How to Surf in Mirissa

Visiting the charming town of Mirissa in Sri Lanka will always be an appealing experience. Amongst the best things to do in the environs of this town would be surfing. Although the town happens to be a popular destination, you will often find that the beach is relatively uncrowded as well. Provided below is some useful information regarding surfing in Mirissa.

Understand how to get to and around Mirissa

To get to Sri Lanka you must fly into one of two international airports; these are the Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake or the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport near Hambantota which are accessible from cities around the world. For those based in the commercial capital, Colombo, you can travel to Mirissa by bus, train, taxi or car. If you choose to travel by rail, you may board a train at Colombo’s Fort Railway Station and get down at Weligama Station; from there, you can take a cab or tuk-tuk to Mirissa. You may also travel to Mirissa by bus from Colombo and other cities in Sri Lanka.

Once you are in Mirissa, a good way to get about would be by tuk-tuk. Buses also pass through the town’s main road and you will also have the chance to hire a scooter or just walk since it is a modestly sized town.

Choose the time to visit

Generally, in the southern region of Sri Lanka, you will find that the optimal time of year for surfing would be from November through to March at which period the climate would be cooler and drier. However, since temperatures will still be warm, you are likely to find that the best times for surfing would be the mornings and evenings. Still, Mirissa will be a pleasant locality to be at throughout the year.

At Mirissa Bay, you will encounter waves of intermediate level, with the best height to be experienced in the early hours of the morning as well as the late afternoon. However, it would be advisable to check the forecasts and the sea safety levels before heading out to surf in Mirissa.

Get to know the surfing conditions

You will find that Mirissa boasts a pleasant beach featuring a lovely crescent shape; in the local waters, you can expect both right and left-hander waves. The local conditions would be suitable for beginners with some skill as well as intermediate level surfers who desire to surf a reef break, with waves reaching as much as six feet.

Along the extent of Mirissa Beach, surfers will have the opportunity to ride a low-powered right-hander close to the rocks as well as a left-hander nearer the harbour. Since this beach features smaller waves, as well as, protection from the onshore winds, it will be suitable for beginners desiring to gain confidence and intermediate surfers seeking to develop their technique. A choice of accommodation to consider from which you could easily go surfing here would be Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa; it could be regarded as one of the ideally located hotels in Mirissa right by the beach.

Take surfing lessons

If you happen to be a beginner in the sport of surfing, you will have the opportunity to take surfing lessons in Mirissa. You will be able to avail yourself of individual lessons taking roughly two hours each in addition to half-day sessions and special packages. If you haven’t brought your own board, you can also rent surfboards or purchase other surf gear.

Enjoy the dining options

After all the surfing action, you are bound to have worked up an appetite! The good news is that visitors will find that Mirissa offers a varied selection of cuisine including typical Sri Lankan fare as well as western favourites. At the restaurants in Mirissa, you will be able to feast on seafood which is a speciality on the south coast along with healthy options like vegetable wraps and fresh fruit.