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You’ve arrived at The Hangout, you’ve soaked in the vibes, and now it’s time for the main event: getting into that beautiful blue water.
Walking into a surf shop can sometimes feel overwhelming. You’re surrounded by fiberglass and foam in every conceivable shape, size, and color. Which one is fast? Which one is stable? Which one will make sure you actually catch waves instead of just paddling around watching everyone else have fun?
At The Hangout, we believe that the best surfer out there is the one having the most fun. And having the most fun starts with being on the right equipment. Whether you are a total beginner looking for your first magical glide or a seasoned pro hunting for a high-performance stick to tackle the big days, our Surf Shop has you covered.
This guide will help you navigate the racks at our shop and choose the perfect board for your surfing adventure.
The biggest mistake surfers make—from absolute beginners to intermediates—is choosing a board that is too small, too advanced, or just wrong for their current abilities. We get it; those tiny, razor-sharp shortboards look incredibly cool under your arm. But if you can’t paddle them fast enough to catch a wave, they are just expensive flotation devices.
When you come into The Hangout surf shop, our first question will always be about your experience. Be honest with yourself (and us!):
You’ve never surfed before, or you’ve only gone a few times. You are still learning how to balance properly while lying on the board, how to paddle efficiently, and the mechanics of the "pop-up" (getting to your feet).
Your Goal: Catching as many waves as possible and finding stability.
Your Ideal Board: Big, buoyant, and forgiving.
You can consistently catch "green" (unbroken) waves. You are comfortable paddling out past the break, you know standard surf etiquette, and you are starting to learn how to turn the board along the face of the wave.
Your Goal: Improving your turns, generating speed, and learning to read different wave sections.
Your Ideal Board: Something with a bit more manoeuvrability than a beginner board, but still enough volume (float) to help you paddle easily.
You are confident in almost all conditions the sea throws at you. You can duck-dive, perform top-to-bottom turns, and you know exactly how to position yourself in the line-up.
Your Goal: Performance, speed, and critical manoeuvres.
Your Ideal Board: A specialized shape tailored to the specific waves you are surfing today.
When you’re looking at the boards in our shop, there are two main factors that will determine if you’re going to have a good time: Length and Volume.
Volume is measured in Liters (L), and it basically tells you how well the board floats.
More Volume = Easier Paddling & More Stability. High volume boards sit higher in the water. This means you don't have to paddle as hard to match the speed of the wave, making it much easier to catch them.
Less Volume = More Sensitivity & Performance. Lower volume boards sink more, allowing advanced surfers to bury the rail for sharp turns, but they are much harder to paddle.
If you are surfing in Sri Lanka for a fun holiday, err on the side of more volume. You want to catch waves easily and enjoy the long rides that Hiriketiya is famous for, not exhaust yourself paddling a tiny board.
Generally, longer boards glide better. A longboard (8 feet or more) will carry momentum beautifully, allowing you to catch waves very early before they even break. Shorter boards fit better into steeper, curvier parts of the wave but require more effort to get moving.
At The Hangout Surf Shop, we stock a variety of shapes to ensure we have something for everyone. Here is a breakdown of what you’ll find on our racks.
Don't let the soft exterior fool you; these are the undisputed kings of fun. They are incredibly buoyant, stable, and safe. If it’s your first week of surfing, this is 100% what you should be riding. They are practically cheat codes for catching waves.
Best for: Beginners, kids, or experienced surfers just wanting a goofy, fun session on small days.
Where to ride it: Baby Point or the inside white water.
Usually 8 to 10 feet long with a rounded nose. These are beautiful, classic surfboards that offer amazing glide. They are fantastic for learning, but also offer a whole different style of surfing for experienced riders (think cross-stepping and nose riding).
Best for: All levels! Beginners need them for stability; advanced surfers use them for style on smaller days.
Where to ride it: Whiskey Point, Peanut Farm, and Main Point on mellower days.
Usually between 7 and 8 feet. These are a great compromise. They still have plenty of volume for easy paddling but are a bit shorter and easier to turn than a massive longboard. They are perfect for surfers who have mastered the basics and want to start exploring more manoeuvres.
Best for: Low to high intermediates.
Where to ride it: Almost anywhere in the area.
Generally, 6’4” and under with a pointy nose. These are the Ferraris of the surf world—fast, highly manoeuvrable, and designed for performance. They require strong paddling fitness and good wave knowledge.
Best for: Advanced surfers only.
Where to ride it: Main Point when it’s pumping.
Hiriketiya is a unique surf destination. We are famous for our long, right-hand point breaks. Unlike steep, fast beach breaks found elsewhere in the world, our waves often have softer, crumbling sections that require a board with good "glide" to get through.
Because our waves can be incredibly long (sometimes hundreds of meters!), you want a board that doesn't lose speed easily.
For Main Point: On bigger days, you might need a "step-up" (a slightly longer shortboard) to handle the speed and the drop. On smaller days, a fish or a longboard is an absolute dream here.
For Whiskey Point: This wave is fun, softer, and perfect for longboarding. Bring the biggest board you can handle and enjoy the party wave!
For Peanut Farm: A super fun, ropable wave that can work for almost any board depending on the swell size.
Always ask our staff what the waves are doing today. We can tell you if Main Point is barrelling or if it’s a gentle longboard day.
Choosing the board is only step one. You can't hit the water without the right extras.
Tropical Wax: Sri Lanka is hot! You need specific "tropical" water wax. Standard cool-water wax will melt right off your board before you even get to the ocean. We always have plenty of tropical wax in stock.
Leash (Leg Rope): This is your lifeline. A good leash ensures your board doesn’t wash onto the rocks (or into another surfer) when you fall. Always check your leash for cracks before paddling out.
Rash Guard or Surf Tee: You don't need a wetsuit in our warm waters, but the Sri Lankan sun is incredibly strong. A high-quality UV-protection rash guard is essential to prevent severe sunburn and protect your skin from rubbing against the wax on your board.
Zinc and Sunscreen: Apply it liberally, especially to your face, nose, and ears. The reflection off the water magnifies the sun's power.
At The Hangout, we offer both options to suit your travel plans.
Renting (Available at Rs. 1,000 per hour): This is fantastic if you are only here for a few days, or if you want to try different boards. You might want a longboard for the small morning waves at Whiskey Point, but a shorter board for the steeper evening session at Main Point. Renting gives you the flexibility to always have the perfect board for the current conditions without lugging a massive board bag around Sri Lanka.
Buying: If you’re staying for a few weeks or more, buying a board might be more economical. Plus, there’s nothing quite like bonding with your own piece of equipment.
Surfing is about joy. It’s about that feeling of weightlessness when you glide down the face of a wave. Don't let the wrong equipment steal that joy from you.
Come visit us at The Hangout Surf Shop. Our team isn’t just here to sell you gear; we are passionate local surfers who want to see you having the best possible time in our home waters. We’ll look at the forecast, ask about your skills, and put the perfect board under your arm.
The waves are waiting. Let’s get you out there.
