Surfing in Sri Lanka: Year-Round Tropical Waves

The first time I paddled out in Sri Lanka without a wetsuit, I couldn’t believe it — 27–29°C water, year-round. No neoprene, no boots, just boardshorts and the warm Indian Ocean. But what really sets this island apart isn’t just the temperature. Sri Lanka runs on a dual-season system that guarantees waves every single month: the southwest coast fires November through April with beginner-friendly bays around Weligama and intermediate reefs near Midigama, while the east coast’s May–October window brings Arugam Bay’s legendary 500-metre right-hand point to life. Add budget surf camps from €400/week and you’ve got one of the world’s most accessible tropical surf destinations — wherever you are on the skills ladder.

Why Surf in Sri Lanka?

Year-Round Surf on Two Coasts

The island’s position in the Indian Ocean creates opposing surf seasons on each facing coastline. When the southwest monsoon brings onshore winds to the west coast (May–October), the east coast receives clean offshore winds and consistent swells. The pattern reverses during northeast monsoon months (November–April), activating the southwest while the east goes flat. When I first grasped this system it changed how I plan tropical surf trips entirely — you can visit Sri Lanka any month of the year and find quality waves. You just need to choose the right coast for your dates.

Warm Water, No Wetsuit, Ever

Water temperatures hold at 27–29°C year-round across both coasts. After years surfing cold European waters, stepping into a Sri Lankan lineup in boardshorts felt genuinely liberating. You gain hours — no faff suiting up, no post-session chill, no bulk in your luggage. Rash guards are essential for sun protection, but thermal insulation is simply never part of the equation.

One of Asia’s Best Learn-to-Surf Destinations

Sri Lanka earned its reputation as a premier beginner destination through an abundance of mellow beach breaks and protected bays. I’ve watched complete novices catch their first waves at Weligama’s 7-kilometre horseshoe bay — gentle rollers, sandy bottom, no reef fear. Affordable instruction is available everywhere, and the warm water makes it easy to stay out for long learning sessions without fatigue.

Genuinely Affordable

Compared to Bali, Hawaii or Portugal, Sri Lanka’s costs remain substantially lower. All-inclusive week-long surf camps start around €400–500, daily guesthouse rates run $15–40, and a local rice-and-curry lunch costs $2–3. That affordability lets budget travellers extend their trip while giving luxury seekers access to premium experiences at prices unavailable in pricier markets.

Best Surf Spots in Sri Lanka

Southwest Coast — November to April

The southwest coastline from Galle to Matara concentrates Sri Lanka’s highest density of surf breaks within a 50-kilometre stretch. You can check three or four spots in a single morning by tuk-tuk.

Hikkaduwa — Best for All Levels

• Wave type: Right-hand reef break + beach break
• Best swell: Indian Ocean groundswells, 3–8 ft (1–2.4 m)
• Best tide: Mid to high
• Skill level: Beginner (beach break) to advanced (Main Reef)
• Crowds: Heavy during peak season (Dec–Feb)

Hikkaduwa established itself as Sri Lanka’s first surf town in the 1970s and it still delivers. The Main Reef produces classic right-handers with 100–200-metre rides and genuine tube sections on a solid swell, while Narigama Beach offers softer peaks ideal for beginners. After surfing here multiple times I appreciate having both options within walking distance — you can progress from beach break to reef within the same trip.

→ Browse surf camps near Hikkaduwa

Dewata (Galle) — Best for Complete Beginners

• Wave type: Protected bay beach break
• Best swell: Any southwest swell, 1–3 ft (0.3–1 m)
• Skill level: Absolute beginners
• Hazards: Minimal — sandy bottom, gentle waves

Located two minutes from historic Galle Fort, Dewata is the spot I recommend for absolute first-timers. The extremely mellow bay removes reef fear entirely, the gradual beach slope means forgiving wipeouts, and several surf schools operate right on the sand. Cultural non-surf days exploring Galle’s Dutch colonial streets are a genuine bonus.

Ahangama — Best for Intermediates

• Wave type: Multiple reef breaks including Kabalana
• Best swell: Southwest, 3–6 ft (1–1.8 m)
• Skill level: Confident intermediate
• Crowds: Moderate — good mix of locals and travellers

Ahangama bridges the gap between beginner havens and expert reefs better than anywhere else on the coast. The mix of lefts and rights across multiple breaks lets you build reef experience in a forgiving context, and the stylish café scene makes rest days genuinely enjoyable. This is where Lapoint runs their Sri Lanka camp — and for good reason.

→ Browse surf camps in Ahangama & Midigama

Midigama (Rams Right, The Rock) — Best for Advanced

• Wave type: Powerful shallow reef breaks
• Best swell: Southwest, 4–8 ft (1.2–2.4 m)
• Best tide: Mid to high for reef coverage
• Skill level: Advanced only
• Hazards: Sea urchins, shallow reef, strong local crew

Midigama packs some of Sri Lanka’s most serious waves into a short stretch of coast. Rams Right produces powerful, shallow barrels with fast walls, and The Rock ranks as Sri Lanka’s second-best wave after Arugam Bay Main Point. I’ve watched experienced surfers get humbled here — sea urchins and shallow reef demand reef booties and genuine competence. On smaller days, Lazy Left/Right offers intermediates a taste of the place in a more forgiving context.

Weligama — Best for Beginners

• Wave type: Massive horseshoe bay beach break
• Best swell: Any southwest swell, 2–4 ft (0.6–1.2 m)
• Skill level: Absolute beginners
• Hazards: Minimal — sandy bottom throughout

Weligama’s 7-kilometre bay is Sri Lanka’s most popular beginner destination, and the hype is earned. The enormous bay spreads crowds across a vast area even at peak season, the sandy bottom makes every wipeout forgiving, and the slow, long walls are ideal for learning to read waves and practice pop-ups. After helping several friends catch their first waves here, I can confirm there’s no better place in Asia to start.

→ Find beginner surf camps in Sri Lanka

Hiriketiya — Best for All Levels

• Wave type: Small horseshoe bay with A-frame peaks
• Best swell: Southwest, works on smaller swells
• Skill level: All levels
• Hazards: Minimal — cliffs provide natural wind protection

Hiriketiya is what Canggu used to be before everyone arrived. The compact horseshoe bay creates an intimate surf community, surrounding cliffs block the wind even when neighbouring spots are blown out, and the bohemian vibe — yoga, healthy cafés, clifftop sunsets — makes it hard to leave. I love this spot for solo travellers: the limited capacity means you quickly recognise familiar faces both in the lineup and at dinner.

Mirissa — Best for Intermediates

• Wave type: Beach break
• Best swell: Southwest, 2–5 ft (0.6–1.5 m)
• Skill level: Intermediate
• Crowds: Light — less consistent but rarely packed

Mirissa balances surfing with beach-holiday relaxation better than any other south coast spot. It’s less consistent than Ahangama or Weligama, but when it fires the peaks are genuinely fun for intermediates. The whale-watching boats launching at dawn, the fresh seafood restaurants, and the beautiful bay setting make non-surf days here among the best on the island.

East Coast — May to October

Arugam Bay dominates east coast surfing and concentrates the region’s breaks within a 30-minute tuk-tuk radius of town. The vibe here is more backpacker, more raw, and unmistakably centred on the ocean.

Arugam Bay Main Point — Best for Intermediate to Advanced

• Wave type: Long right-hand point break
• Best swell: Indian Ocean swells, 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m), holds to 8 ft
• Best tide: Mid to high
• Best wind: Morning offshore — sessions before 10am are gold
• Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
• Crowds: Very heavy July–September (40+ surfers on good swells)

Main Point is what Arugam Bay is built around, and it deserves the reputation. After surfing it across different swells and tides, I can confirm that a proper groundswell on the right tide delivers 300–500-metre rides — a truly rare thing in surf. Three distinct sections (fast outside, workable middle, mellow inside) mean the wave offers something different depending on your ability. The palm-fringed setting with traditional fishing boats adds genuine magic. Get out at dawn before the crowd builds.

→ Browse surf camps in Arugam Bay

Baby Point — Best for Beginners

• Wave type: Mellow inside section of Main Point
• Skill level: Confident beginners
• Hazards: Minimal — sandy bottom

Baby Point occupies the inside section where Main Point loses power entering the bay. The takeoffs are gentler, the rides 30–50 metres, and most surf schools on the east coast base lessons here during peak season. A solid stepping stone before tackling the main break proper.

Pottuvil Point — Best for Intermediates

• Wave type: Right-hand point break
• Best tide: Mid-tide
• Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
• Crowds: Significantly lighter — typically 10–15 surfers maximum

Ten minutes north of Arugam Bay, Pottuvil Point is where I go when Main Point crowds become too much. The wave produces walled-up rights with steep faces and occasional barrels, and better wind protection means sessions run later into the morning. After escaping here multiple times on peak-season days, I’d argue it’s actually the smarter choice for intermediate surfers who’d be waiting 20 minutes between waves at Main Point anyway.

Whiskey Point — Best for Advanced

• Wave type: Fast barrelling right-hand reef break
• Best swell: Strong swells, 5–8 ft (1.5–2.4 m)
• Skill level: Advanced only
• Crowds: Light, due to the demanding nature of the wave

Whiskey Point produces some of the most powerful, hollow waves around Arugam Bay. It needs a specific swell direction to work properly, so it’s less consistent than Main Point — but when it’s on, the barrels are memorable and the crowd is thin. Not the place to try if you’re still working on your bottom turn.

Peanut Farm — Best for Intermediates

• Wave type: Right-hand point break
• Best season: June onward once sandbars form
• Skill level: Intermediate
• Crowds: Moderate — typically 15–20 surfers

Peanut Farm is the reliable overflow valve when Main Point maxes out or the crowds overwhelm. More forgiving sections, mellower walls, and a twenty-minute tuk-tuk ride that thins the herd significantly. I consistently recommend this to intermediates who want a proper point break experience without the intensity of Main Point.

→ Browse surf camps near Arugam Bay

Okanda — Best for Advanced

• Wave type: Extremely long right-hander
• Best swell: Bigger swells, 6–10 ft (2–3 m)
• Skill level: Advanced
• Crowds: Nearly empty — distance keeps crowds away
• Access: 1+ hour south of Arugam Bay, experienced guide recommended

Okanda rewards with extraordinary 60-second-plus rides in a genuinely wild setting — Yala National Park borders the road in. After making the mission I can confirm it’s worth it on a quality swell forecast, but save this for days when you’ve seen the forecast and committed to the adventure. Not a spot to stumble upon.

Best Time to Surf in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s dual-coast system means there is genuinely no bad month to visit — you just need to be on the right side of the island.

My recommendation: November and May are Sri Lanka’s two hidden gems. Both are shoulder months where you get peak-quality waves with a fraction of the crowds and noticeably lower camp prices. After attempting to surf the “wrong” coast during off-season — flat conditions, onshore winds, half the restaurants closed — I now plan everything around these windows.

Best Surf Camps in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has one of the strongest surf camp scenes in Asia, covering every budget from stripped-back backpacker setups to full-service boutique retreats. Here are the options I’d point people toward, followed by the full listing of available camps.

South Coast Camps (November–April)

Lapoint Sri Lanka — Kabalana / Ahangama

Best for: Beginners to confident intermediates (levels 1–3) | From: €620/week (stay only) · €979/week (with daily coaching)

Lapoint runs one of the most professionally organised surf camp operations in Sri Lanka. The Ahangama location puts you within paddling distance of multiple reef breaks, the coaching is structured and genuinely progression-focused, and the social setup — pool, communal dinners, evening activities — makes it equally good for solo travellers as for groups. I’ve seen complete beginners leave after a week standing up consistently. The price includes accommodation and you can add coaching incrementally, which gives flexibility.

→ Check availability and book on BookSurfCamps

Boutique Camps — Weligama & Hiriketiya

Best for: Beginners and those wanting a more personal experience | From: €400/week all-inclusive

A cluster of smaller, owner-run camps operates around Weligama Bay and Hiriketiya. These typically include accommodation, daily lessons, board and rash guard rental, and often breakfast. Class sizes are smaller than international chains and the instructors tend to know their local breaks in detail. Perfect if you want to feel like you’re surfing with a knowledgeable friend rather than a group programme.

→ Browse beginner-focused camps in Sri Lanka

East Coast Camps (May–October)

Arugam Bay Surf Camps

Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers | From: €450/week

Arugam Bay’s camp scene is more stripped-back than the south coast — this is backpacker territory and the vibe reflects that. What you gain is proximity to Main Point, easy access to five or six breaks by tuk-tuk, and a genuinely surf-obsessed community where the conversation is always about the forecast. Several operations run guiding services taking you to the right break based on daily conditions — worth every rupee during peak season when knowing the crowd patterns is key.

→ Browse surf camps in Arugam Bay

Browse All Available Surf Camps in Sri Lanka

The full listing of verified surf camps across both coasts, updated in real time:

Not Sure Which Camp is Right for You?

Use the search below to filter by dates, budget, and skill level:

Surfing Sri Lanka by Skill Level

Complete Beginners

Go to: Weligama, Dewata (Galle), Baby Point (Arugam Bay)

Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to learn to surf — and I don’t say that lightly. Weligama’s 7-kilometre sandy bay is purpose-built for beginners: gentle waves, forgiving bottom, and dozens of instructors who’ve taught thousands of students. Dewata near Galle offers similar conditions in a more intimate setting. On the east coast, Baby Point gives you a taste of point-break surfing without the intimidating size of Main Point.

Book a structured week-long camp rather than individual lessons if possible — the daily routine of warm-up, theory, water time, and video feedback accelerates progression dramatically compared to ad hoc sessions.

→ Find beginner surf camps in Sri Lanka

Intermediate Surfers

Go to: Ahangama, Mirissa, Hiriketiya (SW coast) · Pottuvil Point, Peanut Farm (east coast)

Sri Lanka is where intermediates can make their biggest leaps. The south coast reef breaks at Ahangama and Midigama let you transition from beach breaks to reef waves in a progressive way — starting on smaller days before committing to the faster stuff. On the east coast, Pottuvil Point offers real point-break riding with significantly fewer surfers than Main Point. I’ve watched intermediate surfers improve more in a week here than in months back home — consistent, quality waves every day do that.

Advanced Surfers

Go to: Arugam Bay Main Point, Whiskey Point, Rams Right / The Rock (Midigama), Hikkaduwa Main Reef

Advanced surfers get Main Point — one of the genuinely great waves on the planet. On a solid July or August swell, 300–500-metre rides on a right-hander with multiple barrel sections is simply hard to match. Rams Right and The Rock provide short, punchy reef sessions for those who want something more intense between Arugam Bay missions. Go early. The crowd at Main Point by 9am on a good day is genuinely challenging even for experienced surfers, and managing the lineup requires patience and respect.

What Gear to Bring for Surfing Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s 27–29°C water eliminates wetsuit requirements entirely. After years packing for cold-water trips, surfing here without neoprene is a revelation. Here’s what you actually need:

Essential Kit

Board Recommendations

Beginners: Rent locally — 9ft foam/soft-top boards are available at every beach for $5–10/day. No point flying a board when you’re learning. [GEAR LINK — beginner foam board]

Intermediates: A mid-length 7’0″–7’6″ or a slightly longer shortboard than your usual works well on Sri Lanka’s point breaks. The longer rides reward boards with volume. [GEAR LINK — mid-length board]

Advanced: Arugam Bay Main Point calls for your performance shortboard — something between 6’0″ and 6’6″ with a rounded pin or squash tail for the long walls. Bring a step-up board for when August swells push overhead-plus. [GEAR LINK — shortboard]

What Not to Pack

Leave the wetsuit at home. Full stop. I’ve seen first-time visitors arrive with a 4/3 full suit “just in case” — it goes straight back into the bag on day one and adds dead weight for the rest of the trip. The only cold-water scenario in Sri Lanka is when you’re swimming, not surfing.

Getting to and Around Sri Lanka

Getting There

Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is Sri Lanka’s main gateway with direct connections from Europe (via Middle East hubs), Asia, and Australia. From Colombo to the southwest coast surf towns takes 2–4 hours by road depending on traffic. To Arugam Bay on the east coast, allow 6–8 hours — most travellers break this into an overnight stop in Ella or Tissamaharama.

An alternative for east coast travellers is Mattala Rajapaksa Airport (HRI) near Hambantota, which cuts the journey to Arugam Bay significantly if budget airlines serve it from your origin.

Getting Around

Tuk-tuks are the default surf transport. Negotiate the fare before getting in — expect $2–5 for short town trips, $10–20 for between-spot journeys. Hiring a driver for a full day ($40–60 including fuel) is excellent value and removes all logistics from your morning. Many drivers know the breaks and will read conditions with you.

Train: The coastal railway from Colombo to Galle is one of Asia’s great scenic rides. Second-class tickets cost $1–3. Budget extra time — the trains are slow and often late — but the experience compensates. I always take the train at least once per south coast trip.

Scooters: Available for rent everywhere at $8–15/day. Sri Lankan traffic is chaotic by most standards and left-hand driving catches out Europeans. Unless you’re confident in busy traffic, the hired driver option is safer and only marginally more expensive when split between two people.

Useful Apps & Tools

• Surfline / Windguru / MSW: All work reliably for Sri Lanka. Windguru is my preference for east coast conditions.
• Google Maps: Accurate for tuk-tuk directions and spot locations. Screenshots save data.
• PickMe: Sri Lanka’s equivalent of Uber — available in major towns, transparent pricing.

Where to Stay for Surfing Sri Lanka

South Coast

Budget ($10–25/night): Basic guesthouses in every surf town. Fan rooms are perfectly comfortable given the temperatures. Shared bathrooms at the lowest price points are standard but clean.

Mid-range ($30–70/night): Air-conditioned guesthouses and boutique surf lodges with WiFi and often breakfast included. Ahangama and Hiriketiya have excellent options in this range with genuine character — not just functional boxes.

Luxury ($100+/night): Beachfront villas, pool properties and boutique hotels in Weligama and around Galle. Remarkable value compared to equivalent quality in Europe or Australia. Several all-inclusive surf retreats with yoga, spa treatments and private coaches operate in this bracket.

The most efficient option for most surfers is an all-inclusive surf camp — one price covers accommodation, breakfast and dinner, boards, and coaching. Browse all Sri Lanka surf camps here →

Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is fundamentally backpacker territory. The majority of options fall in the $15–50/night range and are concentrated along a 2-kilometre strip between Baby Point and Main Point. Beachfront guesthouses sell out fast in July–September — book at least four to six weeks ahead for peak season. Outside those months, walk-in rates drop considerably and you can negotiate. Note that many places close entirely from November to April when the town shuts down for off-season.

Safety and Lineup Etiquette in Sri Lanka

Water Safety

Reef hazards: Shallow reef breaks at Midigama (Rams Right, The Rock) and Arugam Bay demand reef booties. Sea urchin stings are common — if you get one, don’t attempt extraction yourself. Any local medical clinic handles these routinely. Coral cuts get infected fast in tropical water; rinse immediately with clean water and treat the same day.

Rip currents: Strong rips operate at rivermouth spots and during larger swells. The rule I live by: don’t fight it. Paddle parallel to shore until you’re out of the channel, then angle back toward the beach. Panicking and fighting a rip exhausts you quickly. At Arugam Bay, the channel alongside Main Point is actually useful — experienced surfers paddle it to reach the takeoff zone.

Sun: Sri Lankan sun intensity genuinely surprises most travellers from temperate climates. I learned this the hard way on my first trip — combine SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen with long-sleeve rash guards, zinc on the face, and a surf hat during any break in the water. A bad burn ends your trip faster than any wipeout.

Lineup Etiquette

Respect the locals. At spots like Rams Right and Hikkaduwa Main Reef, local surfers have ridden these breaks their entire lives. The right of way hierarchy exists — observe it. Watching the lineup for ten minutes before paddling out tells you everything about who’s who and how the rotation works.

Arugam Bay Main Point crowd management: With 40+ surfers on peak days, the Main Point lineup requires patience. Don’t snake. Don’t burn people on the inside. The wave is long enough that even with a busy lineup, good surfers find their rhythm and get waves regularly. Aggression and impatience are both counterproductive and noticed.

Beginner etiquette: At Weligama and Baby Point, the waves are full of learners and surf school students. Give them space and room to make mistakes — you were there once too. Keep your board under control and call “coming through” loudly if paddling past someone in the whitewash.

Environmental respect: Sri Lanka’s reef systems are fragile. Don’t touch coral. Don’t leave wax or equipment on the reef. Use reef-safe sunscreen — standard sunscreen is not only environmentally harmful, it’s prohibited in Sri Lanka’s marine protected areas.

Frequently Asked Questions — Surfing in Sri Lanka

When is the best time to surf in Sri Lanka?

It depends on which coast you choose. The southwest coast (Weligama, Hikkaduwa, Midigama, Ahangama) fires November through April, with January–March delivering the most consistent swells and best weather. The east coast (Arugam Bay) runs May through October, peaking July–September with the largest, most powerful waves. Sri Lanka offers genuine year-round surfing — you simply need to choose the right coast for your travel dates. If flexibility allows, November and May are the hidden sweet spots: peak-quality waves with shoulder-season crowds and prices.

Is Sri Lanka good for beginner surfers?

Yes — it’s one of the best beginner destinations in the world. Weligama Bay’s 7-kilometre sandy break with gentle waves, warm 27–29°C water and dozens of affordable surf schools creates close to ideal learning conditions. The warm water means you can stay in for hours without fatigue, accelerating progression significantly compared to cold-water alternatives. After watching friends catch their first waves at Weligama, I’d recommend Sri Lanka before anywhere else for a first surf trip.

Do I need a wetsuit for surfing in Sri Lanka?

No. Water temperatures stay 27–29°C year-round across both coasts — there is no season cold enough to require neoprene. Boardshorts and bikinis are all you need in the water. A long-sleeve rash guard is essential, but that’s about sun protection rather than thermal insulation. Leave the wetsuit at home entirely.

How much does it cost to surf in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is genuinely affordable. Budget travellers manage on $25–40/day covering basic accommodation, local food, and board rental. Mid-range comfort runs $60–100/day. All-inclusive week-long surf camps start around €400–500 covering accommodation, meals, coaching, and equipment. Individual lessons cost $20–35, board rentals $5–10/day depending on quality and location.

Which is better — Arugam Bay or Weligama?

They serve completely different purposes. Weligama is Sri Lanka’s best beginner destination — gentle waves, sandy bottom, extensive instruction infrastructure, and easy access from Colombo. Arugam Bay is for intermediate to advanced surfers chasing Main Point’s world-class 300–500-metre rides. Both are outstanding in their respective niches. I’d point a first-time surfer to Weligama without hesitation, and an experienced surfer planning their peak surfing trip straight to Arugam Bay in July or August.

Is Arugam Bay crowded?

Main Point during July–September can see 40+ surfers on quality swells — that’s genuinely crowded and requires patience. However, several alternatives within a short tuk-tuk ride (Pottuvil Point, Peanut Farm, Whiskey Point) see significantly fewer surfers. The shoulder months of May–June and October offer comparable conditions with a far better crowd-to-wave ratio. Getting out at dawn is the most reliable solution regardless of when you go.

Can you surf year-round in Sri Lanka?

Yes — but not on the same coast. The southwest operates November–April and the east coast May–October, driven by opposing monsoon patterns. After making the mistake of arriving on the wrong coast during the off-season (flat water, onshore winds, half the town closed), I now plan everything around the seasonal calendar. Year-round surfing absolutely exists nationally — you just need to be on the right coast for your dates.

What’s the water temperature in Sri Lanka?

A consistent 27–29°C (80–84°F) year-round across both coasts. It never drops below comfortable swimming temperature even during the northeast monsoon months. After years surfing in cold European waters, this warmth is one of Sri Lanka’s most underrated advantages — it simply removes an entire layer of logistical friction from every session.

Are there surf camps for solo travellers in Sri Lanka?

Absolutely — and Sri Lanka is one of the best destinations for solo surf travel. The structured social setup at camps like Lapoint in Ahangama and the small-group operators around Weligama means you’ll meet other surfers quickly. Arugam Bay’s backpacker culture makes solo travel particularly easy on the east coast — the town is compact, the scene is sociable, and the shared experience of chasing waves creates fast friendships. Browse camps suited for solo travellers here →

Sri Lanka delivers on every promise: year-round warm-water surf, waves for every skill level from Weligama’s gentle rollers to Arugam Bay’s world-class point, and a price point that lets you stay longer than anywhere else in Asia. Pick your coast based on your travel dates, pack the boardshorts (leave the wetsuit at home), and get ready to understand why this island keeps pulling surfers back year after year.

Planning your wider surf travel itinerary? Explore our guide to the best surf destinations in the world.