Ranked among South Asia's top beach holiday destinations and water sports hubs, Sri Lanka is the perfect location for water-based adventures. Wave riding is a pastime that tourists have been indulging in for decades at seaside hamlets such as Arugam Bay and Hikkaduwa. Here's how to learn how to surf during an unforgettable vacation in some of Sri Lanka's stunning beach hotspots.

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Those who intend to learn the basics of wave riding during a holiday in the tropics must first find boutique hotels in Sri Lanka close to the island's best surf spots. Whether one chooses a property belonging to KK Collection or any other hotel chain, it should ideally be within walking distance of a beginner-friendly surf spot. Surfing is a sport that requires hours of practice. Unlike snorkelling and scuba diving, having easy access to a surfing beach allows beginners more opportunities to improve their skills. In contrast, surfers who must travel to distant surf spots spend less time practising and more time commuting. So, having a surfing beach near your accommodation provider is a great advantage for newbies who want to get better at surfing.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not possible to learn how to surf on one's own or simply by observing others engaging in water sports. Luckily, most beach towns and resort hubs in Sri Lanka are home to surfing instructors or water sports centres that offer surfing lessons for holidaymakers. Signing up for lessons with an instructor not only guarantees that one understands the fundamentals of riding waves but also means access to surfboards, straps and gear that suits one's age, height and weight. This is due to the fact that most water sports packages on the island include rented gear.

As in any recreational activity, there are unwritten rules that all surfers must follow in order to enjoy drama-free and risk-free surfing sessions without disturbing the pros out on the water. Keep in mind that the surfer positioned closest to the wave must be allowed to ride it as there's nothing more disrespectful than hijacking someone else's wave. It's important to be mindful when paddling out into the ocean as the chances of colliding with other surfers is quite high. So move slowly and pay attention.

The first step in surfing that beginners need to perfect is the efficiency with which one must pop up on the surfboard by propelling oneself with both hands. Ideally one should be on one's feet in a matter of seconds and in one swift movement. Though easier said than done, it's crucial to practice standing up while on dry land. The next step in surfing is paddling up to the lineup and watching how other surfers are picking waves and paddling towards them.

Once a wave has been selected, it's then time to turn around and face the board's nose towards the beach and lay down. Paddle out towards the wave in question and ensure that the board's nose is not submerged. The nose of the board also should not be pointing towards the sky but just about grazing the water. Once some momentum has been gathered, it's then time to move fast so that the wave is behind the surfer. Then one must focus a burst of energy into standing up and riding the swell all the way to the shore.

It's important to commit fully to riding the swell out for as long as possible. Keeping one's eyes forward instead of gazing at one's feet is crucial as looking at the nose of the board or the feet might let imbalance set in.