Midigama, Sri Lanka

Midigama is a small village on the south coast between Ahangama and Weligama. There's no real town, just a stretch of coast road, a railway halt and a scatter of guesthouses among the palms. What it has is waves. Several reef breaks lie within walking distance of each other, and that has made Midigama a favourite with surfers who have moved beyond the beginner stage.

The surf breaks

• Lazy Left is a long, mellow left-hander over a deep reef. It's the friendliest wave here, and it suits longboarders and improving intermediates.
• Lazy Right, next door, is a slow right with a similar character.
• Ram's is a fast, hollow right over a shallow reef. It's for experienced surfers only, and the reef has left its mark on plenty of visitors.
• Coconuts and Plantations, a short way east, offer more reef options when the swell and tide are right.

These are reef breaks, so they aren't the place for a first lesson. Beginners should start on the sandy beach break at Weligama, 10 minutes away, and come here once they can catch green waves and turn. Our surfing guide compares the breaks around the island.

Season

The south coast surf season runs from about November to April, with offshore winds in the morning and the cleanest waves from December to March. Dawn sessions are the best, before the wind picks up and the line-ups get busy. From May to October the south-west monsoon brings onshore winds and messy seas, and most surfers move to Arugam Bay on the east coast.

Practicalities

• Boards can be rented by the day or week from guesthouses and small surf shops.
• Reef cuts are common. Clean them well, as cuts become infected easily in the tropics, and consider reef boots.
• Surf etiquette matters on crowded days. Wait your turn, and don't drop in.
• Swimming is limited, as much of the shore is rock and reef. Check locally for sandy spots.

Where to stay and eat

Midigama is cheaper and simpler than Ahangama. Family guesthouses and surf lodges offer rooms close to the breaks, and many include breakfast. Small local restaurants serve rice and curry, roti and fresh fish. For cafés and nightlife, Ahangama and Weligama are a short tuk-tuk ride away.

The main coast road is busy, with fast buses, so take care when walking along it or crossing it with a board.

Getting there

Midigama is about 2.5 hours from Colombo by the Southern Expressway, and 40 minutes from Galle. Slow trains on the coastal line stop at Midigama station, which is right by the surf. Buses between Galle and Matara pass through constantly.