Surf & Conditions
If surfing is on your agenda Lion’s Rest is ideally located. Water temperatures are consistently around 27º-29º, so you can surf in board-shorts the whole season long. Lion's Rest is on a beach, halfway between the cities of Galle and Matara. This 40km stretch of coastline has an array of surf breaks for all levels, offering excellent reef-breaks and beach-breaks.
Lion’s Rest has one of the best performing reef-breaks, ”Coconuts”, directly in front of the hotel, with another great wave, “Plantation Point”, just a 100m walk along the beach. Many nearby surf spots are only a short tuk-tuk ride away including “Lazy Left”, “Rams” and “Weligama Bay Beach Break”. Although Weligama is not a favoured place to stay anymore because of the crowds, we have found some quieter spots to surf on the bay. We have two tuk-tuks at Lion’s Rest to take you around and mopeds with board-racks are also available to rent. We know of some excellent secret surf spots that we can show you, but we prefer to keep those quiet.
Sri Lanka’s South Coast Surf Season
The traditional surf season on the southern coast is early November through to the end of April. From May through to October is described as the low season, mainly because onshore winds mean the surf is less predictable. But there are still waves to be had and, because of the lack of surfers during the low season, it’s actually a good time to visit as a beginner.
The shoulder seasons (October/November and April/May, just before and after the monsoons) have, in recent years, been the best combination of swell and good wind direction, producing excellent surf with far fewer surfers around.
Surf Lesson
At Lion’s Rest we have our ISA (International Surfing Association) certified coach Lucky who is a prominent face around Lion's Rest, Lucky is a village local and one of only a handful of Sri Lankan's who are ISA certified. Lucky's local knowledge is invaluable when it comes to finding a secret spot for one-on-one guiding. His group lessons and 1 on 1 lessons will be a great introduction to the great sport of surfing, and for intermediates looking to progress onto the reef breaks his coaching will achieve that quickly.
Our group beginner/intermediate lessons take place in the mornings and late afternoons when the wind is at its best. In a small intimate group of no more than 4 persons our coach will take you to a suitable break and give you 90 minutes of tuition, including sand instruction and safety briefing. They will take you into the water with the confidence and knowledge to progress in this addictively great sport.
One-on-one lessons are also offered should you wish to progress your surfing and move up to the reefs, where you will learn more, including wave selection and turns.
For those of you who can surf and are just wanting guidance & advice on the local breaks and depending on the conditions where to surf on any specific day Lucky is always at hand to pass on his expert knowledge of the area. He is also happy to show you around the breaks and advise you where to paddle in and out etc.
Surf Lesson Prices
Group surf lessons (90 minutes) $25 USD (5 Lesson Package $100) | One-on-one surf lesson (90 minutes) $40 USD (5 Lesson Package $160 USD) | All prices include all equipment and transport. | Lessons can be booked as extras at the time of booking your stay online with us. Also look out for our retreat dates on our socials!
Click here to contact us with any requests regarding surf lessons.
Surf Breaks
Here is a taster of just a few local breaks. Of course we don’t want to describe our secret local spots but we'll put you in the know when you arrive!
Coconuts
Our home break works in 2 sections: a left-hander and an A-frame in the mid-section that produce long right and left rides. It works on both high and low tide, depending on swell size, and is deep enough on the peak to avoid touching the bottom. Grab a beer or cocktail from the Lion's Rest bar and watch the epic sunsets as the surfers catch the perfect wave.
Plantations
A right-hand reef-break that gets more crowded than Coconuts and is popular with intermediate surfers. It's only a 100-meter walk along the beach from Coconuts Break.
Rams Right
Located 5 minutes by Tuk from Lion's Rest. It's a shallow, fast reef-break with a little barrel section. This wave is difficult to navigate and is often quiet during big swells.
Lazy Left & Lazy Right
Again located 5 minutes by Tuk from Lion's Rest. Lazy Left is the famous left hander in Midigama. Lazy Right is a slightly further paddle out and is popular with intermediate surfers and paddle boarders alike.
Weligama Beach Break
A Mecca for beginners with surf schools spread along its wide beach. Easy waves with not too much power break on a sandy bottom, making this an easy wave to begin on. When the swells are bigger the sand bars create some fine long rides. Away from the hotels in the centre of the beach there are some quieter spots.
Our ISA surf coach, Lucky, starts with beginners on this beach break.
Mirissa Point
A pretty location on the headland on the right side of the noisy Mirissa Bay. Good for Intermediate surfers. It can still work well if there are strong cross-winds, as it’s sheltered by the headland. The only downside is that sea urchins are on the inside reef, so take care and wear booties when entering and exiting.
The Rock
At the west end of Kabalana beach is an A-frame known as “The Rock”. Good power, lefts and rights, and rides of up to 300m mean that when it’s on, it’s crowded