Two Lankan Surfers for Indian meet
View(s):
Milan (L) and Praneeth (R)
The annual Covelong Point Surf Competition in Kovalam, India, kicks off this weekend with 2 Lankan Surfers– Milan Hennadige and Praneeth Sandaruwan — in the fray. No longer viewed as a whimsical pastime of tourists, the rise in number and skill of local surfers is heartening to behold, as Sri Lanka now competes at international level. Milan Hennadige and Praneeth Sandaruwan of Arugam Bay, are 2 Surfers who have made their mark.
Both Surfers have won in local competitions, holding their own against known and established international surfers. From a young age they honed their skills and eventually Surfing became a passion in their lives, as well as their livelihood in the islands most famous surf spot- Arugam Bay.
Milan and Praneeth are excited by what the future holds as more and more local youth participate and grow to love the sport. The motivation to raise the perception of surfing lies in its transformative power. Hours spent out in the ocean teaches one to respect, cherish and love one’s surroundings. It creates the ability to see beyond the now and provides a Surfer with a marketable skill, one which could help support the Surfers as well as their family.
Both men hope that future competitions abroad will see more Sri Lankan participants, both male and female. And though competing is an expensive exercise, they anticipate a surge in support for the sport. Milan is currently sponsored by Bay Vista Hotel Arugam Bay and Praneeth by Dylan Surf Shop, a business he runs and owns.
Featuring national and international Surfing competitions, global music line-up and yoga, thousands from across the globe make a pilgrimage of sorts to gather and enjoy all that the festival has to offer. As one of India’s first surfing villages, it is interesting witnessing the growth of Surf culture so close to home, as Sri Lanka has seen a steady development of its own Surfer culture in the last few years.