Learn to surf

Whether you’re stepping on a board for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, we have the right lesson for you. Join Viji and discover what it feels like to ride the waves of Sri Lanka.

Offerings

Choose the lesson that fits your goals

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to push your limits, Surf With Viji has a lesson designed for you. Each program focuses on building confidence, technique, and respect for the ocean.

Beginners Surf

Who This Coaching Is For
  • First-time surfers
  • Guests who have surfed only a few time
 
Perfect for complete beginners or surfers with little experience
 
If you are a complete beginner or have only surfed a few times, this coaching session will help you learn the basic foundations of surfing in a safe, supportive, and fun way.
 

The focus is on correct technique, confidence, and progression, helping you build a strong base to move to the next level.

  • Correct pop-up technique (step by step)
  • Proper paddling and body positioning
  • How to catch white-water and small green waves by yourself
  • Basic balance and wave control
  • Understanding how to progress to the next surfing level
  • stretching and warm-up exercises
  • Preparing your body for surfing
 
Surf Theory on the Beach
  • Surfboard parts and how to use
  • Correct pop-up technique explained and demonstrated
  • Basic paddling technique
  • Beach, wave, and ocean safety rules for beginners
 
In-Water Coaching
  • Entering the water safely
  • Catching waves with instructor support
  • Riding white-waves and small green waves
  • Personal tips given after every wave to help you improve
 
Feedback & Progression Advice
  • Review of your session on the beach
  • Personal feedback on your surfing
  •  Clear advice on how to reach your
  • next surfing level

Coaching(90 minutes)

Intermediate Surf

Intermediate Surf

Who This Coaching Is For
  • Beginners moving into green waves(beginner-intermediate)
  • Surfers who can already stand up and ride waves
  • Confident paddlers
 
For surfers who can already catch waves and want to improve technique & confidence
 
Intermediate surf coaching is designed for surfers who can paddle, pop up, and catch waves independently but want to progress their skills, control,and consistency.
 
The focus is on better wave selection, improved turns, and surfing green waves with confidence.
 
  • Catching green waves consistently
  • Improving paddling efficiency & positioning
  • Stronger and smoother pop-ups
  • Bottom turns and basic top turns
  • Speed control and trimming
  • Better balance and flow on the wave
  • Understanding how to progress to an advanced level
Warm-Up & Technique Preparation
  • Dynamic warm-up and stretching
  • Balance and mobility exercises for surfing
 
Surf Theory & Strategy
  • Wave selection and timing
  • Positioning in the lineup
  • Reading green waves and peak choice
  • Surf etiquette for intermediate surfers
 
In-Water Coaching
  • Catching green waves independently
  • Instructor feedback in the lineup
  • Tips after each wave to improve technique
  • Focus on turns, speed, and control
 
Feedback & Progression Advice
  • Review of your surfing on the beach
  • Personal feedback and correction tips
  • Clear guidance on how to move toward advanced surfing

Coaching(90 minutes)

Advanced Surf

Advanced Surf

Who This Coaching Is For
  • Advanced intermediate surfers moving to performance surfing
  • Surfers confident in green waves and reef breaks
  • Surfers who can generate speed and perform turns
  • Confident paddlers with strong ocean awareness
 
For surfers who want to refine performance, power, and style
 
Advanced surf coaching is designed for surfers who already have solid fundamentals and want to fine-tune technique, improve wave strategy, and surf more critically.
 
The focus is on performance turns, speed generation, wave choice, and advanced surf awareness.
 
  • Advanced wave selection and positioning
  • Generating and maintaining speed
  • Powerful bottom turns
  • Controlled top turns and cutbacks
  • Reading sections and choosing the best line
  • Surfing different types of breaks (reef, beach, point)
  • Improving flow, timing, and style
  • Understanding how to surf more critical sections
  • Dynamic warm-up and mobility training
  • Strength and flexibility exercises for performance surfing
 
Advanced Surf Strategy
  • Reading advanced wave patterns
  • Choosing the best take-off position
  • Understanding sections, speed pockets, and power zones
  • Advanced surf etiquette and lineup strategy
 
In-Water Performance Coaching
  • Coaching in more powerful green waves
  • Real-time feedback in the lineup
  • Focus on critical maneuvers and speed control
  • Adjustments after each wave for better performance
 
Feedback & Progression Advice
  • Detailed review of your session on the beach
  • Personalized technical feedback
  • Clear advice on refining style and performance
  • Guidance on pushing limits safely

Coaching(90 minutes)

Private Surf Coaching

Who This Coaching Is For
  • Beginners moving into green waves(beginner-intermediate)
  • Surfers who can already stand up and ride waves
  • Confident paddlers
 
For surfers who can already catch waves and want to improve technique & confidence
 
Intermediate surf coaching is designed for surfers who can paddle, pop up, and catch waves independently but want to progress their skills, control,and consistency.
 
The focus is on better wave selection, improved turns, and surfing green waves with confidence.
 
  • Beginners wanting extra support
  • Intermediate surfers aiming to progress faster
  • Advanced surfers refining performance
  • Nervous or first-time surfers
  • 100% personal attention
  • Customized coaching plan
  • Spot selection based on your level
  • Step-by-step feedback after each wave
  • Clear guidance to reach your next level

Coaching(90 minutes)

Surf Guiding

Surf guiding is for surfers who can paddle, pop up, and catch waves independently and want to surf the best spots at the right time with local knowledge.
 
The focus is on wave quality, safety, and local experience, not lessons.
  • Intermediate & advanced surfers
  • Confident paddlers
  • Traveling surfers
  • Surfers looking for uncrowded waves
  • Daily surf spot selection
  • Tide, swell & wind analysis
  • Access to the best local breaks
  • Local safety & etiquette guidance
  • Tips to improve wave choice & timing
  • Meet at the selected surf spot
  • Briefing on conditions & safety
  • Guided surf session in the lineup
  • Feedback and local insights

Surf Theory

Surf theory sessions focus on helping surfers understand waves, the ocean, and surf strategy, both on land and in the water. This knowledge helps you catch better waves, stay safe, and progress faster.

  • Beginners wanting ocean knowledge
  • Intermediate surfers improving wave reading
  • Advanced surfers refining strategy
  • Traveling surfers surfing new spots
  • How waves are formed
  • Reading swell, tide, and wind
  • Beach, reef, and point break basics
  • Wave selection and timing
  • Lineup positioning & surf etiquette
  • Safety, currents, and exits

Video Analysis

Video analysis is one of the most important tools for surfers at all levels. Seeing yourself surf helps you understand what you are doing right and what needs improvement, making progress faster and more effective.

  • Beginners improving basics
  • Intermediate surfers refining technique
  • Advanced surfers working on performance
  • Surfers serious about progression
  • Your surf session is recorded
  • Key waves are reviewed together
  • Clear explanation of mistakes and corrections
  • Simple drills to improve next sessions
  • You see your real surfing, not what you think you do
  • Faster improvement in fewer sessions
  • Better understanding of technique
  • Clear goals for your next surf
Pool practice-Why Pool Practice Is Important for Surfing

Pool practice

Pool practice is a very important part of learning to surf, especially for beginners.

  1. Build Water Confidence
    In the pool, students feel safe and relaxed. This helps them overcome fear of water before going into the ocean.
  2. Learn Correct Paddling Technique
    A pool is perfect for learning proper paddling, body position, and arm movement without waves and currents.
  3. Practice Breath Control
    Holding breath, floating, and calm breathing are essential skills for surfing. Pool training helps improve this safely.
  4. Improve Balance & Pop-Up Skills
    Students can practice balance, core strength, and pop-ups step by step before trying it on a moving wave.
  5. Safer Learning Environment
    No waves, no rip currents, no crowds. This makes learning faster and safer, especially for first-time surfers.
  6. Faster Progress in the Ocean
    Students who do pool practice learn surfing quicker and feel more confident when they enter the sea.

Real surf lessons

Captured Learning Moments

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a strong swimmer? +

While you don't need to be a professional swimmer, basic water confidence is important. For beginner lessons, we stay in waist-deep water where you can easily stand up. Viji provides constant supervision to ensure your safety at all times.

What should I bring to my lesson? +

Just bring your swimwear, a towel, and high-quality waterproof sunscreen (zinc is best). We provide the surfboard and a professional rash guard for every session to protect you from the sun and board rash.

What is the best time of year to surf? +

The main surf season on Sri Lanka's South Coast (Weligama, Ahangama, Mirissa) runs from November to May. During these months, the wind is offshore and the waves are clean and consistent, perfect for all levels.

Are private lessons better than group lessons? +

Private lessons offer 1-on-1 attention, which usually helps you progress much faster. Group lessons are great for friends and families who want to share the experience together. Both options include personalized feedback from Viji.