Surf Lessons in Hikkaduwa: Learn from Experienced Coaches

Catch your first wave with coaches who know these breaks inside out

Single surf lessons in Hikkaduwa teach you the foundations of surfing in a 75-minute session with a professional coach. You learn ocean safety, board handling, how to catch waves and the basic techniques to stand and turn, starting from total beginner level. All equipment is provided, and the lesson is tailored to your experience. Children from age 5 are welcome.

The experience

What does it take to stand up on a surfboard? The coaches at Hippie Surf School answer that question in a single lesson, starting with the absolute basics in the white water. You learn how to handle your board on the beach, how to read breaking waves and which ones forgive mistakes. The session covers ocean safety so you know the safe area to surf, then moves into the water where you practice catching waves while lying flat on your belly, the prone position where balance is easiest to find. The coaches have a minimum of eight years working these local breaks, so they know which waves suit beginners and how to spot the ones that will teach you fastest.

Once you're catching waves, the lesson shifts to getting to your feet and holding your balance as the board moves under you. You work on basic manoeuvres in the white water: speed, control, turning right and turning left on a wave. The coaches build the session around your willingness to learn and your comfort in the water. Falling is part of it, and they frame it that way. The whole thing takes 75 minutes, which is enough time to move through the foundations without exhaustion. After the session you shower off and have access to a safety locker for your things.

The school provides all surfing equipment, including a soft board and a lycra t-shirt. You bring nothing but willingness. Soft drinks and water are available during the break. The coaches speak English, German or Russian, so the instruction is in the language you need. Pickup is included, and the lesson works for anyone from age 5 upward.

What’s included

• All surfing equipment including soft board and lycra t-shirt.
• safety instruction covering ocean awareness and board handling.
• shower after your session.
• soft drinks and water during the break.
• safety locker for your belongings.
• professional coach with eight years' local experience.
• pickup included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (26 to 50 years) · Senior (51 to 65 years) · Youth (17 to 25 years) · Child (11 to 16 years) · Infant (5 to 10 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, German and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 15 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Hippy Surfcamp

Is this one for you?The coaches speak English, German or Russian, so choose the lesson in the language you're most comfortable learning in. If you speak one of those three languages, the instruction will be clear and the safety briefing thorough. If you don't, you'll need to arrange a translator or book with someone who does speak your language.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, German and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (17 to 25 years); Child (11 to 16 years); Infant (5 to 10 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I actually learn in a single 75-minute surf lesson?

A single lesson covers ocean safety, how to handle your board, catching waves in the prone position, getting to your feet, and basic turning and speed control in the white water. The coaches tailor the progression to your comfort level, so you move at a pace that lets you absorb each step before moving to the next.

Do I need any surfing experience to book this lesson?

No. The lesson is designed for total beginners looking for an introduction to surfing, and also works as a refresher for anyone who has surfed before. The coaches customize the session to where you are starting from.

What equipment do I need to bring?

You bring nothing. Hippie Surf School provides a soft board, lycra t-shirt, and all other surfing equipment. A safety locker is available for your belongings, and you can shower after the session.

Does the lesson include getting to the beach and back?

Yes. Pickup is included with your lesson, so you don't need to arrange transport to Hikkaduwa's surf breaks.