The young surfers of Sri Lanka

Surf culture in Sri Lanka is carving out a unique place. Far from the blonde-haired, blue-eyed surfers of Malibu, its dark-skinned locals with sun-bleached curls glide through the waves along Sri Lanka’s southern and eastern coasts. Surfing has an evolving history here, beginning in the 1960s when intrepid travellers discovered the island’s perfect waves in places like Arugam Bay, Weligama, Ahangama and Hiriketiya. Over the years, this modest start blossomed into a growing community of local surfers, many of whom learned by watching the waves themselves, gaining an intimate knowledge of their own shores.

Originally published in Dazed MENA issue 00 | Order here

For today’s young Sri Lankans, raised on a coastline steeped in complexity, surfing has become a way of taking control of their future, divesting from reliance on state and social structures. They’ve founded surf schools, some have competed internationally, and many share their love for the ocean with visitors who come to the island for its pristine beaches and idyllic surf. But despite the thriving tourist industry, local surfers often remain hidden from the global stage, with government priorities focused more on attracting international travellers than uplifting homegrown talent. This lack of visibility means Sri Lankan surfers frequently miss the opportunities their counterparts abroad enjoy.

Meanwhile, the scene has also seen women slowly stepping onto the waves, challenging a deeply conservative society where they are often confined to domestic roles. Surfing for Sri Lankan women is an act of quiet rebellion, creating space in a male-dominated community and defying cultural norms that discourage women from such physical pursuits. Though their journey is complex and far from easy, their growing presence represents a shift toward greater inclusivity in the culture.

It is said that the Tamil Lord Murugan appeared in front of Sangam poet Avvaiyar, questioning her to test her knowledge of the Tamil language. Replying to each question with a wealth of knowledge, an impressed Murugan asked her, “So Avvai, you know everything, don’t you?” To which she responded, “what is known is a drop. What is unknown is an ocean.” For all these surfers, the practice goes beyond sport or skill—it’s spiritual. An immersion in nature’s rhythm. 

Waves are not about competition; they are a place for connection, humility, and peace. The ocean becomes a temple of sorts, where surfers enter not to prove anything but to feel a part of something larger than themselves. In every wave, there is a sense of surrender, a moment of letting go, and of allowing the sea to be both a mirror and a guide. On this island, still bearing the weight of its past, surfing is a return to simplicity, to reverence for nature, and to a sense of freedom that can only be found by riding the waves.

---

Senuri (Senu) Madushani, 21 years old, from Weligam, South Coast
Sri Lanka’s first female surfer on the national team, Senu started surfing when she was fourteen years old. Watching other surfers, she found a surfboard one day and, with her father’s aid, became familiar with the ocean. 

What excites you most about surfing?

I surf every day. It’s the best part of my day, and I find myself wanting to stay in the ocean. I find it relaxing, especially for my mind. I’ve always enjoyed it. 

Do you have any thoughts about Sri Lanka’s surf culture? 

We have a lot of good surfers but not many facilities and resources. If we had help, we could one day make it to the Olympics. Tourism is great for Sri Lanka, but we need to build a foundation for our own surfers. We also need to change the culture around female surfers, I am the only female on my surf team. 

What would you say to other young Sri Lankan girls who are interested in surfing but scared or shy?

Most girls who can’t swim think they can’t surf, but if they just try, they can learn. You can’t be scared of the ocean if you haven’t tried. Just try, and one day you could be even better than the boys.

---

Ramesh (Jay) Hayllar, 18 years old, from Arugam Bay, East Coast 

A nationally recognised surfer, Jay has been riding waves since he was five. Growing up on Sri Lanka’s east coast, it was not something he loved immediately. Experiencing COVID on the island drew him to the ocean, where he focused on refining his skill and began to enjoy competitive surfing.  

What’s the most enjoyable part of surfing for you?

It’s an escape for me. I surf alone, and I love it. The ability to zone out and not think about any of your problems, just enjoy the ocean, brings me a lot of peace. It also gave me confidence in myself as I started to get better at it.

What was it like growing up in post-tsunami affected Arugam Bay?

The locals at home have been afraid of the ocean due to the 2006 tsunami, but as time has passed, they’ve been encouraged to surf and swim in the sea. I’m one of the few Arugam Bay Tamil surfers who are competing on a regular basis. I really hope there will be a new generation to come, and I would love to help them in their journey to becoming the best.

How do you feel about the surf culture and tourism in Sri Lanka?

Our culture is still developing and we are starting to see more Sri Lankan surf brands that represent our surf culture really well. I do think it goes unappreciated, as we surfers want to bring our surfing to the international stage but are unable to do so due to lack of funds and support.

I wish that the world could see that we have talent and really promising potential. The surfers of this country are on par with many other countries and can represent international brands.

---

G M Sandaruwan Sathsara & G M Nilnuwan Madusara, 19 years old, from Weligama, South Coast 

Twins Sandaruwan and Nilnuwan, popularly known as the Apple and Apple, started their surfing journey seven years ago. As children watching the waves, the brothers knew the ocean would provide a space of comfort for them.

Sandaruwan Sathsara

What brings you the most joy when you’re surfing?

Riding the wave is the most fun. It feels like flying in the air. I also enjoy trying new tricks and practicing new steps. I can stay in the water for hours. 

I grew up with the ocean and have an unbreakable bond with the ocean. Most people in this area make their living from the ocean, like fishing, surfing, diving, and snorkelling. The ocean is like our home. Everybody wants to spend time with their home. 

Also, I meet a lot of different people through surfing. In the lineup everyone shares the waves and tips about surfing. People have fun, care for each other, and help each other. I feel that I have met most of the beautiful souls through surfing. 

What’s your take on Sri Lanka as a destination for surfers and travellers?

Surfing is one of the most popular sports in Sri Lanka, both among locals and foreign tourists. Surfing in Sri Lanka dates back to the early 1960s, but it became popular ten years ago.

Sri Lanka has many beaches for surfing, especially in the south and east, places like Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa, Weligama, Mirissa, Hiriketiya, Unawatuna. Most of these spots are really beginner-friendly, especially in Weligama Bay, which is popular throughout the world as one of the safest spots for beginners.  

Nilnuwan Madusara

How does surfing make you feel most alive?

The moment when I catch a wave. In that instant, it’s just me, the ocean, and the goosebumps all over my body.

How would you describe Sri Lanka’s blend of surfing and tourism?

Sri Lanka’s surf culture is authentic and unique. Sri Lanka is a hidden gem. I feel that tourism will grow, which is good because it helps me grow personally and, let’s say, “academically.” I hope that one day I can become a big, famous surfer with sponsors.

---

Nuchitha (Mathi), 18 years old, from Weligama, South Coast

With the help of his uncle, Mathi started surfing at twelve years old. Only being taught the basics, he quickly took to the waves and was largely self-taught.

 What do you enjoy most about surfing?

⁠I like the feeling of being free in the water. When I am on a wave, it makes me forget everything else and forces me to be in the moment. I also like the challenge of trying out new things and pushing myself to the limit to get better.

 Do you have any thoughts about Sri Lanka’s surf culture?

⁠Not a lot of local women surf, which I think should be encouraged more so that more girls will surf. Because I work as a surf instructor, I depend on tourism. I like to make tourists happy with a good surf experience. But for me, it is also important that tourists respect our culture and always be respectful in the water. It’s always a difficult balance between having a lot of tourists in the water and having the spots super crowded and unsurfable.

Why do you believe not a lot of local women surf?

Families are often scared and won’t allow it, a lot of Sri Lankans can’t swim – so they don’t try. A lot of men can’t swim either, but they have the encouragement to try. I guess there is not enough support for local girls to start based on our culture.

---

Sachin Tharaka, 24 years old, from Weligama South Coast

Sachin was around eleven years old when he started surfing. Living by the ocean, his love for the sea led him to abandon his education to instead spend hours in the surf.

What is it about surfing that brings you the greatest sense of freedom?

When I surf, my mind is clear. I don’t worry or think about anything else. I only focus on the waves and my movement on the board. It is almost meditative for me to be in the water with my surfboard.

 What stands out to you about the surfing and tourism culture in Sri Lanka?

⁠⁠Sri Lanka is a poor country and it is hard for young people to afford a surfboard or get a sponsor. This makes it difficult for talent to evolve here. Still, I see so many talented young surfers here who make it through one way or another.

I hope this will get better in the future and more families in Sri Lanka will get out of this poverty. It is sad to see such talent fade away because of the lack of resources and economy.

I’m happy that tourists come to our country and experience our waves. I also learn a lot from surfers coming to Sri Lanka from different places in the world. Ultimately, tourism is a big part of the income here.

Mika Tekenoon, 39 years old, from Hikkaduwa South Coast and Arugam Bay East Coast 

Surfing mother of one Mika moves with the seasons of the waves every six months. Starting surfing at thirty two, it was not common to have local women surfing at the time. 

What’s the most fulfilling part of catching a wave for you?

It’s hard to narrow it down to one thing. I’d say it’s my meditation, my space, my time to “be”, my zen so to speak, the feeling of being connected to nature and something so much bigger and more powerful than us. 

Do you have any opinions on Sri Lanka’s role as a hub for surf enthusiasts and tourists?

⁠
⁠The local surf culture is still in its initial stages. It’s definitely catching on, and it’s exciting that Sri Lanka is building its own culture around a mainly international sport. We have the most beautiful coastlines and surf breaks. I have mixed feelings about the kind of tourism the surf attracts.

Originally published in Dazed MENA issue 00 | Order here

Creative direction JESSICA CANJE & ISHA DIPIKA WALIA, Casting NAFISA KAPTOWNWALA at IN SEARCH OF AGENCY, producer ASHVINI NAVARATNAM, local producers JONATHAN & RYAN WIJAYARATNE, production assistants SHALA AMARASURIYA & HARIN KATIPEARCHI, styling assistants HONOR DANGERFIELD, TARA PASCALE GERMANI, JAIME MORENO, HAYLEY DOWNES, make-up SHARINE GUNASEKERA, hair SHAHEEN SOURJAH, special thanks to CLAIRE BURMAN, ZAINAB JAMA, MISCHA NOTCUTT, ALEXANDER FURY, and PRINITA THEVARAJAH