For the small geographical area that this widely-treasured surf town covers, the number of different surf spots is not only impressive, but also extremely accommodating for surfers of all levels. From kook to cruiser, A-Bay and its surrounds have you covered better than Mr. Zog’s Sex Wax.
If you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, you will find a wave to progress your surfing on, as there is pretty much a wave for everyone. The warm waters and magical surroundings make it really easy to spend hours out there on your board and this is reflected in the improvement of your surfing and consistent levels of stoke!
Lighthouse
Lighthouse Beach (situated North of A-Bay) is a really nice, uncrowded wave. There are 2 right-hand point breaks and an epic place to stay right on the beach called Hilltop Cabanas – I would highly recommend staying here! We met some awesome people and the owners have created a super laidback and welcoming set-up.
Whiskey Point
This spot (about a 20 minute tuk-tuk ride from A-Bay) is great for beginners as the waves tend to be slow and fat (between 2ft – 6ft). There are nice spots to chill here too and a restaurant called Sababa where you can get food and post-surf refreshments.
Pottuvil Point
About a 15 minute tuk-tuk ride from Main Road, this wave is arguably one of the best in the area when it is working and has the potential to be a world class wave (a smaller version of The Donkey in Namibia). Nice for longboarding as you can score up to 800m long waves and also a good place to learn if it’s not crowded. Expect elephants on route!
Main Point
Main Point is situated in the Bay and is definitely for intermediate to advanced surfers (can get up to 6ft+), it breaks over a reef and can get pretty crowded. When it’s good it is easily one of the best breaks in the world; it’s super rippable and fun, if you can manage to catch a wave.
If you just feel like hanging out and reading your book, head to Upali’s Beach situated at Main Point. You can choose from covered beach beds, hammocks or even a treehouse – technically lounging made really, really easy. Enjoy their versatile menu of food and drinks while watching talented surfers rip up the challenging break out front.
Baby Point
Baby Point is the continuation of the wave from Main Point and is a perfect spot for beginners and long boarders as the swell is small (between 2ft – 4ft) and the waves are super cruisy.
Elephant Rock
About a 10 minute tuk-tuk from Main Road, Elephant Rock is pretty versatile and accommodates both beginners and advanced surfers. This right-hand wave (between 2ft – 6ft) can be technical and often sucks into a barrel, but chills out as it opens out into the bay.
Peanut Farm
Easily my favorite spot to surf! About a 15 minute tuk-tuk ride through the scenic jungle gets you there from Main Road. Peanut Farm has two breaks that work in a similar way to Main Point’s wave continuation into the smaller Baby Point swell. The Main Point break is really technical and requires a fast take-off; often barreling (between 3ft – 6ft) making it great for advanced surfers. The Baby Point wave at Peanuts is slower and perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers (2ft – 4ft swell).
There is an awesome restaurant/hang out spot just before you reach the beach and you can even camp here for about 500 LKR per person which I highly recommend! The tents are set up for you with mattresses, pillows and sheets and the locals who run it are super friendly and accommodating. Camping at Peanuts gives you the added advantage of waking up early and being the first ones in the water enjoying some sunrise waves.
Panama Point
Another right-hand wave that requires a bit of swell to work. We were out surfing at Panama while two elephants were enjoying the lagoon just behind the beach – a truly magical experience that made me pinch myself a couple times.
Okanda
Okanda is a bit of a drive (about 45 minutes) but is so worth it! Elephants, peacocks, foxes and a variety of other animals can be spotted as you travel through the Kumana National Park to reach Okanda Point. There are two wave breaks accommodating all surf levels; the main break should only be approached by experienced surfers
Surf lessons are available for beginners and you can rent boards for about 500 LKR a day from Hideaway or along the main road at other surf shops, such as Dylan’s Surf Shop. Embrace this unique shoreline decorated by colorful fishing boats, respect the rules of the wave and enjoy the abundance of local surf talent that A-Bay has to offer.
Link(s) – Wave insight and credible surf information available on the Hideaway website: https://www.hideawayarugambay.com/surf-spots.html