Wanderlust Surf Camp

Wanderlust Surf Camp sits a short walk from the beach on the edge of Arugam Bay, close enough to town for an evening out but far enough away for a quiet night. Head coach Kutty and the team take guests by tuk tuk to whichever break suits the day, including Peanut Farm and Elephant Rock for beginners and improvers, and Whiskey Point and Main Point for more confident surfers.

The standard package is seven nights with two surf lessons a day, daily breakfast, yoga, weekly video analysis, boards, rash vests and transport to the surf. Groups are kept to a maximum of three students per instructor, and stays can be shortened or extended. Single lessons are also sold to surfers staying elsewhere in Arugam Bay or Pottuvil at around US$25 including equipment and pick-up.

Rooms are air-conditioned and en suite, with private rooms for one to four people and six-bed shared dorms; a week in a dorm bed runs to about US$575. The camp works best during the east coast season from April to October and suits solo travellers, couples and families, from first-timers to surfers looking to sharpen their technique.