Three eager surfers with board bags packed and passports in hand left for our next adventure, unsure of what to expect. Throughout seven surf-filled days, we experienced more culture, gratitude, love and kindness than we could have imagined.
Let me introduce ourselves: I’m Jesse Starling travelling alongside my dear friends Keely Andrew and Cooper Davies. Over our week, we covered 1400+ kilometres along the South, West, and East Coast of Sri Lanka. We visited two ancient cities, surfed five incredible breaks, were introduced to countless amazing people and their beautiful culture.
This is a recap of one incredible journey with three friends, a bus, and a few board bags travelling across Sri Lanka.
THE WEST COAST AND THE CENTRAL REGION
Travelling to new places is addictive. Anything “new” gives a massive dopamine (natural feel-good) hit. So we crave more unique experiences. The special thing about this trip was we had no expectations, leading to huge doses of dopamine. Stepping off the plane sent our senses into overdrive: a flood of heat, curious foreign sounds, spicy scents and a euphoric colour rush.
We didn’t wait long for our first interaction with Sri Lankan culture. A few steps outside Colombo Airport, traditional Kandyan dancers greeted us along with our Sri Lankan hosts George Paul and Saminda “Sami” Perera.
The Kandyan has been performed since the 16th century. Greeting people through dance was one of many memorable moments, a warm-hearted Sri Lankan welcome.
Our journey started on the West Coast,
