Weligama Bay.

Weligama Bay is a huge, 3 km-wide crescent of sand with waves for most abilities year-round. The beach has numerous soft peaks, perfect for beginners and intermediates, and is the main hub for surf schools. The eastern side usually has slightly bigger waves than near Taprobane Island, which gets some afternoon wind protection. Experienced surfers can try the outside reef at Fishermans for more challenging rights. The lineup can get busy, especially in bigger swells, but the bay works on most tides and swells, making it very consistent. The eastern rivermouth can affect water quality after heavy rain, but overall the vibe is lively and welcoming. Lineup Positioning: The main peak is just north of the Marriot Hotel, you can sit there and wait your turn, but it’s usually wiser to paddle up or down the beach to find a little peak, or reformer with less people. Wave Targeting: If it looks like it has a wall then go for it and again ride it through to the inside where it will reform literally all the way to the sand. Tips & Progression Focus: Navigating a lineup and etiquette of a busy break, basic turns going left and right. ‘Off’ season months are good and very quiet.

Three-kilometre crescent where soft peaks reform all the way to sand.