan Airlines, the name behind these events was successful in hosting one of the ten annual surfing circuits of the Japanese Professional Surfers Association (JPSA) at Hikkaduwa on 21st and 22nd February. This was followed by SriLankan's own International Amateur Surfing tournament on 23rd and 24th February.

Twenty-eight surfers participated in the JPSA tournament which was adjudged by a ten member group from the JPSA. Thirty-three surfers participated in the SriLankan Airlines International Amateur tournament which was also adjudged by the JPSA judges. The participants for the latter came from different countries including France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Israel, Japan, the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

These surfing events mark a watershed in Sri Lanka's sports calendar. The JPSA which was established in 1981, is a member of the Association of Surfing Professionals. The JPSA holds ten surfing circuits each year. Having inspected Sri Lanka last year and found the facilities here satisfactory, the JPSA decided to hold one of its surfing circuits in Hikkaduwa this year.

While the tournaments were held from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. on each day, the evenings of the 21st-23rd February saw participants and others guests entertained on the beach by some of the island's best rock and reggae bands with dancing till dawn. The grand finale was the awards ceremony held on 24th February at the poolside of the Coral Gardens Hotel, in Hikkaduwa.

These events would not have been possible without the commitment from SriLankan's co-sponsors - Jetwing Travels, Hikkaduwa Hoteliers Association, Carlsberg, MBC Network and the Sunday Times.