We've spent a good week now exploring the south east coast line of Sri lanka. It been rather beautiful to say the least. Rather single mindedly, my sole priority was staying healthy through surfing. All day, every day. We've been based at Hikkadua, the old hippy hangout thats now more Newquay than hippy trail.
We had a lovely treehouse apartment on the beach, made good friends with locals and other travellers, and was rather sad to leave last night. One of the main problems facing surfers in Sri Lanka these days, is overcrowded peaks. If there is just one or two reef or point breaks then sit 30 or so people on the one wave, mix that with a lack of patience from other surfers and the fun starts to dwindle.
A few new people I met in the water and I headed down to find some quieter different waves on wednesday and found an idillic little secret spot, as one of the guys we were with was half-Singalese, he knew the area, but we were faced with the usual growls and scowls from the other travelling surfers. We were met with french curses and 'damn guidebook' shouts as the bigger surfers slid in front of everyone on the waves.
As surfing becomes more popular world wide, localism and overcrowded waves will become more of a problem. In Sri Lanka especially as tourism here gets back onto its feet and is rapidly becoming its major industry, and the worldwide population smashes the 7 billion mark, we'll all be sitting on each soon enough.
So next time you find yourself alone or just with a few buddies, enjoying what you love. Enjoy the peace!
Sri Lanka seems to be up onto its feet from what we've seen so far, we havent headed too far inland yet or headed to the north or west where most of the civil unrest occurred.
Recycling and water purity seem to have been a priority in getting Sri Lanka up and running. The water is government approved through the taps and plastic recycling is deemed to be very important. In Aragum bay, plastic bottles are banned, we've yet to visit there yet though, and probably wont on this trip as its out of season for surf and is in monsoon.
Todays the day when we meet the rest of our riders, starting the cycle tomorrow. Fingers crossed that the team bonds well, stays healthy and a good adventurous time is had by all.
I'll send through daily updates of our crazy ride as it develops.....
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