After years of civil war and a devastating tsunami in December 2004, Sri Lanka has bravely moved forward to become a destination that lures surfers from all over the globe. French surfer Alexis Deniel and his partner had the chance to enjoy its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture and variety of waves.
Some places around the world leave a mark on you more than others. And Sri Lanka was one of those intense places that I wanted to see again one day, for countless reasons. After a fabulous visit eight years ago, I couldn’t wait to return and share this place with Alexis and Melanie.
After a long flight and a stopover in Qatar, we arrived on Sri Lankan soil and instantly imbibed the local perfume. Besides the typical aromas of incense and dried flowers, the kindness and smiles of each person we met, surprised us like the damp heat that enveloped us.
We reached the southwest coast of the island by midday, and after watching the ocean from the balcony of our accommodation for a few minutes, Alexis couldn’t resist the temptation to go for a little session at the break in front of the house. The afternoon’s thermal winds degraded the surf somewhat, but some nice 4-5 feet waves were still breaking pretty nicely on the uncrowded reef. It was the perfect opportunity for the French surfer to clear his mind after the exhausting journey.
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CEYLON STORIES
SERENDIPIDITY IN THE INDIAN OCEAN.
ENGLISH NATIONALS
TOLCARNE TAILSPINS IN THE LAST COMP FOR A WHILE . . . MAYBE
THE ST VALENTINE 'S DAY MASSACRE
ROB MILES AND CALLUM DAVID THOMAS MIX IT UP WITH THE WORLD’S BEST AT ALL TIME SAFI.
BARBADOS
FAMILY FRIENDLY SURF TRIPPING TIPS
GENE GENIE
FROM PAIGNTON THROUGH VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL KITCHENS WITH A SOJOURN IN THE SCOTTISH ISLES EUGENE TOLLEMACHE NOW CALLS INDO HOME AND IS LOVING LIFE
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THE BLEEDING EDGE OF SURF EXPLORATION IS A HOT, INHOSPITABLE PLACE. BUT WORTH THE MISSION.
TASMANIA ART CLUB
BRENDON GIBBENS AND DION AGIUS EXPLORE THE LITTLE CHUNK HANGING OFF THE BOTTOM OF AUSTRALIA AND GET CREATIVE
Mr Smith
THE GENIAL ED SMITH IS ONE OF THOSE SURFERS THAT HAS A TON OF ABILITY AND TOYED WITH THE COMP SCENE BUT SOON REALISED A REAL TRADE AND SURFING FOR HIMSELF WAS A WISER OPTION. WE BUMPED INTO HIM ON OUR MISSION TO SCOTLAND, AND HE WAS KILLING IT EVERY SESSION. SUPER STYLISH, ALWAYS DEEP, A PLEASURE TO SHOOT. HE 'S A GOOD BLOKE TO GO FOR A PINT WITH TOO.
SETH MOZ
SETH MORRIS IS A YOUNG PRO FROM A QUIET PART OF WALES. HE JOINED US ON OUR WINTER MISSION TO PORTUGAL, WHERE HE IMPRESSED ALL WITH HIS STYLISH ATTACK. READ ON FOR A PEEK INSIDE HIS HEAD.
