Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa lies some 100km south of Colombo on the west coast. It is about 3-5 hours in a minibus/taxi from the airport (some Rs3000, about 30 quid) depending on the traffic through Colombo. 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.

We had it good in November and I think until March is good for the West coast. Sri Lanka has 2 monsoons. During one, the west of the island is best to go. During the other the East is better.

There are 4 main breaks. From North to South these are:

Locals Break: This is just out of the front of the A Frame surf shop. Pretty much locals surf here.

In Between: Between the locals break and the main peak there is a nice little spot to take your malibu out if you ride such things. Uncrowded as well.

Main Peak: Main Peak fires off a good left and right though tends to jack up quickly. The most crowded break. Can get quite hollow and if you surf too far in, quite shallow too. There are channels where you can paddle out (just north of the peak or way south from the beach break). Otherwise you end up scraping your fins and cutting your feet. The main peak is just outside Ranjiths which is the best, cheapest eating house in town. He even has a board rack to put your boards on. You can watch the surfing as the sun goes down with a glass of Lion beer. Check out his Spaghetti Bolognaise which is excellent.

The Hansa Surf Break: Another Right (occasionally produces a left) just south of Hansa Surf. Often dumps but can give an exciting ride. Get off the wave early before you get minced.

The Beach Break: A good wave for beginners and occasionally gives a good wave itself. Just south of the hansa surf break. Sometimes a bit kooky.

Accomodation can be from Rs350-500/night if you wish to live right by the beach to Rs150-250 if you live on the jungle side. Surfboards are available for hire along the beach. Ding repair is also available but the quality of the job is not as good as the invisible repairs you get in Indo.

Midigama and Mirissa: There are 2 breaks towards Galle towards the south. These are Midigama and Mirissa. Virtually anyone will be willing to take you there, wait for you to surf and drive you back again for about Rs700-1000. Often quieter there than Hikkaduwa. Often get 15-20 in the line up along the main peak. Early morning offshores are best and the sun does not get in your eyes. Works on virtually all tides.

Augram Bay: Augram Bay towards the E of the island is meant to be excellent, though serious (exposed coral heads on take off, hollow waves, civil unrest). Didn?t go there due to LTTE problems.