Let's Surf!

By: Grace Tham

An interesting fact, do you know that skate boarding and surfing are very similar in many aspects? The only difference between these two sports is that, skate boarding, you fall on solid ground where as surfing, you fall into the water. Do you also know that skate boarder would rather skate board than to surf as they think that surfing is far more dangerous than skate boarding?

Funny isn't it? If you are skate boarding, you will have risks in breaking your bones when you fall or even get yourself killed against the solid ground. While surfing you will only fall into the bed of water where you can actually swim yourself to the surface to save yourself. Sometimes I wonder what does a skate boarder thinks? Interesting?

For surfer or even people who want to try surfing, Sri Lanka is the right place for you to visit! According to magicseaweed.com, an international surf guide website; Hikkaduwa provides waves for all types of surfers from beginners to advance. Beginner surfer such as myself can capture waves at the North Jetty in Hikkaduwa whereas intermediate and pro surfer such as Nina Wüst can travel a bit further to places like Galle. 

In destination such as Hikkaduwa itself, it has swelled up to approximately 4 feet or maybe above. This is why Hikkaduwa suits surfers of all levels. In addition to that, Hikkaduwa being famous for surfing, there are also many surf shops available by the sea shore. With these surf shops, surfers can not only obtain surf boards but also other accessories such as wax, fins, leashes, bag and even luggage. From my research done through the internet, these surf shops also provide surfing lesson for beginners like you and I. 

Being a baby or beginner surfer (as I've tried only once in Sunway Lagoon & few times while I was staying in Bali for a week), Hikkaduwa is definitely an opportunity for me to play this sport again.

Malaysia has its own surf spots such as Tioman Island, Cherating and many more but it is not an every day sport that I get to play. Although the nearest is Sunway lagoon surf beach but they do not open for surfing session everyday. Surfing there operates only on weekends. Plus, it is only an artificial surf spot. 

Thanks to Taylor's University and School of Tourism, Hospitality & Culinary Arts, my opportunity to surf again is possible.