Arugam Bay surf instructors receive skill training from ISA

By Melli Mortlock

First President of the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka (SFSL) Hiran Ukwate, said: “The Surfers and Instructors are equipped with new skills now. They are prepared to develop what they have learned and share their knowledge with the whole community. From the Federation’s side, it is our aim to get schoolchildren into the programme.’’

Course attendant Nisamdeen described the training as effective on various levels: “We started with the theory and then immediately went to practice in the water. Everything was very well explained and I feel proud that all of us have gained higher training skills. Two important aspects all the Surfers have learned are discipline and punctuality. In a very friendly environment.’’

Participant Asanka Sanjeewa highlighted the overall importance of the newly-gained skills: “I quickly came to realise the importance of this course. It’s not only valuable for us, but for all of Sri Lanka. Many people cannot swim, so it’s the most vital aspect to know how to protect people in case of emergency and drowning. When I was young, we didn’t have this opportunity but luckily, the next generation will have it all available. I wish for us to take this knowledge to schools and train school kids all around the island. These are skills they will have for their entire lives,’’ said Asanka.

Participant Anusanth Anandarasa added: “We have learned so many valuable aspects from Tim. I believe CPR is one of the most important things that any Surfer and Surf Instructor should learn. We watched a real CPR rescue video from Australia and it gave us goosebumps. We took it very seriously, and need to refresh our knowledge regularly. I wish to continue this training and pass on the information to the younger generation.’’

Tim Jones who has been been delivering courses for instructors since 1990, was thrilled to teach the Arugam Bay Surf Instructors. He emphasised the personal aspect of coaching as a unique quality in Sri Lanka’s Surf lesson business. It’s often a designated instructor for 1-2 students ratio, as opposed to 8 students to one instructor found in some other schools worldwide. Drawing from Tim’s expertise, those and other strategies for marketing have also been highlighted within the course. “The No.1 aspect we are teaching is aquatic safety with the ISA. What we also teach them is how to get clients to return for follow-up lessons, because you have something special to deliver over other instructors in Bali, Mexico or other places, and are equipped with technical skills, safety and this personal approach. People will be able to tell the difference when they experience a good surf coach,’’ said Tim.

The fact that the course was attended by male surfers only, brought up some thoughts within the team. “The course was a good experience for us,’’said Asanka, “but it’s also time to get more females on board and empower them. They have been cooking in the kitchen for long enough, we need to bring them out. More girls are doing sports now and I really support that. Let’s reach out to them and lend them a hand. They are clever, strong, talented and fast learners. They belong into the same spots and framework as we do.’’

Tim sees his role as a foreign mentor as vital for now, but is hoping to pass on this knowledge for Sri Lankans to, one day, take over this role. On the great potential of female surfers and coaches in Sri Lanka, he said: “I would be thrilled to see a female Sri Lankan surf coach. Of course, it’s a cultural thing, but surfing breaks cultural barriers. We are all in this together – it’s a brother and sisterhood. Even with me as an ISA Course Presenter and advisor to the SFSL, I’m just developing skills with the local instructors and, one day, the whole structure is going to change. Great new Sri Lankan coaches will find their own way and teach the next generation. It’s a long journey but it’s gonna work!’’

Notwithstanding a long journey, the first stepping stones have already been laid.