Sri Lanka Surf Camp
A locally owned surf and yoga camp in Weligama, built around structured coaching, progression and good times in and out of the water.
More Than a Surf Camp in Sri Lanka
Layback isn't a big retreat centre, and we've never wanted it to be.
Since 2017, our idea has been simple: create a friendly, intimate and laid-back place in Weligama where people can surf, meet like-minded travellers and feel at home for the week.
Surfing sits at the centre of the experience, with structured coaching, small groups and personal feedback designed to help you progress. But your week isn't only about the time you spend in the water. There's yoga, video analysis, surf theory, shared meals, pool time, coffee and plenty of time to simply enjoy being in Sri Lanka. Guests can also use our surfskates during their stay.
Come alone or with friends. Layback is designed to make it easy to become part of the week rather than simply stay in a room and turn up for a surf lesson.
See What a Week at Layback Actually Looks Like
Surf Coaching That Actually Helps You Progress
We don't just want instructors to push guests onto waves. We want guests to develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to eventually catch and surf waves independently.
Whether you're trying to stand up for the first time or working on turns, positioning and wave selection, the goal isn't simply to get you onto waves while you're here. We want you to understand more, make better decisions in the water and leave as a more independent surfer.
Our coaching is structured around your current level. Small groups allow our coaches to give personal attention and useful feedback rather than teaching everyone exactly the same thing.
Our local coaching team knows this coastline through years of surfing here. Sessions in the water are supported throughout the week by tools such as video analysis and surf theory, so surf lessons in Sri Lanka feel like part of a wider progression rather than a one-off activity.
First Timer & Beginner
Build confidence, understand the ocean and develop strong fundamentals.
Explore beginner surfing →Green Wave Progression
Move beyond whitewater and develop positioning, wave selection and more independent surfing.
Explore green wave progression →Intermediate
Work on technique, turns, timing, positioning and surfing different waves.
Explore intermediate surfing →Longboard Progression
Develop wave selection, trimming, positioning, footwork and style.
Explore longboard progression →Coaching Goes Beyond the Surf Session
Progress doesn't only happen while you're on a wave. Throughout the week, we use video, theory and training on land and in the pool to help you understand your surfing, build better habits and take what you learn back into the ocean.
Watch your surfing back with your coaches, understand what's happening and get clear feedback on what to work on next.
Learn about waves, positioning, technique, safety and the decisions that help you become a more independent surfer.
Practise surf-specific skills and techniques in a controlled environment before taking them into the ocean.
Keep your surfing footage so you can look back at your sessions and progression.
Use our surfskates for free during your stay. We also sometimes arrange informal sessions when people feel like joining.
Five classes are included with Standard and Premium to complement your time in the water.
Our Surf Camp in Weligama, Our Home
Weligama gives us something that's difficult to find in one place: forgiving conditions for learning, room to progress and quick access to different waves along Sri Lanka's south coast.
Beginners can build confidence in Weligama Bay, while progressing surfers aren't limited to one break. Depending on ability, swell, wind and conditions, coaching groups can surf around Weligama and at suitable waves towards Mirissa, Midigama, Ahangama and Madiha.
But Weligama is more than where we surf. It's our home.
Being locally owned means we want guests to experience the place beyond the beach. That might mean local food, recommendations you won't find on a generic itinerary, meeting people from the area or simply understanding a little more about everyday life here.
Surf. Yoga. Repeat. And Sometimes Do Nothing
Surfing and yoga naturally complement each other. Yoga gives you time away from the water to move, stretch, recover and reset before the next session.
At Layback, you can combine the two without turning your holiday into a rigid wellness schedule.
If you're looking for a surf and yoga retreat in Sri Lanka, our Standard and Premium packages combine structured surf coaching with five yoga classes during the week, while still leaving time for the pool, coffee, exploring Weligama or simply doing nothing.
Choose Your Week at Layback
Every Layback week runs Sunday to Sunday and includes accommodation and our structured surf coaching programme. Choose the package that fits how you want to spend the rest of your week.
See What a Week at Layback Looks Like →
Where You'll Stay
Accommodation at our surf camp in Weligama ranges from social dorms to quieter, upgraded private rooms.
Layback Surf Camp
The social heart of Layback, close to camp life and communal spaces. Our regular dorm and private-room package prices are based here.
Layback Swim Club
A quieter private-room upgrade just steps from the main camp, with six upgraded private rooms, lounge areas, rooftop and saltwater pool.
Swim Club upgrade per room, per week:
Standard +€200
Premium +€100
Choose your Standard or Premium private-room package first, then add the Swim Club upgrade if you'd like to stay there.
Come Solo. You Won't Be the Only One
A lot of our guests arrive in Sri Lanka alone, and the weekly format is intentionally designed to make meeting people easy.
You surf together, eat together, practise yoga together and share the same spaces throughout the week.
It's social without being a party camp, and there's no pressure to join everything. The aim has always been to create something closer to a home away from home than a hotel where everyone happens to surf.
Good Surfing Requires Good Food
Breakfast, communal dinners, coffee and time on the rooftop with everyone else who surfed that morning.
Born in Weligama
Layback opened in Weligama in 2017 and remains locally owned.
Our surf coaching team is local too, with coaches who grew up around these waves and know this coastline through years of surfing here.
For us, being local isn't just something to put in a headline. It shapes the experience we want guests to have. We want you to eat well, meet people, discover places beyond the obvious stops and leave knowing a little more about Weligama than when you arrived.
We're not interested in creating a resort bubble. Layback should feel connected to the town around it.
From People Who've Stayed With Us
"Best surf instructors ever."
"Fun and enjoyable time in the water."
"The instructors at Layback are exceptionally skilled."
"The best food I had in Sri Lanka."
"Staff is super friendly and helpful."
"The staff is super friendly and the surf lessons are great."
Before You Come
From May to October, the southwest monsoon brings more swell and changing winds, but Weligama Bay remains one of the more sheltered spots on the south coast. September can be particularly good for beginners, with plenty of opportunities to learn and progress. For intermediate surfers, the choice of nearby breaks can be more conditions-dependent during this period, so we choose the best available spot each day based on the forecast and your level.
Ready for a Week at Our Weligama Surf Camp?
Seven nights, five surf sessions and a week built around coaching, progression, good food, new people and life on Sri Lanka's south coast. Yoga is included with our Standard and Premium packages.