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Aerial satellite view of North Jetty (Hikkaduwa) surf break in Hikkaduwa, Southwestern Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
Hikkaduwa, Southwestern Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka

North Jetty (Hikkaduwa)

6.144, 80.097
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
ResearchedCross-checked against Web research
At a glance
  • North Jetty (Hikkaduwa) is a left over reef, long walling left-hand reef point.
  • Intermediate to advanced ability, working 3-6 ft.
  • Peak November to April, water 26-30°C.
Left · ReefIntermediate → Advanced3–6 ftJan – Dec

A long left-hand reef break tucked near the harbour wall in Hikkaduwa, North Jetty delivers goofy-footers a consistent wall when SW swell and offshore ENE winds align. An A-frame technically sits at the peak, but the right side is short and forgettable while the left unrolls along the reef with room to work multiple sections. Best in the 3-6ft range with a mid tide, and March tends to be the standout month for consistency within the broader November-to-April window. Intermediate surfers will find it approachable but rewarding, more advanced riders may find it lacks punch on smaller days. Rocks sit in the lineup, so reef shoes or booties are worth considering, and the spot draws enough of a crowd on good days that timing your session early pays off. Bottom: Reef. Season: November-April. Consistency: moderate to high during SW swell season.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Intermediate → Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Long walling left-hand reef point.

Conditions

When it works
NESW
Swell window
SW
SW
Offshore wind
ENE
Ene (offshore)
Hazards
Rocks in the line up
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
26° to 30°C
Wetsuit
Boardies
What to bring
  • Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for standard conditions
  • Fish or hybrid for smaller, weaker days
Lineup
Easy-going
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

Hikkaduwa is one of Sri Lanka's most visited surf towns, and North Jetty reflects that. Weekends and the peak of the dry season, especially March, can pack the lineup. Localism is not heavy by regional standards but basic respect goes a long way. Dawn patrol sessions avoid the worst of it.

Access & Facilities

The break is easy to reach on foot or by tuk-tuk from central Hikkaduwa. Parking, food, board rentals and surf schools are all within walking distance along the main strip. Water quality is reasonable but can drop after heavy rain near the harbour. Watch for rocks on the inside when paddling in.

Nearby Alternatives

When North Jetty is flat or too crowded, Main Reef further south in Hikkaduwa offers a more sheltered option in smaller swell. Narigama and Wewala beaches provide beginner-friendly beach break options a short ride down the coast.

10-day swell, wind and tide

North Jetty (Hikkaduwa) surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

More breaks in Southwestern Sri Lanka

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Frequently asked

What you need to know before paddling out at North Jetty (Hikkaduwa)

What skill level is North Jetty (Hikkaduwa) suited for?
North Jetty (Hikkaduwa) is a reef bottom, long walling left-hand reef point, break suited for intermediate through advanced surfers.
What size does North Jetty (Hikkaduwa) work best at?
Working size is 3 to 6 ft. Below 3 ft the swell goes flat. Above 6 ft it gets heavy and the lineup thins out.
When is the best season to surf North Jetty (Hikkaduwa)?
North Jetty (Hikkaduwa) fires from November through April. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does North Jetty (Hikkaduwa) need?
North Jetty (Hikkaduwa) switches on with a sw groundswell. Offshore winds blow from the ene (offshore).
What are the main hazards at North Jetty (Hikkaduwa)?
Main hazards at North Jetty (Hikkaduwa): rocks in the line up. Reef booties are common kit.
What type of wave is North Jetty (Hikkaduwa)?
North Jetty (Hikkaduwa) is a left-breaking wave over reef. Long walling left-hand reef point.

Sources

  • Web research
North Jetty (Hikkaduwa)
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