Swim & Surf Programs

We create a safe space for Sri Lankan women and girls to enjoy the ocean.

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What We Provide

We offer free swim and surf programs in an all-female environment, tailored to developing skills for each level and background. Our lessons also serve as a platform to challenge gender norms, foster ocean connection and create environmental awareness.

Discover Your Inner Surfer

DYIS offers an introduction to surfing for those who have always wanted to catch waves. Whether it's your first time on a board or you're looking to build confidence in the water, DYIS provides a fun opportunity to start your ocean journey.

Duration: 1 Day

When: Pop-ups during season

Where: Weligama

For who: Sri Lankan women

(16 years old+)

Swim & Surf Academy

We offer advanced swim and surf training for SeaSisters who want to take their skills to the next level. Whether it's becoming a stronger swimmer, surfing in more challenging conditions, or competing in national competitions, we tailor lessons to their individual goals.

Duration: 1 Year

Swim Academy: Sun, 10am-12pm

Where: Community pool, Matara

Surf Academy: 2-3 times / week

Where: Different spots

For who: Intermediate levels

Swim & Surf -
The Original

Our Original Program since 2019. Using our very own SeaSisters methodology, we teach beginners to intermediates in a fun, playful and safe way - helping each woman and girl overcome fear, build confidence and significantly improve their swimming and surfing skills.

Duration: 3-5 months (Dec-Apr)

When: Saturdays, 2-5pm

Where: The Surfer, Weligama

For who: Sri Lankan women

(16 years old+)

Instructor Training

This tailored program is for dedicated young women who dream of becoming some of the first female swim and surf instructors in Southern Sri Lanka. We provide extra coaching to help them reach the level needed to officially qualify and take exams as swim instructors or ISA-qualified surf coaches.

Duration: 1 Year

When: 2-3 times/week

Where: Weligama, Matara

For who: SeaSisters Academy participants

SeaSisters
Juniors

SeaSisters Juniors is designed for local girls aged 10–16, to develop basic swimming skills, explore the joy of surfing, and build self-confidence. Participants also gain life-saving skills, and foster a deeper connection with the ocean and its environment.

Duration: 3 months (Dec-Feb)

When: Saturdays, 1-3pm

Where: The Surfer, Weligama

For who: Sri Lankan girls

(ages 10-16)

Surf Buddy

Surf Buddy pairs SeaSisters participants with experienced international female surfers, providing an opportunity to surf beyond the official SeaSisters lessons. Participants can enhance their skills, exchange cultural perspectives, and build life-long friendships, connecting with the global surf community.

Duration: During season (Dec-Apr)

When: As often as you can

Where: Different spots

For who: Intermediate levels

We have a very high local demand for our lessons, and currently all slots for 2024/25 are filled. We will open a waitlist soon.

"When I'm in the ocean, I feel free."

Meet our SeaSisters

Making Waves

In the Rhythm of Nature

Our Swim & Surf Programs usually run from December through April, aligning with the local surf season, offering good weather and fun waves.

Lessons take place in Weligama, a surf town on Sri Lanka's South Coast with one of the world's most beginner friendly beach breaks.

Empowerment through Education

We also host discussions and special workshops on women's health, ocean safety, and environmental awareness.

To facilitate these activities, we develop bilingual educational materials (in Sinhalese and English) and facilitate guest speakers and collaborations with like-minded organizations.

The Healing Power of the Ocean

Besides gaining life-saving skills, learning to swim and surf has countless benefits.

SeaSisters participants reconnect with the ocean, improve their physical and mental health, build self-confidence, start seeing new possibilities, form friendships and feel encouraged to follow their own path.

Fostering Cultural Exchange

Our lessons provide a space for cultural exchange, bringing together local participants and international volunteers from over 20 countries. Lessons are taught bilingually, in Sinhala and English.

Both participants and volunteers feel empowered, gaining broader global perspectives and enhancing their understanding of different cultures.

Training the Next Generation

In Sri Lanka, there are hardly any local female swim and surf instructors, but this is slowly changing.

One of our primary goals is to empower our participants to step into new roles, and, if they wish, become instructors as well, inspiring the next generation. This season, we’re excited to already have local assistants on board!