In Sri Lanka girls and boys are differently perceived and educated. In Weligama, the local families do not allow girls to go out much. Therefore, for me, being able to surf is a privilege I have gained.

What I want to do is to encourage other girls to also surf. I want to stress that girls love to do things, but they feel that they are being restricted by the boundaries set by their families and society. Hence, girls are naturally hesitant to surf. However, surfing has made me realize that things are bigger than I saw them to be. It means a lot to girls like me who want to see more of the world and to share their experiences. Now I tell myself that we need to try new things despite the odds. Because of this board, now I am driven by confidence to prove that despite being a Sri Lankan girl, I can do everything!

Himaya

Sea Sisters, Colombo, Sri Lanka