Welcome to little surfers’ paradise on the south coast of Sri Lanka: Ahangama (and alright, Midigama and Meligama as well)(map). With left-handers and right-handers that always seem to work, this might be a tricky spot if you’d actually like to see more of the country. Because you won’t. You’ll get stuck and have the time of your life, and you wouldn’t be the first.
The south coast of Sri Lanka is covered in surf spots and pretty beaches. While Mirissa and Weligama are the well-known ones, Ahangama is more of a hidden treasure. Including nearly empty lineups and fewer tourists overall. With the city of Galle only thirty minutes away and many little surf towns just a tuk-tuk drive away, this is the perfect little spot to chill, surf, and discover the surroundings.
Find your flow at Camp Poe
It seems like new places pop up like mushrooms all along the South coast. Camp Poe in Ahangama is one of them and only opened its doors end of January (2016). It’s a sustainable surf and yoga retreat with luxury tents, charming rooms, amazing food, and a swimming pool which I seriously wanna have when I grow up.
The first thing Till asks me when I get in; “Do you paint?” Yes, sort of. “Alright then, find a white wall and enjoy!”. This practically sums up the vibe at Camp Poe. Creativity, relaxing, surfing, and yoga is what you get. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Both travelers and staff seem to indulge in creativity. Painting the walls with beautiful murals, making gorgeous bamboo tattoos, or jamming and singing the day away. Meanwhile, I’m just laying in their pool absorbing this vibe with a big grin on my face.
The surfer life in Ahangama
Everyone wakes up at 6 am for morning surf sessions, with the sun rising and the turtles swimming around you. Since no one else is crazy enough to get up at this insane time, the waves are empty and perfect for improving your skills. With a huge range of different surfboards and surf lessons available, Camp Poe covers any level of surfing. So whether you’re already a pro or never ever seen a surfboard in your life, there’s something for everyone. There are several surf spots in the area challenging every skill level with both left and right-handers. MarshMellows and Sticks are the two spots just across the road and depending on the conditions they can fire up nicely and sometimes even barrel. On smaller days these spots are definitely suitable for beginners and longboarders as well, offering mellow rides.
Relaxing and eating the day away
Wondering how you should spend the rest of your day after waking up so early? Well, maybe a bit of yoga to keep you flexible, a massage to relax (seriously one of the best I’ve ever had), or take a walk into town. Recharge your battery by doing nothing or discover everything the South Coast has in store for you, just make sure you’re back for dinner. Since I’m quite the sucker for food, I cannot not mention the breakfasts and dinners here. Fresh butterfish and red snapper, wraps, salads, and pasta, name it, they make it and you’ll keep going for seconds and thirds.
Camp Poe ticks all boxes
So yes, Camp Poe has it all covered. Paradise setting, perfect surf sessions, friendly people, insane sunsets, and an amazing vibe. Stay for a day (I bet you won’t be able to), a week or a month… cause this place will have you hooked. I can assure you it will be one of the highlights of your Sri Lanka trip. Don’t miss out and go live that surfer life.
Love,
Marthe
For bookings and information check out their website!
Photos by: M. Barends©
Wow this place looks like heaven. I would love to learn how to surf like you :-). Love your stories!
Thanks Sarah! Camp Poe truly is paradise… If you ever get a chance, it’s the perfect place to learn how to surf!
yes of course it is a wonderful place to enjoy while you are in sri lanka with very competitive prices and panoramics views of the beaches,tks thilan deepal
Saw this post on Flipboard. Cool read! Thanks for the tip, Sri Lanka is now on the bucket list 🙂
Glad you find us! If you ever need any tips for Sri Lanka, just let us know… It sure is an amazing country!