Surf & Stays Weligama

Surf & Stays is a surf hostel and school in the Palana area of Weligama, a short walk from Weligama Bay, the long sandy beach break that is Sri Lanka's best-known place to learn. The team has more than a decade of experience on the coast and also runs lessons in Arugam Bay during the east coast season.

Beginner lessons last two hours and cost from about US$20, with a soft-top board, rash guard, ocean safety briefing and a stand-up guarantee. Intermediate coaching uses performance boards and adds technique work on turns, timing and wave reading with phone video feedback, and there are private one-to-one lessons, family lessons for children aged five and up, and sessions with surf photography or video analysis.

Multi-day surf camps of three to seven days and surf and yoga retreats combine lessons with a stay at the hostel, and the team can arrange airport transfers and island tours. Weligama Bay is surfable most of the year but most consistent from November to April. It suits budget-conscious beginners, solo travellers and families.